You’ve surfed flickr over and over and their are just artists out there that you always come back to. They inspire, they teach and they are just awesome photographers.

Let us introduce you to, if you have not had the pleasure of viewing the works of, Ms. Mika Beth Edwards!

From photography to design there is nothing this girl can’t do and with every shutter release or click of the mouse her work gets better and better. Mika Beth was kind enough, as she always is, to share some tips, tricks and secrets of the trade.

Don’t forget about Mika Beth’s rockin’ design skills! Head over to the Miller’s Design Market. Mika Beth has designed proof boxes, holiday cards, senior templates and more!! I have purchased Mika’s holiday templates in the past and they are by far #1 pic’s with families! This years designs are even better than last year and an absolute MUST! I’ve already picked MY card for this year!

Now for the tips, tricks and secrets!

How long have you been photographing professionally for, and what do you “shoot” with (Canon, Nikon, etc)? I have been professionally shooting for a little over 10 years.  I am a Canon girl!

How often do you use props for your photography (every shoot)?   Every newborn shoot I use props for sure.  I would say I use props for my outdoor sessions about 50% of the time.  I have chairs and bowls that I like to use outdoors.  For my newborn sessions, I have everything from an antique baby carriage to a wooden bowl.

Where do you mostly find/purchase your props from? Thrift shops are my favorite place to find one of a kind neat props. I have purchase many things off of ebay. I love to look at antique stores too.

What was the FIRST prop you bought, and do you still use it? Probably and old child’s chair. Yes I still use it.  I hardly ever get rid of any of my props! I am running out of room!

What is your favorite prop(s) to use on newborns? Toddlers? Families? Seniors?  I love bowls. Particularly old wooden dough bowls.  I love all kinds of hats for babies!  Small chairs can make it really easy to keep an active toddler still while you quickly capture them!  Stools have become handy when photographing families.  I usually have one parent sitting on a stool while the family is placed all around.

Your portraits are always so beautifully processed! What is your favorite action /preset and why?   Most of the time I don’t use actions.  I like to tweak them all differently.  I own quite a few sets of actions.  Probably the one I use the most is Doug Boutwell’s actions.  I love Brenda Acuncius’s actions too! http://brendaacuncius.com/blog/   Nicole Van’s are awesome too!   I don’t have any presets.

What is your favorite age to photograph, and why?   That is so hard to answer. I’m such a newborn lover; I thought I would say my newborns, but probably 6-9 months old.  They are always so happy at that age.  I love chubby babies, they are my favorite!  Definitely 6-9 month olds!!!

Do you have a favorite shot, which uses a prop? And please share.. We’d LOVE to see it!   Well, I can never choose my favorite, but I guess it should be “the famous” blanket shot!  It became such a craze… but I will never get tired of looking at it .

Do you favor natural lighting, or studio? I shoot 98% natural light for my newborns.  There are times where I like to do some family shots towards the end with some studio lights. But, I definitely favor the natural light.

What is your favorite Lens, and why? For sure my 50mm 1.2.  It is just so versatile.  I can use it with any session, Newborns to families to seniors!

What do you pack in your “PROP BAG”, when you travel to a shoot? When I am on location, all I bring is a chair (love my little yellow chair), a bowl basket and usually lots of hats.  I sometimes will use paper umbrellas too.

What prop do you recommend to ALL photographers?   I would say I use my little child’s chairs the most.  But, we all have to have a good wooden bowl is we shoot newborns!

Anything else we may have forgotten… or that you would like to add ?( Just get out there to your flea markets, garage sales and thrift stores!   I think they are by far the best place to find unique props!

Aside from photography, and being a prop junkie, what else do you enjoy.. Tell us a lil about yourself ? Hmmmmmmmm, I love to shop children’s clothes!  I am a fanatic!  I have an extensive wardrobe for my clients as well!   I guess  you could consider clothes props!

Check out Mika Beth’s brand new clothing boutique here!

Thank you Mika Beth for sharing your tips and tricks with us!!

Don’t forget to purchase Mika’s templates here.  More designs to be added so keep checking back!!

Check out her work and get ready to be inspired here.

Buy her “looks” here.

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Filed under: Celeb Photog Interviews by Tracy Joy