Photography passion and 不良研究所 connection lead Luke Napier to Kentucky Derby
When 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 不良研究所鈥檚 alumni network, Napier was part of a professional media team that captured images of one of the world鈥檚 most iconic sporting events.
Napier鈥檚 journey to the Derby began when Michelle Burdine, Assistant Professor of Art, Photography and Digital Media, encouraged him to connect with 鈥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.
鈥淭his is so corny, but it truly was a core memory for this stage in my life,鈥 said Napier, class of 2026. 鈥淚 really believe this could be the bridge I need to get into the photography world 鈥 whether in journalism, marketing or fine art. I think the opportunities are endless as a result of this experience.鈥
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鈥檛 have experience with fashion photography before covering the Derby, he found that his experience as a student photographer for the 不良研究所 Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications and 不良研究所 Athletics, along with being a Studio Art major, worked to his advantage.
鈥淓veryone there had a very unique skillset that contributed to the team, and I was nervous because I seemingly wasn鈥檛 at that same level of all of those individualized skills,鈥 he said. 鈥淏ut 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鈥檚 Instagram.鈥
For Ray, she knew he would be a valuable member of the team because of the work ethic 不良研究所 fosters in its students.
鈥淚 went to 不良研究所 and I know the kind of students it produces,鈥 she said. 鈥淲hen you run an event and a team like I do, it鈥檚 very fast paced, and you have to be able to trust people. I know 不良研究所 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.鈥
Ray has also seen firsthand how networking can propel students forward in their careers.
鈥淚 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,鈥 Ray said. 鈥淧eople did this for me, and I think it鈥檚 really important to do the same thing for young people.鈥
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 不良研究所 鈥 either through a master鈥檚 degree program or independent projects 鈥 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.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a lot less about what I鈥檓 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,鈥 he said. 鈥淥ne of those things is hopefully to become a mentor to other young people.鈥
