A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
"There is just something special about stepping behind a camera and taking a picture," says Troy Herring, a freshman visual communications major at Mount Olive College. 
"When you take a photograph, you show people the way you see the world and its subjects."
Although Herring is artistically talented in a variety of mediums, photography is his true passion. Herring also plays the saxophone and guitar, paints and designs digital artwork.
"One of the biggest reasons why photography is my favorite form of art is because it captures time and its people in the truest form," he said. "Unlike some other types of art, when you see a photograph, you usually do not have to try and guess the meaning or emotion because it is in plain sight. So there is no thought, only reaction and emotional response to the subject, which makes photographs priceless."
Herring's love of photography started at an early age. His dad, Steve Herring, a writer with the Goldsboro News Argus and an MOC alumnus and avid Trojan fan, remembers his son's first camera.
"Troy's first cameras were the disposable ones," Steve recalls. "He enjoyed taking photos of his pets and snow."
Herring later advanced to a digital camera, and by his sophomore year at Southern Wayne High School he was taking photos of everything in sight. Along with art, Herring has developed a deep interest in sports of any kind. Combining his love for sports and photography, Herring can most often be found taking photos at MOC sporting events. Whether in the end zone snapping basketball photos in Kornegay Arena or over by first base shooting baseball photos at Scarborough Field, Herring is in his element.
"There is nothing I would rather be doing than covering a game at the College," he said.
In addition to photographing MOC sporting events, Herring also takes photos for the yearbook and The Trojan Times, the College's online student news source.
"When I draw or take pictures, I completely lose myself," he commented. "I become oblivious to time and space. I have never done a drawing or taken a photograph that did not have a piece of my life in it. I believe that if you create art that has no meaning or self importance to you, then why waste your time?"
Experience has taught Herring a lot about photography and so has his dad.
"The biggest tip my dad ever gave me was to always pay attention, especially in sports," Herring stated. "He has always told me to keep both eyes open to be able to focus on both the subject and the play that is at hand."
It is advice that has served Herring well. "I have been able to avoid line drive foul balls and being run over by basketball players thanks to my dad's advice," he smiled.
Now, fully engaged in the MOC Department of Art and Visual Communication, Herring plans to hone his skills even further.
"I love the art department at MOC," Herring commented. "To be able to meet other people who aspire to be an artist and have a love for the arts is very rewarding. Being able to immerse yourself in the different art techniques of fellow art and visual communications majors really exposes you to styles of art that you may have never experienced before, which in return helps you develop and make your artwork more complete. Also, the professors in the art department are great. They are there when you need help with a project or when you need tips for making your art better. Professors Bob Murray, Larry Lean and Cheryl Hooks are always open-minded to new ideas."
Herring's professors are mutually excited about his coming to MOC to major in visual communications.
"In addition to his outstanding fine arts work, Troy's presence in our department has created excitement within our photography program," stated Cheryl Hinton Hooks, chair of the Department of Art and Visual Communication. "His apparent wide range of skills and interests along with his proven leadership in the drawing and painting classes has brought him to the forefront among students in our program. He is disciplined, willing to search for new ideas and approaches all his projects with an open-mindedness that is refreshing. Many of his works will be on display in our spring student exhibition beginning April 1st. I believe he has only begun to impress us!"
The Student Art Exhibit is on display until September 4.
For more information about the Art and Visual Communication Department at Mount Olive College, contact Chair Cheryl Hooks at 919-658-2502 or visit
www.moc.edu.
