SVA alumnus on the ground on Louisville's biggest day
Jerm Cohen (BFA 2014 Photography) offers a first person account of his behind the lens experience at this year's Kentucky Derby (slideshow below):
"I found out less than a month before the Kentucky Derby that I was going on assignment to shoot a social media campaign for one the sponsors, GH Mumm. I didn’t look into the event before going, I was not dressed for the part, and didn't really know what I was getting into. It was a first for me to be at the Derby, or even in the state of Kentucky, and I immediately noticed was how different the people were. Being from NYC, it was an immense change of characteristics and style which prompted me to want to document it all with my camera.
The horse races lasted all day and I had some spare time. I didn’t waste a second—I started meeting spectators and taking their portraits. I had to get the guts to go up to them, strike up a conversation and then ask to photograph them. They had an energy and style I had never witnessed. Their clothing, hats and personalities gave me a fresh perspective on this classic event."
To see more of Cohen's photos from the 2016 Kentucky Derby, click here. And follow him on Instagram @jerm_cohen.