March 02, 2007
Cazenovia College Art Student is Photo Contest Finalist
Nancy Andrews of Montour Falls, N.Y., a senior in Cazenovia College’s Studio Art – Photography Program, recently received word that a photograph she entered in Serbin Communications’ 27th Annual College Photography Contest, sponsored by Photographer’s Forum Magazine and Nikon, placed among the finalists.
Here's Nancy Andrews herself:
“I entered three photos,” she said. “The judges chose one I call ‘Free Bird,’ taken from an airplane window. I didn’t win one of the big prizes, but as a finalist, my photo will be printed in the “Best of College Photography Annual, 2007.”
Neil Chowdhury, assistant professor of photography and director of the Photography Program, said, “Placing in such a prestigious national contest means that Nancy’s entry was judged better than a very large number of competitors by a panel of important industry professionals. This is a big achievement and I’m pleased that her talent and initiative have been recognized.”
Andrews graduated from Odessa-Montour Central School in Odessa, N.Y., with no clear idea of what she wanted from life. She enrolled at Corning Community College and was intrigued by the photography courses. “I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures,” she said. “I decided photography was something I would be happy doing for the rest of my life.”
Her search for a four-year college led her to Central New York. “Cazenovia College was the only place I applied after I finished at Corning,” Andrews said. “Photography and horses are my two main interests. Cazenovia offers both.”
An internship with the Elmira Star Gazette newspaper in Elmira, N.Y., led Andrews to a summer job as a photojournalist. She photographed special events covered by Star-Gazette reporters. She worked with reporters and on her own covering these and other news stories, including photos of damage after the 2006 flooding in the area; events at Watkins Glen International race track; the LPGA Corning Classic golf tournament and the Indy Racing League’s races at Watkins Glen.
In addition to her academics, Andrews is a member of the College’s Equestrian Team. Michael Bednarek, coach of the Western Equestrian Team, said, “Nancy is a very good rider; she qualified for our regional finals in March. She is a pleasure to have on our team.”
One of Andrews’ art interests is photographing animals. Bednarek said, “Nancy did some horse photography for me and I was extremely pleased - I am using her work in some of my advertising.”
Andrews’ Senior Capstone project at Cazenovia College involves following the College’s equine veterinarian on her rounds with a camera. The end result will be a photo documentary of the life of an equine veterinarian. Chowdhury and other professors in the Studio Art Program are dedicated to helping each student find a direction that fits his or her individual talents; internships and the Senior Capstone play a large part in that effort.
“One unique characteristic of our program,” said Chowdhury, “is our emphasis on professional development and future career paths for our students. Nancy, like all of our photography majors, completed a professional internship, and has spent a great deal of time and energy planning and preparing for her career in courses on portfolio preparation and the business aspects of making a living as an artist or photographer. This individually tailored, professionally centered curriculum gives Cazenovia College students a great competitive advantage.”
Andrews’ photojournalism experience and her photo documentary work have given her some direction for her career. She said, “After I graduate, I think I’d like to work for a newspaper or magazine – I love the variety. You do something different every day.”