Elske matriculated from Linden High School in Johannesburg in 1992. She passed with full exemption in English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Art, Biology and Accountancy. After matric, she studied towards a National Diploma in Photography at the Vaal University of Science and Technology. During her studies, she was named Best Photography Student in 1996, and in 1997 she received two gold awards as Best Student in Beauty & Fashion at the annual Fuji Profoto Awards.

While studying, Elske worked part-time as supervisor at Dions in Menlyn in the Photography, Audio and Visual Department and achieved above-average sales during that time.

From January 1998 to April 1998, she was employed as a darkroom technician with Kodak Prolab, and from April 1998 to June 1999 she worked as a photographer for Sun International touring locally and overseas. Her responsibilities included the production of high-quality material for professionals in the world of entertainment and gaming. From middle 1999 to the first quarter of 2000, Elske assisted fashion photographer Clifford Hansel, and advertising photographer David Prior. During this period, she was also an assistant photographer with various glossy magazines, including Cosmopolitan, True Love, Elle, Food & Home, and Style.

From April 2000 to July 2003, Elske was employed as a photojournalist with the daily newspaper Beeld. She worked in conjunction with various journalists to create in depth features using digital and film mediums. During this period, she was also the entertainment photographer for Jip & Plus magazines.

Some of the special events she captured include: The Comrades Marathon, the Engen Grand Prix Series, Currie Cup rugby, the Vodacom Super 12, Aardklop, the Oppiekoppi Music Festival, President George W. Bush's visit to South Africa, the crowning of Rain Queen Mojadji, the crowning of King Kgosi Leruro Molotlegi, and the Royal Bafokeng Kingdom.

Working in such a fast-paced and unpredictable environment such as that of the newspaper industry, Elske learned that the creativity of a photographer contributes significantly to catching the attention of the newspaper reader. Elske proved that she does this in an eccentric and very individual way.

From July 2003 to May 2004, Elske joined Huistgenoot / You / TV-plus as a magazine photographer. Her gallery includes front covers, news events, features, glamour, studio work, and entertainment. She worked with a lot of celebrities, makeup artists and stylists. Her career highlights include working with various actors such as those of 7de Laan, Backstage, The Res, and Isidingo. She also covered the Huisgenoot "Skouspel" at Sun City, Pop Idols, Coca Cola Pop stars, Gareth Gates' visit to South Africa, Charlize Theron's visit to South Africa, Nelson Mandela with Charlize Theron and Enrique Iglesias's visit to South Africa.

From June 2004 to July 2008, Elske joined Tuis & Home / Ideas / Idees (Creative Living Magazines Division) as a magazine photographer. She worked with a stylist to create only the best moods in décor settings for feature articles and covers. She also did promotional material for clients. At the same time, she was running the Johannesburg photography department.