Meet Charles MacMillan | Photographer & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charles MacMillan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charles, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Mentorship. Mentorship is the most vital key to starting your own business. I have worked with loads of other production companies (TA_Visuals, J Arce Media, Red Chord Productions, and so on) and without the ability to work with these amazing teams I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. The experience you get by working with people who have already succeeded in the path you’re traveling down will only accelerate your growth and further guarantee your success. When it comes to the art form itself, the business, or finding time for a personal life – a good mentor will share their experiences with you and help you avoid some of the mistakes they made, guiding you down the right path that made them successful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve realised that photography and filmmaking isn’t just about having a pretty or moody image, it’s about telling a story. Whether the story is one of romance and love, a story of hard work and dedication, or just you’re just trying to get someone to buy a product, there is a story behind it. It’s my job to tell that story visually, and it’s an exciting journey from start to finish. There’s so much that goes into telling a story, from the angles and the lighting, to all the moving parts that happen in front of the camera; if it doesn’t come together seamlessly the story can be lost to the audience. My art is meant to inspire, and draw emotion out of the viewer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Fort Worth, there is a lot of history in this town so it seems obvious to start out in The Stockyards and check out the little cowboy museum they have there, and to see the modern day cowboys and cowgirls ride their horses down the street. From there I’d take them out to the Trinity River to go and see some of our Texan wildlife, and then into downtown to check out some of the cool cathedrals and other architectural areas we have.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
TA Visuals, or Timothy Alsbrooks, and his team have been a vital part of my growth. Whether its inviting me out to their productions, giving me advice about contracts and how to deal with clients, or answering my endless questions about gear, technique, and storytelling. Tim is an amazing photographer and filmmaker working with big brands all across the nation, doing some amazing stuff, and his help and advice has been invaluable to me.

Website: www.charmvisuals.com

Instagram: @charlesmacmillan