SUNY Showcase Features Captivating ‘Three-Man Hill’ Photography by Local Student

Becca Torncello showcases a printed version of her “Three-Man Hill” photographs, which are also displayed on a computer screen, that will feature in “Nature State of Mind: SUNY Students Reflect on the Environment.”

Images of “Three-Man Hill” captured by State University of New York at Fredonia student Rebecca “Becca” Torncello are about to be presented to a SUNY-sized audience in “Nature State of Mind.”

The triptych created by Torncello—comprising three distinct photographs amalgamated to narrate a story when seen together—illustrates the signature sculpture of SUNY Fredonia. It will be featured in “Nature State of Mind: SUNY Students Reflect on the Environment.”

“It seemed like a prominent location, familiar to anyone on campus or in the surrounding community,” Torncello remarked about the site. The actual title of the sculpture is “Words.”

The aim of the student-created publication, Torncello clarified, “is to highlight an assortment of student writing, art, and photography that appreciates the natural environment surrounding SUNY campuses.”

The three photographs were snapped with a Fujifilm XS-20 camera from nearly the same viewpoint—one taken each during summer, winter, and spring seasons—so when displayed sequentially, they collectively illustrate the shift of the seasons on campus. They were initially captured for ARTS 356: Photographic Narrative.

Torncello discovered the forthcoming art book during a class led by SUNY Distinguished Professor Timothy Frerichs. “He consistently informs us, keeping us in the loop about all the exciting and significant art opportunities. He mentioned it to the class, and I decided to submit my work,” she noted.

“Extremely thrilling” is how the senior studying Visual Arts and New Media from Schenectady, NY, describes having her photographic work accepted for an artbook that features the creativity of students throughout the SUNY network. This aligns with her career aspirations.

“Photography is definitely my career path; my focus in Visual Arts and New Media is Photography, with the aim of becoming a professional photographer,” stated the Scotia-Glenville High School alumna. Torncello initially enrolled at SUNY Fredonia to study theatre but switched majors in her second year.

Her faculty mentor, Associate Professor Steve Komp, characterized Torncello as an outstanding photographer who excels in various aspects of the medium and is now focusing on sports photography.

“As a past photojournalist, I can confirm that capturing sports is among the most challenging photography genres,” Komp commented. “She is producing remarkable work this semester. She is a passionate and committed student who is genuinely a joy to collaborate with. I am confident she will achieve great success.”

Torncello’s interest in photography ignited during middle school when she started photographing her brother’s baseball games.

She has taken advantage of numerous photographic opportunities on campus, serving as a sports photographer for The Leader and completing an internship last semester in the Department of Athletics and Recreation. The experience of capturing nearly all aspects of Blue Devil athletics has transitioned into a paid role this semester.

Torncello is cooperative and comprehends requirements and timelines to swiftly provide images after games, according to Sports Information Director Matt Palisin. In addition to home games, Torncello captures images at Media Days, which can tally up to a thousand photographs—encompassing headshots, poses, and creative images with unique lighting effects and smoke machines—during a single session.

“She has contributed to making it an event teams eagerly anticipate,” Palisin remarked, referring to Media Day.

“We utilize her work extensively within our social media and website. I would assert that we possess some of the finest photography in the conference,” he commented.

Torncello intends to leverage these experiences to pursue a career as a professional sports photographer. “Working with Major League Baseball or the NBA would be truly incredible!”

“I wish to express my gratitude to Tim Frerichs and Steve Komp for their unwavering support throughout my journey here at Fredonia. Tim and Steve are vital components of the VANM department, and I wouldn’t be the artist I am today without their mentorship,” Torncello stated.