Becca Torncello displays a print version of her “Three-Man Hill” images, also seen on a computer monitor, that will appear in “Nature State of Mind: SUNY Students Reflect on the Environment.”
Photographs of “Three-Man Hill” taken by Becca Torncello will soon have a SUNY-sized audience in “Nature State of Mind.”
Ms. Torncello’s three-stage photograph, or triptych – three individual images combined to tell a story when viewed together – depicts SUNY Fredonia’s signature sculpture. It will be published in “Nature State of Mind: SUNY Students Reflect on the Environment.”
“It felt like it was a good spot, recognizable by anyone on the campus or in the community,” Torncello said of the location. The sculpture’s actual name is “Words.”
The goal of the student-produced book, Torncello explained, “is to showcase a collection of student writing, art and photography that celebrates an appreciation for the natural world surrounding SUNY campuses.”
The three photographs were taken with a Fujifilm XS-20 camera from approximately the same spot – one each during summer, winter and spring seasons – so, when mounted in succession, they collectively reveal the transition of the seasons on campus. They were originally taken for ARTS 356: Photographic Narrative.
Torncello learned of the planned art book in a course taught by SUNY Distinguished Professor Timothy Frerichs. “He always keeps telling us, keeping us up to date with all the cool and important art opportunities. He told the class about it, and I submitted to it,” she said.
“Pretty exciting” is how the senior Visual Arts and New Media major from Schenectady, NY, describes having her photography accepted for an artbook that will showcase the work of students across the SUNY system. It also dovetails with her career plans.
“Photography is definitely what I want my career to be; my concentration in Visual Arts and New Media is Photography, and my goal is to become a professional photographer,” the graduate of Scotia-Glenville High School said. Torncello enrolled at SUNY Fredonia to study theatre but changed majors in her sophomore year.
Her faculty adviser, Associate Professor Steve Komp, described Torncello as an excellent photographer who excels in many different areas of the medium and is now concentrating on sports photography.
“She is making stunning work this semester. She is a dedicated and driven student who is truly a pleasure to work with. I have no doubt she is going to go on to do great things.” - Associate Professor Steve Komp
“As a former photojournalist, I can attest that shooting sports is one of the most difficult types of photography,” Mr. Komp said. “She is making stunning work this semester. She is a dedicated and driven student who is truly a pleasure to work with. I have no doubt she is going to go on to do great things.”
Torncello became interested in photography in middle school, when she began taking pictures of her brother’s baseball games.
She’s taken advantage of numerous campus photography opportunities, serving as The Leader’s sports photographer and as an intern last semester in the Department of Athletics and Recreation. The experience of photographing virtually all phases of Blue Devil athletics evolved into a paid position this semester.
Torncello is easy to work with and understands requirements and deadlines to quickly deliver photos after games, according to Sports Information Director Matt Palisin. Along with home games, Torncello also takes images at Media Days, which can add up to a thousand photos – including headshots, poses and artsy photos with special lighting effects and smoke machines – in one shoot.
“She has helped make it into something teams look forward to doing,” Mr. Palisin commented, referring to Media Day.
“We used her work extensively in our social media and website. I would say that we have arguably the best photography in the conference,” Palisin remarked.
Torncello plans to draw on these experiences to pursue a career as a professional sports photographer. “Major League Baseball or the NBA would be really awesome!”
“I want to thank Tim Frerichs and Steve Komp for their constant support throughout my time here at Fredonia. Tim and Steve are integral parts of the VANM department, and I wouldn’t be the artist I am today without their guidance,” Torncello said.
