The Rise of a Hall of Fame Photographer

In the world of equine photography, few names shine as brightly as that of Dave Landry. A celebrated figure in the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Dave shares the illustrious honor with his brother, Rob Landry, a celebrated jockey. Their unique pairing as Hall of Fame siblings stands out in a sport where such a phenomenon is rare.

Dave’s journey is a testament to passion and dedication. He was introduced to horses as a child, thanks to his father who took him to watch races at Woodbine. Inspired by the legendary Michael Burns, Sr.'s photography at the finish line, a young Dave picked up a Minolta XGM camera at just 15 years old, marking the beginning of his dual journey with horses and photography. "I loved the thrill of racing," he recalls, "and capturing that excitement felt natural."

The Inspiration Behind the Lens

Rob, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014, has had a storied career in the saddle, including significant victories like the Queen’s Plate and the Alabama. “Watching my brother excel motivated me to hone my own skills behind the lens,” Dave reflects. With a firm belief in continuous improvement, he pursued formal education, graduating with a BA in photographic technology from Ryerson University in 1988, before focusing on equine photography.

Refining Photography Techniques

Dave's ascent in the field was aided by his work with Winfield's Farm, where he refined his techniques and developed his eye for conformation photography. "It’s a whole different craft compared to action shots. It demands not just skill, but also a deep understanding of a horse's behavior," he states. Patience is key—as is the ability to read a horse’s body language and influence it calmly. He learned the art of getting horses to pose beautifully from icons in the field, including tips that might seem unorthodox but prove effective, like using sound recordings to catch a horse’s attention.

Memorable Moments and Transitioning Careers

Over the years, Dave has immortalized countless equines, but two standout moments involve stars at Tara Hills Farm. "Green Manalishi [S] was exceptional, and you'll rarely see a horse like Muscle Mass stand still in perfect conformation like a statue," he reminisces.

Transitioning from thoroughbred to harness racing photography, thanks to a fortuitous call from HRU editor Dave Briggs, marked another pivotal moment in Dave’s career. Since then, he has evolved not only as a photographer but also contributed to the publication's production side, overcoming challenges associated with demanding hours.

Capturing Legendary Horses

Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of capturing moments with incredible horses, including the legendary Moni Maker during her record-setting trial. "That day was magical," he recalls. "I'll never forget the images I captured as she retired from racing, highlighting the bond between horse and groom."

Respect for Horsemen

Dave also holds immense respect for horsemen in the sport, particularly Jimmy Takter, who he hails as the greatest trainer he has ever met. He extends his admiration to other legends like John Campbell and Sandy Hawley, praising not only their skills but their character.

A Hall of Fame Induction

Inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2018, Dave recognizes the role of The Canadian Sportsman magazine and the support of peers like Dave Briggs and Gary Foerster in his journey. “Receiving this honor with my brother by my side was surreal. The speech I made that evening remains one of my proudest moments.”

A Legacy That Resonates

As we celebrate Dave Landry’s remarkable legacy, it's clear that his love for horses, mastery of photography, and commitment to the sport have crafted an inspiring narrative that will resonate for generations to come. His story stands as a powerful reminder of how passion and hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements within the vibrant world of horse racing.