Shoot in My City, Abigail Ekue Photography

For the second half of 2016 (how is it the 2nd half of the year already??) and beyond, I will be combining my work and travel a lot more!


So I've a gotta question for you: 

Which cities should I visit for private photo shoots?

Abigail Ekue Photography Photo Shoot Marathon (AbbieSnapsPhotos)

On Saturday, July 16, I will be shooting all day in New York City. I have secured a location in Manhattan and am now booking shoots. The portrait, personality, and editorial shoots are open to any artist, entrepreneur, athlete, fitness professional, nudist, naturist who needs new branding images or anyone who wants professional photos of themselves.


I should clarify, this isn't a 24-hour marathon. Slots are limited! I do have the space booked all day but I also have considered time to eat and decompress between each shoot. Other than that, whatever we can create in an hour and 15 minutes is a-go!


Here are the details:

Don't Break His Face in Case of Emergency

Photo: Ruth Fremson/The New York Times

If you were in New York City last night, Saturday, February 13 and tried to catch a downtown A or C train between 9:30 and 11 PM, you were assed out. The train I was on was the cause of the delay. The train car I was in on the A Train - 6129 - was the cause of the delay. The white man I gave that "don't sit near me" look to was the cause of the delay. He pulled the emergency brake.

I didn't know that when I first looked at him. He merely looked slightly left of center and I didn't want to be bothered. He was coherent and lucid enough to know what my look meant and kept it moving to the next set of seats.

Then I heard chatter from the center of the car - "he did it" "yeah, that white dude right there" "emergency brake" "that nigga right there"

I looked towards the people talking, "What? This dude pulled the emergency brake?" I asked motioning at him with my thumb.

"Yeah!" I saw the red cord pulled at the other end of the car and then shot a death glare at the man. Another woman sitting at the opposite end of the car, on the other side of him, asked what was going on.

"This man right here," I pointed wishing the power of anger behind my menacing point would pierce his eyeball, "pulled the fucking emergency brake."

She went off too.

And we sat there.

Somewhere between 125th and 59th street. In the tunnel.

Workspace Energy

Every once in a while I get stuck. It's not a writer's block because I kind of feel stuck in all aspects of my life - the writing, blogging, photography, journaling, working out, diet, sleeping - I even get stuck watching the same shows and having pointless exchanges of 'hey' 'what's up?' 'we should get together' over and over and over with dudes I really don't care for.


I'm a big believer in the power energy holds over someone. Stagnant energy in your home or office can also affect your day-to-day and your work. I was asked by WeWork what my ideal workspace would be like. Hmm...


Not sure about "ideal" but let me tell you about my current workspace: my room. I got my desktop, laptop, pens, loose paper, notebooks cause a writer gotta write and a writer gotta type. Two different things in my world. I have a stereo with speakers for ambient music and high-energy music blasting that fuels my photo editing marathons. My desk chair is a 65cm exercise ball. Ultra comfy. Great for bouncing and rocking when I get into my music and keeps my hips loose which is important since I'm sitting for long stretches sometimes. I have a big window that floods the room with sunlight. I need a window to gaze out of or  to open for fresh air. If I need inspiration, I can keep tabs on my neighbors. I have snacks and drinks at the ready too. Food is fuel and I'm a machine when I'm working.

Why Did I Start Native Creative Concierge?

Native Creative Concierge LLC - curated private excursions in New York City,
Abigail Ekue, CEO & Operator

I answered a media request from CEO Blog Nation where they were seeking stories from entrepreneurs on why they started their business. My submission wasn't published, so I'm sharing it here!


~+~+~+~+~+


"Where should we eat tomorrow night?" "Do you know which way is Madison Avenue?" These are questions I field on a regular basis from friends and strangers alike. It was a natural progression to start Native Creative Concierge, my service where I could provide firsthand experiences as answers to those questions.




I knew I didn't want to go back to a 9-to-5 office job and I needed an income. As a New York native, I know there's more to the city than Manhattan and the publicized tourist attractions that can also be tourist traps. There's so much more to NY than Times Square! -- I've adopted that catchphrase to combat the line of thinking that if someone visits those attractions, they've visited NY.

NYC Success Story

Photo: Vysyn Photography

Last year there was an open call for the Raising The Bar NYC Stories talk. They were looking for New Yorkers or "people in NY" who have a NYC story - anyone who's made a name for themselves, succeeded in New York City.

"If you’ve lived here you know that once you succeed in New York, you can succeed anywhere. Whether its starting your own business, performing with your favorite musician, falling in love, or simply getting to the nearby subway station just in time for the train; winning in New York is a feeling unparalleled by any other. If you’ve lived here you’ve experienced the highest peaks and the lowest pits, and we want to hear your stories."

-- Raising The Bar 

Here's what I wrote in hopes of being able to share my story. It got me to the 2nd round - the Skype interview:

#AbbieSnapsPhotos in NYC! (UPDATED)

We've been in the grips of a humid summer here in NY. And I don't do humidity if I don't absolutely have to. I also know there are lots of other people like me and we all should be in a great mood to create some great photos. So I've changed the date of #AbbieSnapsPhotos. It will take place on Thursday, July 16.

