Delta State news writer/photographer Rory Doyle (right) was paid a visit by Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant June 12 at the Mississippi Rising: Emerging Artists gallery in New York City. One of Delta State’s staff members was recently showcased in “Mississippi Rising: Emerging Artists” for his work in photography.
Rory Doyle, news writer/photographer in the office of Communications and Marketing, attended the opening at The National Arts Club in Manhattan, where four of his photos were on display in the New York City gallery.
“The curator for the exhibit was impressed with a photo I made of steel wool burning in the alley by Mosquito Burrito. They recruited me for the show and then asked to include three additional photos,” said Doyle, who also shoots fine art and freelance photography.
Doyle joined the Communications and Marketing staff last August after graduating from Delta State and then writing and photographing for The Bolivar Commercial. The Delta area has impacted his style of photography.
“Many times I feel like I’m in a different country living here. I grew up in Maine, and the perspective of life is drastically different. I love it here though — I am always interested in driving the backroads, exploring the little towns and meeting the unique and diverse population. I’ve learned to appreciate the little things while looking for photo ops. There is beauty in the simplicity of the Delta.
“I like the challenge of trying to put a creative twist on every photo I make. Some environments are definitely more challenging than others. Each photo is an opportunity to document how I saw that moment through the lens, and I like to do that in a method that goes beyond point and shoot,” said Doyle.
The Delta State family takes pride in its employees, and Doyle has been an asset to many different areas on campus throughout this past year.
“The fun part about being the photographer for Delta State is I get to interact with remarkable people. We have exceptional people that work here, study here and visit here — and they all bring something to share. I appreciate the connections I form just by making their photos.”
Doyle said that his most memorable image captured at Delta State so far was one he took before he started working here. In a story for the newspaper, he interviewed President LaForge shortly after he took over for the university. With the article, he published a photo of LaForge in his office along with a large collection of his green ties spread across his desk. The photo and story were picked up by the Associated Press and even made it into newspapers as far away as New Jersey.
“There are so many great programs here it’s difficult to capture the university in one image. And the physical campus itself, I also find it difficult to nail down in one image. The people are what make Delta State so special. The series of photos called Humans of #photOKRAphy has undoubtably been the best way to introduce some substance about the Delta State experience. I update this series multiple times throughout the week on Delta State Facebook and Instagram,” said Doyle.
In his trip to New York City, he covered the annual New York-Mississippi picnic in Central Park where members of the Alumni Association were representing Delta State. Doyle captured a miniature Fighting Okra in images throughout his trip.
“It was a true honor having my work exhibited in New York City. I had a blast attending the gallery and I feel very fortunate to be associated the other young Mississippi artists featured in the show. I’m thrilled to be working at Delta State, and I know first-hand as a staff member and alumnus, this university brings so much opportunity to the people who make up the prideful green and white.”
