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Paula Gren, Chief Executive Optimist
Mark Winer, Chief Executive Optimist
Hilary Weekes, Associate Chief Executive Optimist
ph: 978-352-4147
Introduction to Bill Miles, Photographer and Director from Bill Miles on Vimeo.
What did your 18 year old self see you becoming?
A photographer – but I just didn’t see a path to making a career out of it at that point. Definitely NOT the engineer I had embarked on a degree for 😉
What reality show would you invent?
One that embraces quality cinematography and good behavior.
When was the last time you watched the sun rise?
Nearly every day — I like to wake early to savor the quiet and align my mind for the day ahead.
What was one of the most interesting projects you worked on?
I recently shot a spot for Susan G. Komen; the subject was a stage 4 cancer patient, a brilliant young mother of 4. The experience gave me poignant insights into the struggles that these patients deal with and the profound love and humanity that can flourish as a result. The entire crew was moved to tears.
Can you remember the first time you got paid to take a photograph?
I remember very well the first time I walked the halls of a major ad agency as the art buyer introduced me to the creatives – and walked out with a hand-sketched layout to shoot (yes, there was a time that the business worked like that). It was exhilarating. I knew for certain that I’d found my calling.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you do?
Jazz piano.
When you need it, what inspires you?
Nature. An epic adventure or a walk with my dog. Works every time.
What are the top 2 things on your bucket list?
1. Mountain bike with my children through Moab and Arches National Park
2. Build a school to help children with seemingly little opportunity discover their power to create great opportunities
What is your dream assignment?
To photograph some of the most influential change makers and thought leaders of our time, both renowned and lesser-known, who are using whatever platforms they have – political, economic, or grass-roots — to affect positive change.
What were you like as a 10 year old?
I’m told I talked a lot, asked a million questions. Now I like to listen.