Meet Mokiato | Photographer & Music Producer

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

Hi Mokiato, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
In the industry of photography, most outsiders probably aren’t aware of how much knowledge is incorporated into taking a “professional” photo. Although anyone can do photography as it is a form of art and is subjective, there is still a level of expertise that a photographer must learn to get a “Professional” shot. When people hire a photographer for professional-looking photos they are not just paying for someone to take a photo, they are paying for someone’s equipment (camera, etc) but more-so their unique knowledge. The unique knowledge on how to use the equipment, lighting, composition, exposure, posing, choosing a location, and also choosing the right time of day (if the shoot consists of natural lighting). All these factors are something that is studied and learned through trial-and-error and experience. Also, outsiders may not realize how much time a photographer spends even after a shoot is done, to edit the photos and get them to their max potential.

Outside of the technical and business side of photography, I would love for outsiders to know how rewarding and therapeutic photography can be. Once you have found a comfortability with your camera and knowledge, you then have the skillset to take great photos at your own disposal whether it’s for yourself or for others. The ability to take great photos can bring a lot of joy to you from within and from others. I’ve learned that people absolutely love when there is a great photo taken of them. In this age of social media having a great photo of yourself to display to the world is almost worth more than money. And often times people aren’t able to capture that photo of themselves or sometimes it could take up to 100 attempts to get it. People express so much appreciation to me when I capture a great photo of them. The joy and praise someone sends me after they receive their photos taken by me is one of the best feelings in the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Creative whose focus is in Photography & Music Production.

I graduated college at CSULA with a BS in Kinesiology in 2018. A few years after graduating I realized I wasn’t passionate about anything in my career field. I just always felt as my best self when I created things. Around that time I would make beats (using FL Studio) and shoot photography as a hobby in my spare time. I soon realized that when doing these hobbies is when I felt the most happiest.

I learned how to make beats right after high school (2012). And started learning photography around 2016. I learned both skill sets by just watching a sh*t-ton of YouTube on each subject. Once I started, I never stopped, ‘till this day

I’ve continued to improve my photography skills for the last few years by just continuing to watch videos, reading, and of course, Trial & Error (the best teacher). It has been quite a journey. I look at my current photos now and compare them back to my photos from the beginning and see so much improvement. Capturing the correct lighting and white balance, is one of those improvements. Also, learning how to pose subjects, composition and communicating the poses verbally have been some of the challenges that have best helped me improve in photography.

Although I didn’t go into too much detail about my music production journey (as I want to focus more on photography), it has been such a rewarding journey through trial & error as well.

I now have a photography business- Nu Lens Theory, and release themed EP’s of my music on all Streaming Platforms.

One thing I want people to know about me is that I love having multiple creative outlets to bounce back and forth with, and just create art. Photography and Music Production are my two of choice at the moment. But I am also learning Graphic Design as a 3rd creative outlet.
We shall see where that will take me 🙏🏾.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So, I’m a very chill guy as in activities so some cool spots I would recommend going to would be: Santa Monica Pier and or Venice Beach walkway for some chill breeze and a cool walk, Finn & Feathers for a chill bar not to far from the beach, EightyTwo is a bar-arcade hybrid in DTLA, The Bar at Johnny’s off Crenshaw & Adams is a very chill place for a drink and some good music vibes, Rush Street is a restaurant with good food, and has an upper bar/club that opens up on the weekends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would have to definitely credit the numerous photographers and photo-editors on YouTube for being my teachers and helping me reach this level of skill in photography. Some photographers I would like to give specific recognition and thanks to for always influencing me even if they don’t know they are, are Vuhlandes, Gianna Dorsey, and JordanViision. These photographers have always inspired me to become better and develop my own unique style by constantly creating and displaying their aesthetically pleasing art. I also want to thank my family and friends for always encouraging and uplifting me with my art while also constantly being ready to be a subject or practice subject for my art, lol.

Website: deanharvey@nulenstheory.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/pg_mokiato

Twitter: twitter.com/pg_mokiato

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hotshotmokiato

Other: https://linktr.ee/Mokiato