ABOVE // Kyli Hammond, untitled photo collage published in OWJ vol. 4: Fall 2023; RIGHT // Kyli Hammond directing a photo shoot in November 2023, for the Oklahoma Women’s Journal;
I was lucky enough to participate in two cover photoshoots for the Oklahoma Women’s Journal. What stood out to me most was how on fire Kyli was when doing what she loved. For the cover of volume one, a group of about 20 women met in a field off the expressway in Piedmont. The theme for this volume was the body issue. All the “models” got vulnerable in our underwear and painted our bodies with bright colors to draw attention to areas we were self-conscious about. It made us feel like we were wearing war paint as we stood on haybales and ran through wheat fields to symbolize that our bodies are as unique, diverse and beautiful as the Earth. Kyli used her camera lenses as an extension of the beauty she saw in us. Making sure everyone felt safe to express ourselves, she was the ultimate hype woman.
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When I participated in the cover shoot for volume two at Martin Nature Park, the vibe was more relaxed, taking on the energy of close friends laughing and enjoying a fall evening, even though most of us had never met before. Kyli was a one-woman show—shooting, directing, and encouraging everyone. Her awesome partner Kayla was her only backup, and I’m so grateful for the Kayla’s behind-the-scenes footage of Kyli working her magic because they are my favorite memories of her. She was so insanely happy and fully immersed. You could tell there was no other place for her to be. She was meant for this. I sent an open call for artwork to those who participated in OWJ’s last volume, which came out in December of 2023. I wanted to have one last call for submissions to honor