Conversations with Harrison Cosby

Hi Harrison, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always loved to take pictures and make my different visions come to life. At 16 my mom told me that I take pictures so much that I should just go get. camera instead of always asking her to take pictures. My mom purchased my first camera for me in the summer of 2018 and the rest is history. When I first got my camera, I studied every part of it and did a lot of research on YouTube to get my skill up. I ended up breaking the first camera my mom bought me, but upgraded bought a new one myself with my own money. I began to take pictures and post them for fun and everybody around me told me that I should take it seriously. In December of 2018 I had my first studio photo shoot at CamKirk Studios and fell in love. On that day I started 201 Lifestyle, and began to take bookings, bringing in huge clientele and big names from that day on.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road coming to where I am today. I have improved in many ways, but I still am not satisfied. I am hungry to get better every day, perfecting my craft and becoming a student of my art. There have been times where I wanted to stop and felt as if my pictures were not as good as the competition and never would. I sat myself down and realized I am only 18 and doing great, so don’t stress it so much. I have shot for some of the biggest names in the industry today, such as LightSkin Keisha, Coca Vango, Yung Mal, DaBaby, Saweetie, etc. I would say my biggest struggle was and still is staying out of my own head. I am my own competition and have to stay focused every step of the way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The name of my photography and videography business is 201 Lifestyle LLC and I am based out of Atlanta, Georgia. I am a photographer, videographer, drone operator, and creative director. I specialize in photography and drone operations and have been diving into the world of videography a lot more lately as well. Everybody knows me as Mr. 201 as my Instagram is @mr.201_ I always make sure my clients are comfortable and relaxed when shooting by having conversation, playing music, and overall having a fun and chill atmosphere. I provide unlimited pictures and 12 edits per shoot; no other photographers are providing the quality AND quantity that I provide and that is why people continue to book with 201. I am most proud of myself for all of the big names that I have shot for this year and the expansion of my brand. I see nothing but greatness in my near future and I am ready to get to work.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Covid-19 has shown me that a plan and consistency is key. Instead of being down and looking at Covid-19 as a course or something negative for my business I took advantage of it. I was able to invest in new equipment and work on my craft during this time. I had plenty of time to go out and practice flying my drone and practicing new techniques on my camera. I offered different shoot specials and plans during this time as well, helping other young photographers work on their craft and get better. In a time like this you cannot let negativity overwhelm you, instead use it as motivation to do better and act on it.

Pricing:

• Location Shoot 1hr Base Price- $150
• Studio Shoot base price $250
• Drone Clip/Video- Base Price $300

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @mr.201_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdQvF5HSokcJFGNKWHl6yA?view_as=subscriber
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdQvF5HSokcJFGNKWHl6yA?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
All images were taken by me Harrison Cosby, the photographer, ( 201 Lifestyle LLC )