Remember, you can always check the hashtag on Twitter for the latest updates!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Want a freebie?

On Monday July 13, #AbbieSnapsPhotos around NYC. I'll tweet my location throughout the day using the hashtag #AbbieSnapsPhotos. Find me and get your photo taken! I will be in high-traffic areas as well as some quieter locales.

One shot deal, one press of the shutter. 

Best Cities for Tour Guides -- My 2 Cents

{The} Native Creative Concierge was interviewed for an article on ValuePenguin - Best Cities for Tour Guides. Although New York isn't that high up on the list, I was able to share the reason why I started Native Creative Concierge and give a little insight into what I include on my excursions.

“...there was a need for travelers to experience more of New York City outside of the usual tourist attractions. As a native New Yorker, I am able to provide that...

Client interested in Mediterranean cuisine? End the tour with a stop at an upscale restaurant and receive personal attention from the head chef...”

The NYC Food Bucket List (or Foods New Yorkers Eat Because We Have To or Love To)

Native Creative Concierge™ approved

Delicious Bodega Sandwich (Instagram)

I recently read an article listing 11 foods the writer thought every New Yorker must have at least once in their life. The list included cronuts and ramen burgers.


I'll wait while you roll your eyes as hard as I did.


I decided to compile this list of the foods many New Yorkers eat because it's 3 AM and/or we've been drinking, because it's what we can afford or because they're simply delicious.

Summer Photo Deal from Abigail Ekue Photography

It's officially summer here in NYC!


What's gonna happen when Summer's Gone?


I know! You'll look back at your photos taken by Abigail Ekue Photography and relive every glorious moment.


$250 for a 2-hour portrait, lifestyle and/or branding shoot and you'll receive 10 high-res photos.


This deal is good for the summer and open to anyone in New York City, Jersey City, Hoboken and parts of Connecticut served by Metro North.

Independent Bookstores Where You Can Buy The Darker Side of Lust - 5th Anniversary Edition

Since publishing the 2nd edition of my book, The Darker Side of Lust - 5th Anniversary Edition, I've been working on a series of events to promote the book. I've also been a little anal about tweaking my stories. I've been talked off the ledge a few times by friends who've done everything short of ripping the pen outta my hands.


This time around, I didn't want to have one launch event. That felt too "one and done" for me. With a series of events centered around The Darker Side of Lust, I'm able to reach different people and include things that I like including music, live art, food, and of course, reading, writing and erotica.


I've also been working on getting my book on the shelves at various independent bookstores. The first edition was available at 2 bookstores - including Shakespeare and Company in Paris! - and SHAG, a sex-positive boutique in Brooklyn.

The Darker Side of Lust - 5th Anniversary Edition is currently available in four (4) independent bookstores and a major retailer.

Travel on the Water in New York City

Source: Abigail Ekue Photography

Whenever the weather warms up, I find myself drawn to the water more than during the winter. Even if I'm not getting my feet wet but just watching the waves, ducking deranged seagulls and making up stories about the people on their boats, being by the water is like setting a reset button for my energy.


The water is also a great way to get around. And I'm surprised more people don't take advantage of it. In New York, the most recognizable ferry for commuters and the one with the highest ridership is the Staten Island Ferry. With NY waterfronts in all boroughs being developed there will be a need for more transportation. In the coming years, New York Water Taxi, The East River Ferry and the rest of the ferries run by New York Waterway will see an increase in ridership.

Read more...

Mary Lee - A Great White in New York

Have you heard the one about the shark in NY? Sounds like the beginning of a tall tale or urban legend about a shark in the Hudson River or the sewer or the shark that "flew" here by way of tornado. But I'm talking about Mary Lee the Shark. She was tagged a few years ago off Cape Cod and recently has been tracked off the Jersey Shore. Could it be the warmer temperatures that brought her back? Is the food source in New York waters extraordinary like the food in NYC restaurants? Believe me, I get it, I will and have traveled for food.

Read more...

Spirited: Brooklyn's Dessert Speakeasy

Spirited is Native Creative Concierge™ approved.

The Big Bad Brooklyn Blackout Cake and The Rosemor dessert-cocktail
paring at Spirited in Brooklyn, NY

The chalkboard out front greeted me with the message: Have your drink and eat it too.



On the corner of Vanderbilt Avenue and Bergen Street stands Spirited, a dessert speakeasy owned by Kimberly Wetherhell. The idea for Spirited dates back to 2010 but it wasn't until 2012 when she baked liquor-infused Thanksgiving pies -- filling 40 orders at $40 a piece -- that she knew the idea was a viable one.



From decision to conception it's taken a year and a half for Spirited to open its doors.Two weeks in and Sprited is full of...well, spirit! "It's like throwing a party every night," says Executive Baketender® Kimberly Wetherell. Her experience in the entertainment industry comes in handy in running a house of cake and cocktails.

