Always hard at work covering her next big story, the Call and Post was able to track down Miki Turner for a few questions about her own story and new book.

Flipping the script on one our favorite photojournalist about her new book

By KEVIN CHILL HEARD

Managing Editor

It’s not everyday that Ohio native, Ms. Miki Turner, is getting “asked” the questions instead of doing the asking. With the release of her new book, “Journey to the Women I’ve Come to Love: Affirmations from women who have fallen in love with themselves,” it was time for the microphone to turn towards her.

Currently living in Los Angeles, Turner is one of the most respected photojournalists working the national scene. She is often the “go-to” person for the big sports and entertainment stories. Her work as a photographer and journalist can be seen in Jet, Ebony and Essence magazines, as well as online sites such as msnbc.com, bet.com and aol.com.

Always hard at work covering the next big story, the Call and Post was able to track Turner down for a few questions about her own story and new book.

Miki, tell us a little bit about your Ohio roots.

I was a breech birth at Cincinnati's Bethesda Hospital at 3 a.m. just three days into the new year. So, my mom was mad because of all of the pain I caused her and both parents were mad that I made them miss the tax deadline, because I was supposed to arrive before Christmas. Growing up in Wyoming, a Cincinnati suburb was cool, because so much of my extended family was around. I was particularly fond of hanging out with my grandfather, Bud, and my great aunt, Hat. They knew how to kick it! It was also a place where you went to school with kids from kindergarten to high school and I'm still close with a lot of those people. Even though I've been gone for more than 20 years, Ohio is home and I always look forward to coming home. I just wish Cincinnati was a little more vegetarian-friendly! LOL

What is the reason you created the book and why was it important to you?

I really just got tired of hearing some of my friends talk about getting plastic surgery because they were starting to show signs of aging. I get that no one wants to be all wrinkled up, but I think the natural aging process is so much more beautiful than injecting Botox into your forehead and cheeks. As these conversations went on, it just occurred to me, at what point do women fall in love with themselves? There are so many things that are far more important than one's appearance and I wanted to point that out by posing the question in the book. I also wanted to explore how women from different cultures would respond to the question. That was the most important thing because their responses would hopefully inspire, enlighten and empower women with self-esteem issues. That's why I deliberately tried to include women from a variety of cultures. I think that's the coolest thing about the book. It was also important that this not just be about celebrities. It was important to me to spread the shine.

Okay, last question, Miki. You know how we rep for #TeamOhio – What Ohio folks are in or mentioned in the book and can we get a few personal words about them?

Well, I guess the most famous is Halle Berry. I met Halle back in the mid-90s. She was my first cover girl ever (Upscale Magazine). I absolutely love that we're homegirls because we both know how to rise above all the “BS” in this town. Then, there's my girl Vinlyn Beckles, who is so lovely and gracious and real. I love hanging out with her because, like Halle, she's got a strong BS filter, too. And the girl can [cook]! Other Ohio people include two high school friends, Barbara Toney Richman, whom I've known since junior high and Sara Griffith Adducci, who shares an amazing story about finding herself after a bitter divorce. Gloria Steinem was also born in Ohio. Nikki Giovanni is an old family friend. Her dad and my mom used to play tennis together as kids. Jo-Ann Huff Albers is a former Cincinnati Enquirer editor and gave me my first job in journalism. She's also the mom of a high school classmate. Victoria Haygood is a special education teacher at my old high school. She's the mom of a special needs child and her response is so amazing and inspiring.

I know that Tom Joyner may not do shout outs, but here’s your shot!

I just want to say hello to Rev. and Mrs. Otis Moss Jr. Rev. Moss baptized me when I was about 6 and I'm extremely grateful for the secondary education I received at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. During Rev. Moss's tenure I got to see Civil Rights icons such as Martin Luther King Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer, Hosea Williams, Fred Shuttlesworth and many others. Having that experience not only made me a better journalist but a more enlightened human being. I wouldn't trade it for anything. And, oh yeah, hey mom!

*You can follow this writer on Twitter @houseofchill