OK, where to start.... My name is Ben McMillen and I'm a professional photographer. But that's not all I do. I wear many hats. But not actual hats because my wife says my head is too big. Here is a list of companies I currently own and opporate.
McMillen Photography. Along with my wife we own and operate this wedding photography studio which also does some commercial work.
Hilltop Packs a company that produces ultralight backpacking equipment in my hometown of Waynesburg PA and then ships that gear around the world.
Hilltop Packs Coffee, I am a co-owner along with my aunt in this local Coffee Roastery in Waynesburg PA. Freshest coffee in town.
Apex Giant. An outdoor brand that designs and manufactures aluminum, titanium stainless steel and polymer products used in backpacking, hiking, camping and other active lifestyle products. I am a co-owner along with Travis Duncan.
Go Far Gear. A brand that finds products that are not viably made in the US and outsources them to global suppliers for import. I am a co-owner along with Travis Duncan.
"Small Business Sucks, but not really" podcast. A podcast Ben started to chat with his business friends. Maybe you can pick up a tip or two.
McMillen Photography. Along with my wife we own and operate this wedding photography studio which also does some commercial work.
Hilltop Packs a company that produces ultralight backpacking equipment in my hometown of Waynesburg PA and then ships that gear around the world.
Hilltop Packs Coffee, I am a co-owner along with my aunt in this local Coffee Roastery in Waynesburg PA. Freshest coffee in town.
Apex Giant. An outdoor brand that designs and manufactures aluminum, titanium stainless steel and polymer products used in backpacking, hiking, camping and other active lifestyle products. I am a co-owner along with Travis Duncan.
Go Far Gear. A brand that finds products that are not viably made in the US and outsources them to global suppliers for import. I am a co-owner along with Travis Duncan.
"Small Business Sucks, but not really" podcast. A podcast Ben started to chat with his business friends. Maybe you can pick up a tip or two.
I love hiking, backpacking, exploring and who doesn't love vacations! Especially with a camera in hand.
Hiking around WV for a few days at a time has been a great way for me to recharge. If you haven't explored WV check out Dolly Sods and the Seneca Creak area. No cell service. It's awesome.
Taking trips to North Carolina or Tennessee with the family or the occasional Mexico trip also provides plenty of photo opportunities.
Hiking around WV for a few days at a time has been a great way for me to recharge. If you haven't explored WV check out Dolly Sods and the Seneca Creak area. No cell service. It's awesome.
Taking trips to North Carolina or Tennessee with the family or the occasional Mexico trip also provides plenty of photo opportunities.
Being a wedding photographer is amazing. I feel very fortunate I get to do this as my job. Somebody pinch me.
The challenges of wedding day photography can be insane. Once you get past the technical stuff there isn't a better job in the world. Maybe ice cream taster. Or beer taster. Or bacon taster. I'd probably sell my camera to be a bacon taster.
But then I'd buy a new camera with all that bacon taster money and still take photos. While eating bacon.
The challenges of wedding day photography can be insane. Once you get past the technical stuff there isn't a better job in the world. Maybe ice cream taster. Or beer taster. Or bacon taster. I'd probably sell my camera to be a bacon taster.
But then I'd buy a new camera with all that bacon taster money and still take photos. While eating bacon.
I met Evis once.
And Santa. We text.
Besides weddings I'd have to say shooting commercial work is one of my favorites. Going into businesses and helping them create head shots, groups shots, product shots, action shots, environmental shots, whatever else they may need for marketing. It's challenging but I love that kinda stuff.
I'm a slightly above average bowler.
For most of my life I was also a nightclub DJ. I was lucky enough to travel to some pretty cool places and make some awesome friends along the way.
I started DJ'ing when I was just 15 years old. I finally hung up my headphones just a few years ago at age 40ish...
I started DJ'ing when I was just 15 years old. I finally hung up my headphones just a few years ago at age 40ish...
I like sparklers.
I've done a lot of things but the one constant in my life has been photography. As a young kid in school I always had some kind of cheap camera around. I had no idea one day I would make it my profession.
My crazy little family
My other crazy family. The office crew at my studio.
I also enjoy the photography training classes we host at our studio.
Back in my DJ days I spent a few years producing mixshows for WVAQ morgantown.
I also take great pride and running and promoting a local kayaking website www.KayakGreeneCounty.com
22 foot selfie stick? Yep. We did that.
What's the biggest wedding party I've ever photographed? 68 people. I win.
No idea why your still reading this but here's a photo of me with an amazing hair cut.