Bill Straus, Lexington, KY

photography

A native of Lexington, KY, Bill Straus is recognized as a premier equine photographer. His interest in photography began shortly after his 1972 graduation from Western Kentucky University. He worked in TV and advertising, and then began his own business in 1978.

His photograph of Affirmed in the 1978 Kentucky Derby launched Bill's equine career. He has photographed every Derby since, along with many other major races around the country. Since 1981 he has been the official publicity photographer for Keeneland Race Course in Lexington.

Bill's photographs have appeared on more than 250 magazine covers, including 63 for The Thoroughbred Record. His works have been included in, among others, Sports Illustrated,The Blood-Horse, Lexington Magazine, Keeneland Magazine, and Pacemaker (England).

In 1984 Bill was honored with the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Photography in Thoroughbred Racing for his photo of the dramatic finish of the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Classic. He has also received the 1986 George B. Featherston Photojournalism Award for continuing excellence in equine photography.

Bill's photographs can be found at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, Berea, KY and the Keeneland Race Course, Lexington, KY.