For more than three decades, world-renowned equine photographer Doug Prather has passionately pursued one goal: capturing the essence of the horse in harmony with nature.

His photographs provide a window to the lush beauty of the Bluegrass, and offer and intimate invitation to surrender yourself to the spirit of the horse and the serenity of the surrounding landscape.

With an artist’s eye for beauty and balance, and a horseman’s understanding of equine anatomy, Doug’s works are treasured by those who appreciate excellence in Thoroughbred art.

Several of his limited edition photographic prints have sold out and have become extremely valuable to collectors, including A NEW BEGINNING, THE TRADITION CONTINUES, A STALLION WINTER, HERITAGE OF THE BLUEGRASS, KENTUCKY SUNRISE, and THE COMING OF SPRING.

Even before he received his Fine Arts degree from Georgetown College in 1973, it was evident that Doug possessed natural talent and the innate ability to create unforgettable photographs and art. In his early twenties, he was hired as the Art Director for the country's largest advertising agency serving the Thoroughbred industry. Over the years his work has received national and international awards, and his photographs have graced the pages of magazines such as Town and Country, Southern Living, Time, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, The Blood-Horse, The Horse, Equestrian, Speedhorse, Thoroughbred Times, Equine Images, Keeneland Magazine , Breeders’ Cup, Farm and Ranch Publications, New Zealand Stallion Register,as well as The Wall Street Journal, Louisville Courier-Journal, Racing Post, USA Today, Daily Racing Form, and The Lexington Herald-Leader.

His very first book, PRIVATE ACCESS- Behind The Gates of America's Premiere Horse Farms and Ranches, won a coveted national First Place Best Pictorial Book of 2006 award at the American Horse Publications Annual Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The first printing of 5,000 books of this remarkable $75.00 retail book have nearly sold out without ever being offered to discount booksellers or offered to internet discount merchants.

Gail Prather, Doug’s wife, is the Director and owner of Red Sky Publishing. Doug says, “I give Gail all the credit for the continuing growth and success of our business.” Their daughters, Lauren and Elyse, are both natural and gifted artists. They each hope to follow in their father’s footsteps and continue Prather legacy in the creative arts. Lauren is a sophomore at the University of Kentucky embarking on majors in journalism and photography. Elyse is a gifted high school sophomore enjoying dance and piano.

Doug Prather is an activemember of AIPS (International Sports Press Association), IAEJ (International Alliance of Equine Journalists), NSSA (National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association), KTFMA (Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association), CPS (Canon Professional Services), NPS (Nikon Professional Services), as well as other national and international photographic and equine related organizations.

Below, Doug with GENUINE RISK, the oldest living Kentucky Derby-winning filly. (Photographed by Buck Moore at Newstead Farm in Upperville, Virginia, in August, 2006). Newstead Farm (along with Genuine Risk) was one of the chapters featured in Doug's national award-winning book PRIVATE ACCESS.

Below, a much younger Doug, always with camera in hand, saying
hello to the Blushing Groom-Track Robbery new born filly (who would be
later named Res Nova) at Hill 'n Dale Farm in Lexington, way back in 1984.

When this picture was taken, Doug had already been creating Thoroughbred
horse advertising art for 12 years.

The next year, in 1985, Doug would create the first in his signature equine lithographic
prints "Kentucky Morning Turnout" for which he has become world famous and
and others have poorly attempted to copy.