A Conversation with Jonathan Mok ~ Capturing intimate moments from california to oregon.
1. Introduce yourself, where you’re from/located and what type of photography you primarily shoot.
My name is Jonathan Mok. I am originally from the Sunset District of San Francisco, and currently living in Portland, Oregon. I shoot a variety of subjects, but my original background was in street photography.
2. How did you get into your chosen medium? Do you remember the catalyst that influenced your decision to begin your journey?
I began getting into photography during college as a hobby. Although I was not immediately conscious of it, I have always been surrounded by photography. Throughout my childhood, my mom had a polaroid camera, which I still have, and my “Pops” was constantly taking and sending hundreds of photos from family gatherings and travels. Their attempts to capture memories and moments became more significant and internalized in my life, especially as I grew older. In 2017, I bought my first film camera off of Ebay, the Canon AE-1, and fell in love with the process of shooting film. I love how it challenges me to slow down and be more intentional, which makes the result all the more rewarding. Since then, I have sold all my digital gear and fully committed to film photography, including developing and scanning my own film.
3. Do you have any photographers or artists who have influenced your creative style when composing or editing your photos?
In terms of influence, I would have to credit Vuhlandes (@vuhlandes). My interpretation of his work is that he highlights people within his community and their stories. Historically, Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have been made invisible in so many facets of society. So although I shoot a wide range of subjects, as an Asian American, the work I connect with the most are the ones that represent the faces, environments, stories, and experiences of those who I see as my people.
4. What is the camera (and film stock if applicable) that you’re currently using while out taking photographs? Can you share what drew you to this setup?
While I have nothing but love for my Canon AE-1, I have recently been shooting more with my Hasselblad 500C/M with Kodak Portra 800 or Kodak Gold 200. The Hasselblad 500 C/M was my first and only medium format camera, which I acquired in my full commitment to film by selling all my digital gear. It is relatively compact for a medium format camera with amazing sharpness, and there is a magical quality of shooting through the waist level viewfinder.
5. Can you share some insight into your creative process when looking for a composition or framing your photo?
I look for interpersonal moments, juxtapositions, colors, and natural elements. When I shoot with the Hasselblad 500C/M, which shoots 6x6 squares, I feel like it naturally encourages balance and symmetry, especially through reflections (e.g. water, windows).
6. For many creatives, social media plays a large role in their careers, whether positive or negative. How would you describe its impact on your creativity?
While I am critical of social media, I also believe that the community and the members you associate within it can allow for growth. Through social media, I have been able to connect with so many talented photographers who not only excel in their art and work, but have demonstrated themselves to be beautiful and kind people. When I surround myself within a community that raises each other up instead of competing with each other, I am inspired and excited to grow, experiment, and share my work. Shoutout to the OG Bay Area film homies, and all the film homies I have had the opportunity to meet through my film photography journey. Their work, messages, and stories inspire me to grow as a photographer and as a person.
7. Do you have any other creative hobbies you’re interested in that people don’t see shared on social media?
I love music, specifically playing and composing guitar. I have always been surrounded by music through my mother, whether that was encouraging me to take on an instrument, taking me to musicals, or accompanying her to her Chinese opera practices in Chinatown.
8. Do you have anything creative you’re working on or excited about for the future?
I have a film photography YouTube channel (jonjonmokfilm) that goes more in depth in my film photography journey. I am currently working on a video from my New York City trip where I shot 35mm and medium format for 4 days. I am also working on making and selling prints. I do everything in house from test prints, cutting photo paper, printing, and shipping. It is a labor of love with the goal of one day having my own online print shop.
Be safe. Do good. ✌️
