Today we’d like to introduce you to Tommy Horn.
Hi Tommy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello! My name is Tommy Horn. I am a self-taught film photographer and creative local to the Humble, TX, area, specializing in documentary photography. My online name, which I’ve personally dubbed my photography name, is mokennekom, which is actually the words “moken-moken,” with one spelled backward.
The words are spelled in English but are actually derived from Potawatomi (Bodéwadmimwen), an Algonquian language. “Mok’en” means “sunrise” or “sunrise it is” in English. I chose this name as a fellow Pokagon Band Potawatomi Tribal member to show respect for my heritage as well as my family.
As far as my passion for photography is concerned, I’m actually very young in my career, having only been shooting for about three years. Before that, I spent nine years playing and building instruments, specifically guitars.
Ever since I was young, I was always getting into something, whether it was games, movies, art, sports you name it. I pretty much had my fingers in every pie. It wasn’t until I found my passion for photography that this changed.
Although I spent nearly a decade tinkering with and playing guitar, I couldn’t shake this feeling of unfulfillment that came with it. It was like I had finally focused all my energy into something rather than spreading myself thin, but I still wasn’t fulfilled. Of course, I had joyous moments and loved doing it, but I truly started to ponder the idea of finding the thing you were born to do.
Looking back on it now, I believe I’ve realized that I was meant for something different which I now know was photography!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
So far so good, i cant complain much as i feel I’m making the right choices as far as my work is concerned. I have a lot of thanks to give to my family for always believing in me, As well as my amazing partner, who always seems to have the answers I’m looking for and for continually supporting me both mentally and creatively. My workplace Humble Camera Center, will always be a huge help in my endeavors as i can definitely say working for a Film lab – Camera store definitely helps streamline a lot of my needs for my work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As I said before, I am a film photographer with a heavy emphasis on documentary photography.
To summarize my style in my own words, it involves having a deeper understanding of the subjects or places I photograph. In practice, I’m essentially dipping in and out as I take photos along the way. I never overstay my welcome, but I still take the time to observe, analyze, and put myself in my subjects’ shoes.
Having that deeper understanding of your subject is key because you can take that information and apply it to the composition and portrayal of the photograph. For example, if you look at my work, you’ll notice that it consists of many photos of my family members, specifically my only niece and youngest nephew. Partially living with them and seeing them on a day-to-day basis allows me to capture moments that would otherwise go unnoticed.
This also has a big effect on the film and cameras I use, which is just another reason I’m obsessed with film photography and cameras in general. No two cameras or film stocks are the same, allowing for an almost endless combination of looks and feels in photographs, which I adore.
I would definitely say my proudest moment was creating my first zine, titled Butterfly Baby, after my niece, whom you see consistently throughout my work. She was the catalyst that started my journey toward wanting to capture these moments I hold dear to me.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Hard work and dedication, i feel I’ve been blessed with a gift and aptitude to be able to capture the moments i want. Being consistent and never giving up on yourself is key in my end goal of being the best photographer i can possibly be.
Also keeping it real and showing people respect is a big thing for me. Lifting other to lift you is pretty much what I’m all about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mokennekom.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mokennekom/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tommypastramy
