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Louisville, Ky. native William DeShazer has a first-hand account of what Derby Day means to native Kentuckians. His whole family would sit around the small television, eyes glued to the pageantry of the spectators. While he never attended the race as a child, William, who is now based in Nashville, Tenn., returns to his hometown annually to capture the atmosphere of the Kentucky Derby. His images of derby city were recently featured on aPhotoEditor‘s “The Art of the Personal Project”, a column by contributing editor Suzanne Sease, where she shares projects that let potential buyers see how photographers think creatively on their own.
In his artist statement, William remembers the anticipation of the city leading up to the first Saturday in May, feeling it matched the energy of waiting for Christmas Day. His family would throw parties on the day of the Derby, yet he notes that what drew them together around the TV was the atmosphere and flair of those in attendance, more than the two minutes of horse racing.
The city of Louisville came together through fireworks displays, parades, airshows, hot air balloons, and elaborate decor all to celebrate the Derby.
Those at the party were drawn to the array of people with big fluffy hats dressed in their Sunday best or some who donned funny and eye-catching garments. Prior to the start of the race, they’d scan the crowd of cheering spectators hoping to see a celebrity in attendance. Yet for William, the real-life experience of walking the fields around Churchill Downs was incomparable and he’s made a point to return every year since 2014.
Attending the Derby in person is like anything. You see it on television, but you’re missing out on the sights and sounds. Everyone should go at least once in their lifetime.
In his years witnessing the day’s events, William has discovered how to navigate unpredictable factors like inclement weather — rain, or shine the race goes on! Many of the attendees are usually relaxing with alcoholic beverages, which William feels can lead to some interesting candid shots. However, during a hot day in Kentucky, he knows it helps to drink water, use a hat for shade, and wear comfortable shoes as he treads the 115 acres of land.
There are always challenges when it comes to a chaotic one-day event. The enormity of the crowds can be overwhelming and it’s a lot of ground to cover so you have to be prepared.
William’s commercial photography work is very different from this project but he also has a background in photojournalism, and he applies elements of visual storytelling throughout all of his work. He previously shot images of the Derby for the Courier-Journal in Louisville, KY when he was working there in college, though William feels he’s learned a great deal since that initial shoot.
My background is in photojournalism so documentary work is ingrained in me, yet I use my expertise in brand narrative storytelling to showcase the experience.
Each time he is back at the racetrack, William uncovers some new aspect of the event that better prepares him for the next Derby. As he meets with different people and navigates the extensive area of the grounds, he expands his understanding of this grand spectacle and slowly pieces a comprehensive story year after year.
I learn something every time I cover the Derby, especially how to manage my time through a one-day event. It all helps make the next year a little less chaotic.
When William reviews the images from his Derby series, he sees the gaps in the narrative, and how he can fill that part of the story to make his visual essay a stronger tale. He hopes that people will see this work as an example of showcasing a known event beyond its face value. William’s project explores the thousands who support the Kentucky Derby, and he feels that no matter the event, there is always more to be seen, explored, and experienced.
My favorite part of the project is getting to be a part of the biggest event that my hometown has. It’s a great feeling to be a part of the Derby each year.
Photographer: William DeShazer
Editors: Rob Haggart, Suzanne Sease