We recently connected with Danieka Erasmus and have shared our conversation below.
Danieka, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from the soil and spirit of South Africa. I grew up during a time of tremendous change; I witnessed both the dark shadow of Apartheid and the dawn of a new era. The challenges faced by our nation were immense, yet we pressed on, fueled by leaders who dared to dream and citizens who refused to quit.
In South Africa, pressure and hardship are of a different breed. Perhaps that’s why our athletes and leaders often say that when you’re given an opportunity, you owe it to everyone to seize it and give it your all. The sense of collective struggle and triumph has always been part of the South African psyche. We have a saying—Ubuntu—which roughly translates to “I am because we are.” It’s a philosophy that binds us, reminding us that our individual successes are a credit to our collective effort.
I’ve always found inspiration in this unity and in the words of Desmond Tutu: “If you start looking for the humor in life, you will find it. You will stop asking, ‘Why me?’ and start recognizing that life happens to all of us.” This outlook helps me navigate the ups and downs of life, including the challenges of running my own business. I strive to keep things light, to find the silver lining even in trying circumstances, and to just do the best with what I have.
So, if you ask me where I get my resilience from, I’d say it’s a blend of South African grit, the spirit of Ubuntu, and a good dose of humor. It’s my way of honoring the hardships and celebrations of a country that has given me so much and making the most out of every opportunity that comes my way.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hey there! I’m the person behind Picturist Photography. Based in Santa Cruz but always up for an adventure, I specialize in capturing the authentic, unscripted moments that make your wedding day uniquely yours. My approach is all about keeping the focus where it should be—on you and your loved ones enjoying the best day of your life.
What sets me apart? Well, I’m not here to hijack your day for Instagram likes. If your goal is to curate the perfect social media feed instead of genuinely experiencing your wedding, then we’re probably not the best match. I want to help couples prioritize what’s truly important: being fully present and soaking in every incredible moment.
I bring a calm, laid-back energy that sets the tone for a relaxed, joyful day. I’m here to capture your story as it unfolds naturally, without turning your wedding into a photo shoot.
For those of you who like to stay ahead of the curve, I’m also exploring some new session types and packages that focus even more on candid, lifestyle photography. It’s all about capturing the essence of who you are, in the most genuine way possible.
So if you’re about keeping it real, savoring the moments, and walking away with gorgeous photos that tell your story, then hey, I think we’ll get along just fine!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Authenticity: This is my north star. In a world that often values fitting in, I’ve found that it’s far more rewarding to belong for who you truly are. Don’t change yourself to please others or land clients. Trust me, the right people will resonate with the real you. My advice? Stay true to yourself, always.
Self-Belief: This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be ups and downs, but you’ve got to keep believing in yourself and your vision. It helps to have an amazing support system. I’m lucky to have a husband who’s my biggest cheerleader. If you’re early in your journey, surround yourself with people who lift you up.
Grit: Success isn’t overnight. It takes hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to keep learning and improving. There’s no shortcut to becoming the best at what you do. So keep grinding, keep learning, and never get complacent.
For those just starting out, here’s my advice: Stick to your guns when it comes to your authentic self, lean on your support system for that extra dose of self-belief, and remember that true success is built on a foundation of hard work and continual growth.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The person who’s been my rock through every high and low is my husband of 11 years. He’s my sounding board, my cheerleader, and my confidant. From holding me when I’ve made mistakes and felt like a failure, to celebrating the wins with me, he’s been an unwavering source of support. We’ve grown so much together, both personally and professionally. Our relationship is a judgement-free zone, making it the perfect space to bounce ideas off each other and keep pushing forward. He’s not just my partner in life; he’s my partner in everything that I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.picturist.photography/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monterey_wedding_photographer/
Image Credits
Picturist Photography
