Champion Your City | Miami

Published:
October 04, 2019 Written By:
Chris Cao

Read on to find out how James champions Miami.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED OFF BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER?

I started using a camera during my high school film class. Several years later, I switched over to a DSLR and started exploring Miami, setting up portraits and developing a style for myself.

WHAT DOES THE CHAMPION BRAND MEAN TO YOU?

I love that champion is a brand that is still going strong. I’ve seen and worn their clothes clothes since I was a kid, so it’s sort of a nostalgic feeling seeing a lot of people still incorporating the champion brand into their outfits.

WHO WOULD BE YOUR DREAM CREATIVE/ARTIST TO COLLABORATE WITH? (LIVING OR DEAD)

I would love to work with Donald Glover. I feel like he is a jack of all trades in the creative world and I would love to pick his brain and witness his process.

ANY ADVICE WHO WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS TRYING TO BREAK INTO THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY?

My advice would be to find inspiration outside of social media. It’s easy to see what everyone else is doing and fall into a trend that will most likely fade away. I think it’s important to develop your own style and stick with it. That way your work stands out from others.

WHAT ARE SOME HIDDEN GEMS IN MIAMI THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW?

I feel like the airport is a cool spot because it has a lot of interesting architecture to offer. A few of the shots from the campaign were actually taken there. Surfside is also a pretty cool town. It has the Art Deco vibe of Miami Beach/South Beach but is much quieter and less congested.