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

Hi Harrison, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote is one that my dad used to preach to me quite often growing up and even now. He would always say “control what you can control, ” and at the time growing up I didn’t really realize what he meant by that and would always just nod my head. When I took the time to listen and actually think about what he meant by that I began to live by it. I would always be worried about what the next person thought oof my work or trying to please and make everybody happy, but I realized that does not matter. The only thoughts and validation of my work or anything in life I need are from myself. After I began to live by the quote and actually apply its meaning, I have been less stressed, focused, and ready to take over. You can’t live always thinking about what people are going to say about what you do or your next move…just make it happen and you’ll love the results. It took me some time to realize the true meaning of this saying, but focusing only on what I can do to make myself better and not the opinions of others, or doing things out of my way, I was able to flourish.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It honestly took me a while to get into the groove of things when it came to my work and creative flow. Ive always had ideas, but would push them off and fail to execute them because of my own discouraging thoughts. I used to post and delete work all the time because I thought it wasn’t good enough to be shown on Instagram, but I realized I had to get out of that. Starting off my work wasn’t as good as it is now of course, but a series of trial and error finally made me realize my style of work. I don’t box myself into one style of photography, keeping me versatile. I know a lot of photographers, who stick to one style and only shoot that certain way, (there’s nothing wrong with that, its just them) but I like to switch it up and incorporate new techniques. One day I may shoot on film to get a clean grainy look and the next I’ll be shooting digital adding different color gels and lighting techniques. It was hard to find my creative flow because I would always compare my work to others starting off. I always felt like my work wasn’t good enough to compete with other photographers until I realized that it’s not a competition and that my work is pretty good. Once I focused on myself and getting the 201 brand to where I want it to be, everything hanged for the better. 201 is not just a brand to me, as it says in the name, its a lifestyle. 201 Lifestyle is the way I carry myself and how I move on a daily basis. I love what I do and this is only the beginning, Im only 19 and have much more creativity left in me, hopefully you stay along for the ride.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Literally all my close friends and I’m sure plenty of my followers know my favorite spot. I eat at Little Azios on Moreland Ave. religiously. I love the East Atlanta area and Im in that area quite often. If I had a best friend visiting from another state I would have plenty of things lined up, I’ll start with places to eat. As I mentioned previously Little Azios is definitely first on the list. When I eat there I get the “Panini con pollo” which is basically a chicken panini with their own special twist on it. The restaurant and the area its is such a vibe and makes you want to be creative. First Watch is also a really good brunch spot that I visit often to work on concepts and eat some amazing pancakes, French toast, or Belgium waffles. Big Daves Cheesestakes is also on my list with some of the best Phillies I’ve ever tasted in my life. When Im trying to get a good burger Shake Shack, Grind House Burgers, or Wayback Burger are always the move, with a great variety of GREAT burgers. Enough about food, lets get into the spots where I like to create and hang out. You can always catch me in Little 5 Points or somewhere along the belt line near Ponce City Market, if I’m not at the studio (CamKirk studios which is an amazing vibe itself) working or putting content together. All of the spaces I just named make me feel free and help me clear my mind. I always come up with different concepts while walking around in Little 5 Points or along the belt line. There are so many different people and cultures, you can’t help but feel great energy and creative vibes. I also find myself at the Jackson Street Bridge a lot flying my drone and getting pictures and videos of Atlanta’s beautiful city line. There are so many spots in Atlanta to visit and Im sure I left off some that I visit frequently, but you can never go wrong in our city, creativity and fun is always in the air.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would first and foremost like to thank God because without him none of my success would be here. My family and close friends that I consider family have also played a huge roll in my success by pushing me nonstop and staying on me about every little thing that I do. My studio family at CamKirk studios, where I work and the studio in general has also carved me into the photographer and creative I am now. I have a lot of support on social media that I am also truly grateful for because business would not be the way it is without the support of my social media following. There have been many times in which I have clients say I was recommended to them from one of their friends on social media or they follow my page and love my content. All of this keeps me going and business booming and I am truly grateful for all of the genuine support that I receive.

Website: https://www.201lifestyle.org

Instagram: @mr.201_

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdQvF5HSokcJFGNKWHl6yA

Other: Follow me on Tik Tok @mr.201_ and also if you don’t want to type in the whole link for my YouTube you can also search “201 Lifestyle” and my channel will pop up.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.