In an era where technology has placed a camera in almost every pocket, some photographers prove that great storytelling has never been about the gear. For John Mokan, the journey began with nothing more than curiosity and a smartphone in 2019. What started as experimentation soon evolved into a deeper understanding that photography is not simply about creating beautiful images, but about making people feel, remember, and connect.
Shaped by the vibrant energy of Nigeria and guided by an engineer’s eye for structure and detail, his work blends atmosphere, emotion, and cinematic storytelling. From everyday moments to large cultural events, he approaches photography with the belief that compelling images are born from intention rather than equipment.
His rise reflects the possibilities available to a new generation of African creatives. Starting with limited resources, he learned to maximize every tool at his disposal, proving that consistency and creativity often matter more than access to expensive gear. Today, his work spans culture, travel, technology, and automotive storytelling, with a growing desire to move beyond single images into larger visual narratives.
Recent conversations surrounding his coverage of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival have further highlighted photography’s power to provoke dialogue and differing perspectives, something he embraces as an essential part of artistic expression. Yet beneath the discussions and growing recognition remains the same curiosity that first inspired him to pick up a smartphone and create.
Today, we sit down with John Mokan to discuss his creative journey, the influence of his environment, the realities of building a career in photography, and why he believes that starting with what you have can take you further than you ever imagined.
WHAT FIRST PULLED YOU INTO VISUAL STORYTELLING WAS IT A MOMENT, A PERSON, OR A GRADUAL REALIZATION?
It was more of a gradual realization. I started with a smartphone in 2019 out of pure curiosity. I saw people creating amazing images with their phones and thought, “Maybe I can do this too.” During the 2020 lockdown, I had more time to experiment and learn. The more I shot, edited, and shared my work, the more I realized photography wasn’t just about taking pictures. It was about telling stories and making people feel something.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EARLIEST IMAGE YOU CREATED THAT MADE YOU THINK, “THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO”?
I can’t point to one specific image, but I remember creating photos with my phone that got people asking, “You shot this on a phone?” Seeing people connect with my work and being surprised by what I could create with limited equipment was a turning point. That’s when I knew I wanted to take photography seriously.
HOW DID YOUR ENVIRONMENT OR UPBRINGING SHAPE YOUR VISUAL STYLE?
Growing up in Nigeria exposed me to a lot of color, culture, energy, and contrast. Whether it’s the people, the streets, cars, or landscapes, there’s always a story happening around you. I think that’s why my work often focuses on atmosphere, emotion, and making everyday scenes feel cinematic. My engineering background also influences how I compose images because I naturally pay attention to structure, lines and details.
WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES YOU FACED AND HOW ARE YOU NAVIGATING THEM?
Access to equipment was a challenge at the beginning. I started with a smartphone and had to learn how to maximize what I had. Even after getting a camera, things like upgrading gear, editing hardware and funding personal projects remained challenges. Safety is another issue, especially when shooting in public. These days, I navigate those challenges through collaborations, planning, consistency and focusing on creativity rather than constantly worrying about having the most expensive gear.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE TECHNICAL PRECISION WITH CREATIVE EXPRESSION?
Technical knowledge gives me control but creativity gives the image life. I spend enough time understanding exposure, composition, lighting and editing so they become second nature. Once the technical side is handled, I can focus on emotion, storytelling and creating images that people remember rather than just images that are technically correct.
WHAT PIECE OF GEAR CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT AND WHY?
My camera is the obvious answer, but honestly I’d say my smartphone. It’s always with me, it’s what started my photography journey, and it’s often the reason I don’t miss unexpected moments. Some of my favorite images and opportunities came from simply having a phone ready when inspiration struck.
THERE’S BEEN SOME LEVEL OF BACKLASH OVER A RECENT IMAGE YOU POSTED FROM YOUR COVERAGE OF THE 2026 OJUDE OBA FESTIVAL… WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PEOPLE’S REACTION?
Photography is subjective. Once you put an image out into the world, people will interpret it based on their experiences, beliefs, and expectations. I respect that everyone is entitled to their opinion. For me, the intention was to document and tell a story. Conversations, whether positive or critical, are part of art. If a photograph sparks discussion, then it has already done something powerful.
AS A PHOTOGRAPHER IN NIGERIA, WHAT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES EXIST FOR CREATIVES IN YOUR REGION TODAY AND WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE TO HELP EASE THESE CHALLENGES?
The opportunities are bigger than ever. Social media has made it possible for creatives in Nigeria to reach global audiences and work with international brands without leaving the country. I’ve personally experienced opportunities that started online and eventually led to collaborations and travel.
The challenges are infrastructure, funding, access to equipment and sometimes a lack of institutional support for creatives. More grants, mentorship programs, creative hubs, and investment in the creative industry would go a long way in helping young talents grow.
WHICH PROJECT HAS CHALLENGED YOU THE MOST CREATIVELY OR EMOTIONALLY AND WERE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE RESULTS?
Ojude Oba stands out because of the scale, energy, and expectations surrounding the festival. You’re trying to document culture, fashion, tradition and emotion all at once while working in a fast-paced environment. It pushes you creatively because you have to make quick decisions and still produce meaningful work. Looking back, I’m proud of the results, but like every project, I can already see things I’d love to improve next time.
WHAT KIND OF STORIES ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN TELLING RIGHT NOW?
I’m drawn to stories that combine people, culture, travel, technology, and automobiles. I love showing the beauty in everyday experiences while also documenting moments that might otherwise be overlooked. I’m especially interested in creating work that feels cinematic and immersive.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK EVOLVING IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS?
I see myself moving beyond individual photographs into larger visual narratives. More travel, bigger commercial projects, documentaries, automotive work and cultural storytelling. I also want to continue educating and inspiring upcoming photographers because photography has opened doors for me and I’d like to do the same for others.
ANY FINAL PARTING WORDS?
Don’t wait for perfect conditions before you start. The gear, opportunities and recognition can come later. What matters is starting with what you have and staying consistent. I began with a smartphone and curiosity. Today, photography has taken me to places I never imagined. Your current situation doesn’t have to determine your final destination.
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Connect with John on Instagram here.
