Dan Dry donates photography collection to OHIO Libraries

When it comes to being a Bobcat, photographer Dan Dry is “as proud as they come.” The born-and-raised Athens native attended Ohio University as a photojournalism student and has since made it a priority to stay actively engaged with his alma mater.

His latest endeavor in giving back to the University he holds so close is significant: This year, Dry—along with his wife, Margaret Dry, and their daughters—gifted to OHIO a career-spanning collection of photographs to honor the place that he said has shaped his life and career to date.

The Dan Dry Collection, as it will be known, is valued at approximately $4.1 million and contains more than 50 years’ worth of Dry’s work, focusing on everything from his family and work with various newspapers to images he captured during his 30-year tenure as director of the Kentucky Derby photo team. The collection chronicles Dry’s life and, by extension, provides a significant glimpse into Athens and OHIO history.

“When I look back on everything that is in that collection, it is so many memories that I want to share,” Dry said. “It’s a legacy that I wanted to share with the community and the University that has made me into the professional person that I am today.”

Laura Smith, photo archivist and curator of the Documentary Photography Archive in the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections at Ohio University Libraries, is leading the work to organize, describe and make accessible Dry’s work. Once processed, the collection will be open to anyone with an interest in photography or the subjects captured by Dry’s lens. 

“We are honored that Dan has entrusted us with his collection as part of the Documentary Photography Archive,” said Dean of Libraries Rob Ross. “As an early adopter of digital photography, Dan’s collection not only contains incredible images spanning his award-winning career, but it also documents technical and professional changes in photographic practice. We look forward to seeing students, faculty and the community engage with this exciting collection.”

Dry studied under the late professor emeritus Chuck Scott, MSJ ’70, and professor emeritus Terry Eiler, BFA ’66, MFA ’69, who co-founded the Institute of Visual Communication (now the School of Visual Communication in the Scripps College of Communication). Inspired by their tremendous influence in his life, Dry hopes his generous gift will help other students have equally impactful experiences.

At OHIO, Dry worked as chief photographer for local newspaper The Athens Messenger, held two internships with National Geographic, frequently freelanced for other publications, and earned top honors in the photojournalism category of the Hearst National Journalism Awards Championship.

Over the course of his career, Dry has won more than 500 national and international photography, advertising and design awards, making him one of the nation’s most awarded photographers. His accolades include NPPA Newspaper Photographer of the Year and induction into the Ohio Communications Hall of Fame at Ohio University.

“Dan Dry is an extraordinary example of what an OHIO education can inspire—his remarkable career includes work that spans both photojournalism and commercial photography,” said Scripps Dean Scott Titsworth. “Having his collection at Ohio University will provide a tremendous resource for students and faculty, as they exemplify the power of images in compelling storytelling. We are incredibly grateful for his support and look forward to honoring his legacy through this exceptional collection.”

In addition to his 30-year run as director of the Kentucky Derby photography team, Dry was the director of photography for the Breeders’ Cup in Del Mar, California, for 31 years. He currently works at PriceWeber as managing director of the Creative Content Studio.

“I perform at the level that I perform at because of my roots, and every section of my roots,” Dry said, referring to not only his hometown and alma mater, but every group or team he is or has been a part of.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to wake up and do what I love—photography—every day since I was 15 years old,” Dry said. “I have just been so blessed in my life, and I want to share that in every way that I can.”

An exhibit featuring portions of the newly acquired collection will be on view in The VisCom Focus Gallery in Schoonover Center from Nov. 7 through Nov. 29. Contact Laura Smith for more information about accessing the collection through the Mahn Center.