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inspiredbyafrica.tumblrBehind the Scenes: Miles McMillan
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“I always wanted to fly - but I’m OK with my feet on the ground.”
We sat down with Miles McMillan on set at the Birds of Prey ad campaign shoot to talk birds and beautiful rebels.
How did it feel to hold the birds?
Miles: It was really cool, because I’ve never been with any birds before. I wasn’t nervous, I was excited. It’s crazy – you really feel their weight. The only time I felt a little uncomfortable was when the falcon’s tongue was on my eye. That was a little scary.
Did you feel powerful?
MM: It was really empowering. I was literally resting my nose on his stomach; the owl wing was over my face. Protective almost. It was very surreal.
Q: What do these birds symbolize to you and how do you feel connected to them?
MM: They have so much texture; they’re so majestic and regal. They really become another creature when you’re so close to them. They feel like something completely different.
Q: Do you feel like you can relate to them with their wildness?
MM: I can be like them in the sense that I can deal with things for a while, and once it gets too much – you basically just fly away.
Q: Did you ever want to fly, as a child?
MM: I always wanted to fly – but I’m ok with my feet on the ground.
Q: Birds are instinctual animals – as most are. We’d love for you to talk about your instincts – in life.
MM: I always go with my instinct. If I feel I have to do something, I pretty much act on it. If I feel something’s a bad idea, I don’t go through with it. I’m pretty good with my instincts, and I think birds are too.
Q: Would you feel comfortable saying you are an instinctual animal?
MM: I feel as though I am an instinctual person. An instinctual creature.
Q: The campaign is called Birds of Prey – so we are going to do something quite risqué and ask you to say a prayer of some sort. It could be religious or secular. Anything that you might wish for.
MM: I pray that everything will be ok.
Q Is this your first time wearing Edun?
MM: Yes – and it’s really nice. That tribal jacket really went with the birds, that was cool. It was really comfortable and along with the birds it all seemed very natural.
Q: Had you worked with Ryan McGinley before?
MM: Yes, once before. I think Ryan is really an amazing photographer. He makes you feel completely comfortable and you want to do as much as you can to get the best picture for Ryan.
Q: What does the phrase “Beautiful Rebel” mean to you? And do you identify with it?
MM: I don’t know if I’m just thinking about birds – those things are beautiful, and they can just fly away from you. So that’s pretty rebellious. They can just leave and never come back – that’s pretty rebellious to me!