Photography passion and Centre connection lead Luke Napier to Kentucky Derby
When Luke Napier arrived at Churchill Downs to cover the 151st Kentucky Derby, he had a camera and an opportunity that could shape his future.
Thanks to a connection made through Centre College’s alumni network, Napier was part of a professional media team that captured images of one of the world’s most iconic sporting events.
Napier’s journey to the Derby began when Michelle Burdine, Assistant Professor of Art, Photography and Digital Media, encouraged him to connect with Maggie Ray ’05, a consultant in branding and social media strategy in the athletics industry. After a Zoom call, Ray invited Napier to join her media team covering the Derby.
“This is so corny, but it truly was a core memory for this stage in my life,” said Napier, class of 2026. “I really believe this could be the bridge I need to get into the photography world — whether in journalism, marketing or fine art. I think the opportunities are endless as a result of this experience.”
From Wednesday to Saturday, he worked with professional photographers, capturing the fashion and races. He was taken under the wing of the head photographer to learn what photos to look for and how to pose people, but he was widely encouraged to incorporate his own style into the photos.
Napier quickly learned that the team was seeking marketing shots and photos that would appeal to a broad customer base.
Though he didn’t have experience with fashion photography before covering the Derby, he found that his experience as a student photographer for the Centre Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications and Centre Athletics, along with being a Studio Art major, worked to his advantage.
“Everyone there had a very unique skillset that contributed to the team, and I was nervous because I seemingly wasn’t at that same level of all of those individualized skills,” he said. “But because I had so much experience in different areas and a well-rounded portfolio, I was able to hold my own and eventually get some shots on the Kentucky Derby’s Instagram.”
For Ray, she knew he would be a valuable member of the team because of the work ethic Centre fosters in its students.
“I went to Centre and I know the kind of students it produces,” she said. “When you run an event and a team like I do, it’s very fast paced, and you have to be able to trust people. I know Centre produces really good students, so I knew without even knowing him that Luke would be a good fit and be able to execute what we needed from him.”
Ray has also seen firsthand how networking can propel students forward in their careers.
“I was in their place, and I got to where I am today because of internships, volunteer opportunities and getting my foot in the door. Most career advancement in business is based on networking and who you know,” Ray said. “People did this for me, and I think it’s really important to do the same thing for young people.”
Napier expressed his gratitude for the photography mentorship and opportunities he has received as a student. Like Ray, he hopes to one day pay it forward.
He plans to continue photography after Centre — either through a master’s degree program or independent projects — and eventually wants to become a photography professor. Wherever his career path leads, Napier is keen to continue passing along the lessons he has learned to future generations.
“It’s a lot less about what I’m photographing for me, and just making sure I am staying true to what I believe and what I want to do with my life based on those values,” he said. “One of those things is hopefully to become a mentor to other young people.”
