James Drakeford
Harlem, NY
Atmos
If you happen to be Uptown, or just enjoy nice sneaker boutiques - atmos is the place to visit. The company was founded in Japan, home of over 20 atmos storefronts. There’s only 1 atmos store in the United States and it’s located in Harlem.
Lighthouse Fish Market
Lighthouse is a heaven-sent establishment! A seafood lovers dream. They have just about every kind of seafood you can imagine (fish, crab, lobster, shrimp, scallops, calamari, & more). You can order off the menu or create your own combo. It doesn’t matter if you like your seafood fried, boiled, or sautéed - they do it all.
125th & Lenox
125th is a very legendary block, the epicenter of Harlem, and home to the world-famous Apollo Theater. On 125th you can see historic landmarks, shop from dozens of local street vendors, and feel the culture of New York City.
I think you get what you see when you visit New York. Lots of people, lots of shopping, lost of eating, lots of trash, lots of buildings, etc. expectations start to change when you actually live in New York City. The daily grind is grueling, commuting alone typically takes a couple of hours of your energy every day. So, as much as it is fun, it is also exhausting.
I’ve been taking photos consistently for nearly a decade now. One day I woke up and decided I wanted to take more photos - on more than a phone. So, I started saving money until I could buy a Canon Powershot. I began taking photos for fun and eventually I got decent enough for friends and acquaintances to ask for my work. I took photos for fun for a few years before becoming the store photographer for a streetwear sneaker boutique, Sole Classics. I did this for around 5 years before leaving the store and becoming completely freelance. For the next couple of years I lived off my photography work and event production. After living and working in Columbus for close to 10 years I wanted new scenery and new opportunities, I decided to finally, after years and years of friends solicitations, give New York City a chance. When I first got my camera in 2010, I had no clue it would connect me to so many people and places. It still feels like I’m a beginner at times. I’m always learning new techniques and my eyes are forever changing. With a change in my vision, often comes a change in medium. Over the past few years I’ve grown to love leading and facilitating discussions. Great conversation is an art form to me, and the right words at the right time can lead and transform.