In celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, we’re thrilled to introduce Cody Hammer, a Cherokee Nation citizen, Professional Photographer, and Filmmaker. Cody’s work is a stunning blend of storytelling and artistry, capturing the beauty, resilience, and rich cultural heritage of Native peoples. Through his lens, he invites us to experience powerful moments of connection with the land, history, and traditions that show more aspects of Indigenous life. We are honored to share Cody’s photos, each a tribute to the strength and spirit of his community, as we come together to celebrate and honor Indigenous Peoples Day.
"Osage Straight Dancer"
This photo was honestly the start of the Tallgrass Prairie portraits for me. This was the photo that told me I was onto something that I truly enjoyed and loved. Photographing people in their world, their mindset and culture. To show native people in a way that I didn’t think there was a lot of. So, I dedicate this photo to giving me the direction of my visual story telling.
"Be Heard"
This came from the idea of things being passed down from generation to generation. The hand drum the boy is playing was his grandfather’s when he was young now he his holding it. To me it’s a pure moment that I am always happy to be a part of to capture. Also, the boy is my nephew.
"Eyes Tell the Story"
This was golden hour on the Prairie in Pawhuska Oklahoma. Wasn’t really a planned shot, but Emma the dancer just had a quiet nature about her and every time she would look at me her eyes would talk. She had the idea of putting her fan in front of her face and I lined up the composition and the rest is history. Probably one of my favorite shots ever.
"In Memory"
This photo was a collab with a recent friend Jack “Pearl Snap” Jackson. Wanted to mix Native and urban style and we did that. Jack has since passed on and I did not know him that well, but he treated me like we have always known each other and I will always remember that. Our goal was to bring two worlds together.
"Passed Down"
Three Generations have worn this blanket before and getting to photograph it was an honor. It's pictured being worn by my daughter, Bravery Hammer, and belonged to her grandmother. The ribbonwork detail is amazing and how well it has been maintained and taken care of speak to me.
"Perfect Line"
You ever just get a photo that you were not expecting? Like, everything just fell into place. This photo was that for me. Watching all the Osage dancers get lined up to walk in the dance arbor. I grabbed one person to focus on and told myself to burst it when he is almost to the middle. Not realizing if anybody else was in focus or if I got a composition that worked. This was the result and I love it.
"Power"
This photo came out just driving on the Tallgrass Prairie in Pawhuska. With it being a reserve for Buffalo sometimes you can get lucky, and they will be close enough but at a safe distance to grab a photo. This was shot from the driver seat out the passenger window and I kinda made a noise for him to turn and just lifted his foot and I got it.
"Spotlight"
I was freelancing for the Osage Nation Sovereignty Day Powwow. This gives me a good opportunity to not only get a variety of different shots but also a variety of different compositions that might work. Placing the dancer at the bottom of the frame and really showing how big the place is with him being the center of attention is what I wanted to create.
"They Follow"
This photo was shot during the Indian Horse Relays in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. This was the youth competition portion. I watched this kid watch his dad warm up prior to his race and the boy was almost rode identical to his dad. It made me realize that they will follow those to make an impact on them.
"Roam"
Every now and then I like to offer a free session to create something powerful. This gives me a chance to try new things and to gift the client photos that they can have. This is me just practicing with intention to stop somebody scrolling on their phone. Just like a buffalo roaming.
Each piece is a 16x24 Moab Entrada Bright Rag Fine Art Print.
"Using Bay Photo, particularly the Moab Entrada, has really pushed my creativity to see what my work looks like on the paper. The prints come out professionally and always stand out on a wall." - Cody Hammer
Special Thanks to Cody!
Cody Hammer is a professional Photographer and Filmmaker based in Oklahoma. In addition to selling prints of his work on Smugmug, he is a member of Cherokee Film - an institute built by Cherokee innovators, storytellers and historians, reclaiming Cherokee and native narratives by increasing representation across film and media. To view more of Cody's work, visit his website and follow him on Instagram.
To learn more about Bay Photo, visit https://bayphoto.com or