 

Executive Baketender® Kimberly Wetherell

Root and Bone, Part Dinner

Bucket of Birds, root & bone, NYC

The opportunity arose to have dinner at Root and Bone. Of the things I had my eye on, I was only able to cross the Bucket of Bird and Macaroni and Cheese off the list. But don't go feeling sorry for me. I still left Root and Bone that evening satisfied with a doggie bag to boot.



We arrived a little before 6:30 on a Friday. Again, it really is like having a meal in someone's kitchen. The hostess greeted us warmly and seated us. Where do we start? Do we order a starter? Our drinks? Put our whole order in at once? Decisions!



This evening we were paired with David. He fielded our questions about the cocktails to start. I had a Lady J Ivory. Yes, I'm a woman of vodka habit. My friend ordered The Twisted Mustache (Russell's 6 Year Bourbon, Swedish Punsch, citrus and ginger). It was the bomb-diggity. Ok, she may not used those words but her expression after she took her first sip said so.

Read more>>

Root and Bone is Native Creative Concierge™ approved.

Root and Bone Alphabet City

Root and Bone is Native Creative Concierge™ approved.

Fried Chicken and Waffle Sandwich at Root and Bone, East Village, NYC

My proclivity for chicken and waffles has been well documented. It even resulted in my being quoted on Eater NY. So when I received emails announcing the opening of Root and Bone in the East Village I planned a visit.

Picture it:

Saturday afternoon. Across Ave B is the usually boisterous brunch crowd. Outside Root and Bone, on East 3rd Street, was dotted with diners waiting to be seated and others waiting for  their take-out orders. I left my name with the host and was told it'd be a 30 minute wait. Not so. My friend arrived about five minutes later and we were called in about five minutes after that.

The set-up is a cross between a home kitchen, a front porch and classroom. They went old school with the chairs. There's even a cubby under the chairs that the host put my bag in when it fell off the back of my chair. It's a very cozy atmosphere. 

New York City Firefighters Calendar Launch

NYC Firefighters 2015 Calendar - 20th Anniversary Special Edition

On Wednesday, July 23, I attended the launch of the 2015 NYC Firefighters Calendar -- 20th Anniversary Special Edition. The event was held at Sofia Italian Grill on 48th Street. Some of the firefighters featured in the 2014 and 2015 calendars were on hand to greet attendees and sign copies of the both calendars. Also in attendance was Battman of Battman Studios, the photographer of the Firefighter Calendars since 1996. All donations made that evening went to the Staten Island University Hospital Burn Center.

From Left to Right: FF Andy Guich, FF Christopher Frazzetta, FF Kievon Harper,
FF Conor Moriarty, FF Tom Caruso, FF Jimmy Condit

#seemetakeover Includes Abigail Ekue Photography

This Thursday, July 24, SeeMe takes over 2 of the biggest billboards in Times Square - Express (9000 sq foot LED) and American Eagle (15,000 sq foot LED and 25 stories tall) - for the #seemetakeover.

Welcome to the Neighborhood, Burger Heights

Burger Heights is Native Creative Concierge™ approved.

Burger Heights now open in Washington Heights, NY providing a great
option for burgers in the neighborhood

On July 2, Burger Heights held a friend and family pre-grand opening event. Burgers and fries were served, fountain drinks flowed (they carry Boylan by the bottle!), wine was passed around (not on the regular menu), all capped off with ice cream and milkshakes (gelato shakes to be exact) for dessert.



Between mouthfuls of unbelievably juicy beef, Led Black of Uptown Collective and I agreed that Burger Heights is a great addition to the neighborhood. New businesses do open in Washington Heights but they tend to be the same, he shared. Personally, I love burgers. Love. However, I do not eat McDonalds beef. The interior of Burger King franchises skeeve me out. That left Twin Donut (not ideal), Pick N Eat ($10 burgers) or diners over 20 blocks away.

Lower Manhattan Tuesdays

Native Creative Concierge™ approved.

(Source)

Lower Manhattan -- that area south of Chambers Street that many only equate with courthouses, "Ground Zero", Century 21, Wall Street and being a ghost town after 5 PM or on the weekends -- is now home to the promotion Lower Manhattan Tuesdays presented by the Downtown Alliance for New York. It will run every Tuesday from May 27 to September 30.


Sign up to get your Redemption code for special deals and promotions to use at participating businesses. You can also get a promo code with 9/11 Memorial Museum tickets.

A few of my recommendations:

Stone Street Tavern -- A friend chose this restaurant as the site of my birthday dinner a few years ago. Surf and turf was enjoyed by all. The location is a draw too as I'm a sucker for cobblestone, windy streets that bring me back to Old New York.


The Iron Horse -- skip Hogs and Heifers and go here. That is all. Oh, get on the giant swing too. And I know this is about Tuesdays but if you go on Sundays and buy a drink you get a free burger. Ok now, that is all.


City Sports -- their promo is for the Run Club but while you're there buy yourself a pair of supportive and ergonomically-correct sneakers for the miles that you'll cover and track on your pedometer that you'll also buy at City Sports.