Woodford Reserve Sweepstakes Ad

The Woodford Reserve Sweepstakes ad we shot in collaboration with Creative Alliance for the 2012 Derby. Just came across it... Better late than never I suppose!

Photography by Andrew Kung Photography www.andrewkung.com

The Ky Derby Post Position Drawing 2012 at Churchill Downs

Hello everyone! This post is long overdue, as I have been getting so busy lately that it has been hard to keep up! But I will try harder, I promise... and better late than never right?!


 A huge highlight from last month was having huge honor of participating in the 2012 KY Derby Post Position Drawing at Churchill Downs. This is the moment when the number of each horse is randomly drawn from a cup and the horses are giving their starting gate for the big race on Derby Day! If you don't know much about horse racing, all gates aren't created equal, and some horses do better in different areas, so it can be an intense event! After the number is drawn, a replica of the horses silks is hung (traditionally, by the owners) on a wall under the gate number that was chosen. The event is national and is broadcast on NBC Sports as well as other news stations everywhere! 






This year, I had the fantastic job of hanging the silks for the drawing. It was my first experience with national television, and when I arrived to get ready I was completely blinded by all the lights! I could hardly contain my excitement as I saw every incredible news anchors and esteemed horse trainers that I had ever wanted to meet - all right there in one place! It was such fun learning how live television works on a national level. 


 While I was somewhat anxious about what to expect before we went live, once we went on air I fell extremely calm and had so much fun! I would look out at the thousands of people and see the many familiar faces of people I knew looking back at me. Even though I may have been a stranger to them, they were no strangers to me. I grew up watching them on television and listening to all the latest news. It made smile and feel very comfortable to be surrounded by individuals who have made such an impact throughout all of our lives, and a lot of them have made history throughout the years!


Kentucky is an wonderful state. We have so much pride for our horse industry. It is a part of all of us and is in our blood from the time we are children. It was an honor to have such amazing roles in this year's Derby events. Modeling for the 2012 Derby Ad campaign and hanging the Silks during the Post Position Drawing has been a dream for this proud KY girl, and I hope that the future holds more. Thank you so much to Churchill Downs, I love you guys!

Photos courtesy of Allie Filley for Andrew Kung Photography

Churchill Downs Derby 2012 National Ad Campaign

It was a frigid morning in December that the sunny, faux-spring Derby ad photoshoot was scheduled at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville KY. I arrived before the sun had risen between the twin spires and frost was still covering the rooftops. I was concerned as I got my first look at the cute little silk dress that I would be wearing throughout the entire day in different sets throughout the park. I knew that I was going to freeze for hours and that there was absolutely nothing I could do to get around it. And most importantly, I had to look HAPPY about it. (One of those moments when you would just about punch anyone who makes fun of modeling as an occupation! Haha)

We shot the first scene in the paddock just as the sun was rising above the rooftops. I was able to work with the beautiful racehorse "Terror Me Slew" (get it? Say it all together!) who was in love with my Derby hat and kept nuzzling it the whole time as I held on tight to her reigns. It was adorable. She was breathtaking, and surprisingly... cooperative! Oh, how I love the unpredictability of working with

animals! Andrew Kung Photography and crew knocked those shots out of the park despite numb toes and fingertips.


The second scene was shot out on the racetrack in a similar style. Unfortunately for me, I had no idea that the cold I had experienced in the paddock was only amplified by wind gusts out on the track! The wind hit my bare skin like needles. My hat kept flying off of my head and the new racehorse used for that set was ready to RUN! I can't blame him!

The fantastic ladies at Churchill Downs were awesome and kept throwing blankets on me between takes. Their entire staff was so wonderful and thoughtful. I am incredibly indebted to them for my survival without getting pneumonia! Even despite the temperatures, I had a blast! I am realizing that I enjoy challenges. :)

Andrew Kung Photography did an impeccable job. Working with them is an outstanding experience. I wish everyone could be so professional! www.andrewkung.com

The ad has recently appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 2012 as well as the back cover of

Bloodhorse Magazine and will appear in People Magazine in April, so keep an eye out for it!

It was an honor to be part of such a beautiful, national ad campaign which embodied the spirit of Derby and the pride of Kentucky. I feel so lucky and

very blessed!
Thank you to Churchill Downs, Andrew Kung Photography and Creative Alliance for making it a great experience! I can't wait to see even more exciting things that get released from that day's production.

Stay tuned for more news soon!

Happy moment: Enjoying a sucker during a break while awaiting my second frigid set out on the track