Dawn

I want to give a huge than you to Erika for agreeing to do this! I have seen her scrapping skills grow, and her wild animal photography is outstanding, as you soon will see!

Erika, please step into the spotlight!

Erika has asked her husband to write her bio:

Erika is resident in Pretoria, the capital city of South Africa. This is a country of nearly 40 million people, on the Southern tip of Africa, and known for its beautiful nature, excellent modern infrastructure and is home to the world renowned Nelson Mandela. She was born and raised in Johannesburg, the financial hub of South Africa. She is married and has a daughter who is still at school.

Erikas’ passions in life are photography, nature and helping children grow. She is a private teacher, helping children with English classes. She is University trained and has an honours degree in adult education. Her house is filled with animals and she loves gardening.

Nature plays a large part in her life. She is involved in the SANParks Honorary Rangers, a volunteer group which support the South African National Parks by doing volunteer duties and fundraising for parks such as the world famous Kruger National Park and Table Mountain National Park. She and
her husband are involved in managing bush camps, where guests are taken for a safari experience, including walks in big five territory, in the exclusive Sand River bush camp in Kruger National Park.

Here, Erikas’ love for catering and knack at organising play an important role. She captures her experiences through her hobby of photography, and likes to share this with other people.

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1. What is your favorite or most used tool in PSE?
The cropping tool, Guided editing and drop shadow effect, there are actually so many now that I am getting to know more about PSE6 through the challenges, tutorials and Courses. Ctrl-J is very helpful, and of course the SAVE button!! I have created a detailed catalogue under my Wildlife files, makes it easy when I am looking for a certain animal/focus/plant. Perhaps revealing a bit about my admin and organised streak I have in me!!!! Hubby can come and ask for a certain animal or ask me to focus on an aspect while we are out there in the bush, then I know where to get the files from when he needs them. Something I learnt very early on: saving files and naming them and keeping things together.

2. When you're scrapping, do you have to have it quiet to concentrate, or do you have to have noise (ie: music, tv, etc...) in the background?
total normal craziness!! - radio is often on, dogs are playing, running in and out, phone keeps on ringing.

3. If you were without your computer for a week, what would you do?
That's a good state of mind to be in. As a family we'll most probably be in the bush, reading, taking photo's of the wildlife and plants, or just be together as family, talk, play games. Or perhaps my husband and I would be somewhere in the Kruger National Park busing entertaining guests at the bush camp or doing volunteer work. But most definately somewhere outside! Perhaps even being out in our own garden, taking a swim with my daughter or with Lia Labrador, perhaps on the lawn playing with the dogs or just spening time outside. I get excited when I see an insect or hear the birds or see a new flower opening, or look up and see interesting clouds or a beautiful sunset/sunrise. Just so humbling to be part of God's creation and know there is always a photo ready to be taken.

4. Who is your favorite digi scrap designer or store?
I am still new to digi scrapping, I enjoy Hummie's templates. These help me explore the layout possibilities and I try to apply the "design principles" But the journaling police are having a hard time with me!! Templates remind me to say something on the layout - thanks Hummie... rofl.... I also looking at what other people have done for their layouts. Guess that's a way to learn what to do. I have not really been able to purchase many kits before because of our Rand-Dollar exchange rate.

5. What is your favorite technique?
The photo is what is important to me. Especially having the focus on an animal and not on the elements or frills and things. Fortunately there is room for our creativity, room to learn and enjoy our art and own creative ideas. Since I became a subscriber, I have been learning so much over here and have only recently begun to understand different techniques where I have access to all the extra tutorials and challenges. I have to repeat them, else I'll forget what and where and how to use them. There is just so much to learn and grow in myself with this new-found hobby.

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I asked Erika to share some of her favorite layouts/photos with us. She also went the extra mila and took the time to tell us why each one is her favorite. Take the time to leave her some love in the gallery!

Lion luckiest moment EVER!!!
while driving around in Kruger, we looked behind us, when we looked in front, these 8 lucky ladies appeared in front of us!!

This is my favourite favourite of all


Boabab tree at Mapungubwe National Park, SA.

looks like an upside down tree!

Flower in my garden

Erika also shared with me another awesome photo that is not in the gallery, and I thought I wouldshare it with you:
Bateleur - this is my favourite rapture - there are such beautiful birds, but this birs is sitting in a natural fram- so perfect!!

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