KAYLA MYERS

Curls is a photographic work that showcases the process of taking down African box braids. The work is meant to illustrate to viewers the process of black hair care that is frequently misunderstood, but imperative to my own identity as a woman of color.

Wom Crush is a portrait series focused on female identifying people whose creativity and energy I admire greatly. Wom Crush is intended to highlight creative individuals through the medium of photography and to provide examples of outstanding millennial women. 

These photographs include Graduation portrait shoots, personal portrait shoots, and other commercial photography.

Maria in New Orleans, 2018.

Alyssa, Class of 2018 graduate.’

All photos shot on a Canon Rebel T6.

Alyssa, Class of 2018 graduate.

Alyssa, a class of 2018 graduate, sits on the steps of Jesse Hall.

Deja, a class of 2018 graduate.

Deja and Tyler, best friends and graduates.

Alexis, a class of 2018 graduate.

Bridget, Class of 2018 graduate.

Ariel and Jason, Class of 2018 graduates.

Ariel and Jason, Class of 2018 graduates.

Jason, Class of 2018 graduate.

Curls Part II is a poetic documentary focused on four women and their relationship with their hair. Curls is a continuation of work focused on hair, its meanings, internally and culturally, and what that means for women individually. Curls Part II is a companion piece to my photographic project, Curls.

Edited and filmed by Kayla Myers

Music: Come As You Were by Blue Dot Sessions, from Free Music Archive

A short observational documentary showcasing the process of washing, detangling, and twisting black natural hair.

Cinematography and Editing by Kayla Myers

Are You Lonesome, Too? is a short video exploring the feeling of loneliness through three main characters and the use of song and lighting to create mood.

Cinematography and editing by Kayla Myers

Music and Lyrics by Kayla Myers

Inspired by the original Nice for What music video directed by Karena Evans, I, with my collaborator, Derrick, filmed and edited a version of Nice for What with womxn from the University of Missouri. Mizzou Nice for What, similar to the original video, is intended to be a celebration of the amazing, talented womxn that are a part of Mizzou’s campus.

Cinematography by Kayla Myers

Edited by Kayla Myers and Derrick Smalls

Music by Drake

NOTE: I do not own the rights to this song and do not seek to gain any monetary compensation from its use.

As part of the ASH Scholars program, this installation was created as part of a research project entitled the Art of Death with the University of Missouri Honors College with two other digital storytelling students.

This abstract short film was installed and projected as a three-channel installation for the purposes of this research project to examine how people attach death to abstract imagery.

Directed, edited, and filmed by Alyssa Gregory, Rose MC, and Kayla Myers

A young woman goes to a party and begins to confront the disintegration of her relationship. As she partakes in the drugs and alcohol at the party, she experiences a dream-like trip that illustrates the end of their relationship. 

Directed by Olivia Dovorany, Kayla Myers, and Mikki Elliot. 

Cinematography and Editing by Kayla Myers and Olivia Dovorany 

Vacation is a visual interpretation of a Rupi Kaur poem from her book of poetry, Milk and Honey. The viewer is forced to confront the gaze of each woman as audio of the poem plays in the background.

Letters is a short film about a young woman trying to stay connected with her best friend while they’re at separate colleges. Featuring the audio of letters written by actual women, this film focuses on the strength of female friendship.

Directed/Cinematography by Kayla Myers