Adam Coglianese spends his afternoons behind a lens. Chief photographer for the New York Racing Association for almost 20 years, the Long Island native has captured racing's biggest stars. 

"It keeps me busy 52 weeks throughout the year,” Adam said. “People are of the misconception it's a summertime sport but we work throughout the winter."

Adam and his team photograph each race from a few different angles, following that up with winner's circle celebrations. The images are assembled into a composite for winning owners and trainers to purchase. 

"I love dealing with the people, I love dealing with different owners,” Adam said. “People from all over the world we get to deal with."

Adam was taught by his father Bob.

"After college, I would go to the track in the afternoons to start my apprenticeship with my dad and he taught me everything I know," Adam said. "There's a technique in photographing horses and it's called ‘panning’ and my dad taught me how to pan correctly. I'm able to go the same speed as the horse."

Bob Coglianese, who also ran NYRA's photo shop, took pictures of champions for more 60 years, starting in 1952. 

"He saw Native Dancer break his maiden, he's seen Kelso, he's seen Secretariat, three Triple Crown winners in a decade," Adam said.

Adam has captured more than a few legends his own lens. 

"I treat every day like a big day but there have been times when I've got caught up,” Adam said. “When I saw Rachel Alexandra win here, when I saw American Pharoah win the Belmont Stakes, those days are wild."

His work takes him to Belmont, Aqueduct, and Florida's Gulfstream Park but Adam says one track stands above the rest. 

"Oh Saratoga, you can't beat the light in Saratoga and the scenery is great," Adam said.

Following in his father's footsteps, Adam's work captures the sport's beauty and preserves its rich history. 

"I love to make everybody happy so if I can make every owner happy, and every trainer happy with my pictures, I feel good," Adam said.

On most days, Adam works with a team of two — his main assistant Chelsea Durand and himself — but on the busiest afternoons like Travers Day, they will approach a dozen photographers.

To see our coverage of Saratoga's racing season, click here.