Megan Milbrandt | Member Spotlight

This week we are spotlighting Megan Milbrandt of Everyday Art Photography. I just met Megan about 3 months ago and I just LOVE her clean work. And I have to say that she holds a special place in my heart because she is from North Dakota/Montana like meThanks for sharing with us Megan!! xoxoMaureen

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in a super small town in eastern Montana, and moved to North Dakota to attend college. I never thought I’d live in North Dakota forever, but it just so happens that my husband and I, who were both majoring in engineering at the time, met shortly before he graduated, and well…I’m still here! We now live in Bismarck, and I absolutely love it here! We have two children; Rory who is four, and Cohen, who just turned one! I really am so, so blessed to have the three of them! While I don’t have a lot of time left over at the end of the day, I love baking and doing anything crafty!

How long have you been doing photography?

I started learning all that I could about photography about five years ago. I started my business in 2008.

Are you a self-taught photographer? If you are not a self-taught photographer how did you learn?

Yes, I’m self-taught. About a year before I even owned a DSLR, I started reading, studying, and learning all that I could about light and exposure. I was fascinated by it all, especially the technical aspects and numbers. After my daughter was born, I got a new camera, and I have hardly put it down since. I’ve learned just by reading forums, blogs, books, and tons of googling, and I still feel like I am learning something more every time I pick up my camera.

Who is your biggest influence/inspiration?

The first photographer whose work I really fell in love with was Erin Cobb. I adore her simple, fun style, and brightly colored images, and I really admire the way she connects with children. When looking at her photos, I feel like I know something about the people in them. Their personalities just shine through her work!

Do you specialize in a certain area of photography?

I love kids of all ages! From newborns, to toddlers, to big kids, to seniors…I don’t discriminate!

What equipment and software do you use?

I shoot with the Canon 5D Mark II, and mainly the 50mm f/1.4 and 24-70mm f/2.8L. I joke that the 24-70L is the fifth member of my family because I love it so much!

Do you have a studio or do you shoot on location?

On location. I don’t have a studio, although I would love to have one some day. I’m sure it would come in quite handy in the winter months, since we are in a frozen tundra 5-6 months of the year!

What advice would you give someone who is interested in photography and wants to improve his or her photography skills?

Take in every bit of info you can find, and use it. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because we’ve all been there. And most importantly, be yourself and always do what you love!

Here’s where you can find Megan:

Website

Facebook

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