Behind the Lens

Behind the Lens: Dan Dry's Iconic Derby Moments

This exhibit features curated photography from the one and only Dan Dry. Incredible imagery showcasing the Derby captured throughout the 46 years he's been a member of the Churchill Downs Official Kentucky Derby Photo Team. Not just images you might have seen published and printed, but some fun, unique never-before seen images that tell the story of Derby from the Backside to the workers to the festivities of the day itself.

Get to know
DAN DRY

Dan Dry is an award-winning photographer with over 50 years of experience. As Managing Director of PriceWeber’s Creative Content Studio, he leads a team of creatives and produces content for national and international clients. Dan has earned over 500 awards across photography, advertising, and design, including being named NPPA Newspaper Photographer of the Year and induction into the Communications Hall of Fame at Ohio University, his alma mater.

A long-standing member of the Churchill Downs Official Kentucky Derby Photo Team, Dan has photographed the Derby 46 times. He has also published 25 coffee table books and captured every cover for Food & Dining Magazine for over two decades. Previously, Dan was part of the Pulitzer Prize-winning photography team at The Courier-Journal and spent eight years as a contract photographer for National Geographic.

Dan has served as a judge for creative competitions, mentored students, and supported non-profits through his work and donations. He and his family recently donated his extensive photo archive, valued at $4.1 million, to Ohio University.