Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danieka Erasmus. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Danieka thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Ah, risk-taking. Well, one of the biggest risks I ever took was packing up my life and moving from South Africa to Santa Cruz, California. I had built a name for myself in wedding photography back in South Africa, capturing love stories from the stunning backdrops of Cape Town to the intimate local venues. But the allure of the American Dream and the promise of even more scenic destinations compelled me to make the move.
The decision wasn’t easy. I had my entire network, reputation, and a thriving business in South Africa. Leaving that behind meant starting from scratch in a new country, with a different market and cultural nuances. I did my research, of course, but there were moments filled with doubt and uncertainty. I’d lay awake at night wondering if I was making a monumental mistake.
In the end, I took the plunge, moved to sunny Santa Cruz, and rebooted Picturist Photography. I had to adapt to a new style of doing business and cater to different tastes. But guess what? I fell in love with it all over again. I got to explore the artistry of wedding photography in new settings, from the coastal beauty of Monterey to the rugged landscapes of Utah. Every new locale gave me fresh inspiration, and I even discovered a newfound joy in destination wedding photography.
Fast forward to today, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. I’ve built a brand that’s recognized not only locally but has an expanding portfolio of destination weddings. The risk was significant, but the reward was immeasurable. I’ve gotten to create unique works of art and timeless memories for couples, and honestly, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hey there, I’m Danieka, the creative soul behind Picturist Photography, based in beautiful Santa Cruz, California. My journey into wedding photography actually started thousands of miles away in Apartheid-era South Africa. A single photo by Sam Nzima changed my life, showing me the power a snapshot can have. Fast-forward through a transformative year of diving into Fine Arts in Amsterdam, and voila! I found my true calling—capturing the magic of weddings.
So, what do I offer? Well, I provide more than just wedding photography; I offer you a unique blend of photojournalism and fine art. My style leans heavily on capturing authentic moments while bringing in an artistic flair. I’m obsessed with light! I believe it can make or break a photo, so I go the extra mile to ensure perfect lighting for every shot, whether it’s a sunset portrait or a lively reception.
What sets me apart? I’d say it’s my knack for making clients feel super comfy in front of the camera. My sessions are more like a fun hangout than a formal photo shoot. Plus, I always aim to make your photos as distinctive and beautifully lit as you are as a couple. I’m on a mission to embody the Art Nouveau ethos by turning everyday joy and beauty into unforgettable keepsakes.
What am I most proud of? The unscripted, genuine moments I capture. When a couple forgets I’m even there, and their true emotions spill out—that’s the gold I’m after. Those are the shots that’ll take you right back to your special day, every time you look at them.
So, if you’re looking for photos that blend genuine emotion with artistic excellence, I’m your gal. With me, you’re not just getting another vendor; you’re gaining a friend who’s just as excited about your wedding as you are!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist and a creative is the ability to capture and immortalize those fleeting, unscripted moments of raw emotion. You know, those seconds that zip by so fast during a wedding day but mean the world to the couple and their families. My camera allows me to freeze those instances in time, turning them into forever keepsakes.
And let’s not forget the creative side. Each wedding is like a blank canvas waiting for me to add my artistic touch. I get to play with light, experiment with angles, and mess around with compositions. It’s like painting, but my palette is filled with genuine laughter, happy tears, and the golden glow of sunset.
But what really tops it off is seeing my clients’ faces light up when they see their photos. Knowing that I’ve given them something they’ll treasure for a lifetime—that’s what makes all the hard work, the late nights editing, and the constant hustle so incredibly worth it.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that being a “fly on the wall” was the only way to be a great wedding photographer. This came from my strong background in photojournalism, where the best shots are often the unnoticed, candid moments. But when I moved to the U.S., I quickly learned that many couples actually want some guidance on how to pose or set up a shot. This was totally different from my experience in South Africa, and initially, it was way out of my comfort zone!
So, I had to adapt. I stepped into a new role that was more like a director, coordinating scenes and giving cues. At first, it felt counterintuitive. But as I started blending this new approach with my love for capturing genuine moments, something incredible happened: I got better at my job. I found a balance that allows me to set up scenarios where couples can still be themselves and have fun, without it feeling overly posed.
Now, I’m more versatile, able to flex between being the unnoticed observer and the encouraging guide. The beauty is, I can switch between these roles fluidly, adapting to what my clients need and want in the moment.
So, I may have had to unlearn a lesson, but what I gained in return was invaluable—a richer, more nuanced approach to capturing love stories, that serves my couples even better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.picturist.photography/
- Instagram: @monterey_wedding_photographer
Image Credits
Picturist Photography