Mika Beth Edwards.

How long have you been shooting professionally?
12 + years

What camera do you use? Which lens is your most-used?
Canon 5D, 50mm 1.2

Do you have any formal training or education in photography?
No

How much digital manipulation do you do to your images and what programs do you use?
Each individual picture is different. Some images, I post process quite a bit!  Some images I leave alone.

Do you have any rituals or mantras that you use to prepare mentally before a session?
A couple of shots of Patron… Ok, not really, the answer is no.

Can you describe your process for getting your subject into that perfect pose?
Well most of the time I don’t’ like to “pose” them. I do guide them towards the best light.  If I do pose them, my goal is to have them in the most natural looking poses possible.

How many hours goes into editing a standard session?
4-6 hours

What inspires you personally and as a photographer?
That is an easy question, I get inspired by design, great finds, props and then I work backwards.  Fashion magazines   give great inspiration too!

Do you prefer color or black and white images? How do you decide which one for each image?
How do you decide which one for each image? I prefer color most of the time. I don’t know, there are just some images that scream B/W.

How would you describe your photographic style?
Colorful, modern, clean

Do you ever get photographer’s block? How do you overcome that?
Not really, I just get tired of shooting in the same areas. I need constant change of settings!

What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
That is the hardest question; I would have to say newborns and the sitting stage!

Do you listen to music while you edit your images? If so, what’s your favorite music for editing?
Yes. All day long.  John mayer, norah jones, coldplay, kings of leon…

How do you handle a shy child, pushy parent, or difficult bride?
I don’t really have a special trick for shy kids.  I just try to get them comfortable with me, make them laugh, do really stupid stuff!  Pushy parents, sometimes not much you can do, I like to tell them that they may do better if they walk away, usually works. If the child is still not cooperating, I will call Matt in, which isn’t afraid to act really stupid to get them to react. Difficult bride, quit doing weddings a few years ago and fixed that!!!

How many images do you typically have at the end of a session, portrait or wedding?
I don’t shoot weddings; so at the end of a typical session will have shot 150-250 images, but only proof 30-45

What challenges or struggles did you face early on? How about currently?
I didn’t really have challenges or struggles early on because it was a hobby for me. It never ever crossed my mind that I would be doing this full time and my husband would be able to leave his profession and join me on this crazy journey!!

Have you ever considered ending your career as a photographer? What were the circumstances?
Not yet, I can’t see myself shooting at 50, but I haven’t thought about quitting!  My job is too fun!!

What is the best advice you have received regarding photography?
Find your own style! It is a must to set your self apart from others!

What advice would you give another photographer?
Patience. It takes time and lots of patience to grow a successful business!

Mika Beth Edwards is a natural lifestyle photographer serving Fort Smith, Little Rock, Northwest Arkansas, and Dallas, Texas. She travels around the country for sessions and teaching.  She specializes in newborns, babies, children, families and seniors. She creates black and white and color fine art images.

Website:
www.mikabethedwardsphotography.com

Blog:
www.mikabethedwardsphotography.net

Pure Baby Blog:
www.mikabethedwardsphotography.net/purebaby

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/pages/Mika-Beth-Edwards-Photography/185986484107?ref=ts

Twitter:
www.twitter.com/mikabeth