Meet UM's Photography duo

With its stunning scenery and rich collegiate traditions, the University of Montana is a photographer’s paradise. Just ask Tommy Martino and Ryan Brennecke, UM’s two dedicated staff photographers. 

The duo comes from different backgrounds, but Martino and Brennecke share common ground as UM alumni and dedicated Griz Martino grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Brennecke in San Diego. Both became invested in photography as high school students taking introductory courses. Martino an avid skier and Brennecke a fishing enthusiast, were drawn to Montana for its outdoor offerings. 

Despite initially thinking he would study art photography, Martino found his way to UM’s School of Journalism.  

“What drew me to the J-school is being able to get into it right away,” said Martino. “It was tough, they’re hard on their students in a good way. They want to make sure you can do a little bit of everything.”

Brennecke also knew he wanted to specialize in photojournalism. He found that education and more at UM.  

“You learn your classmates’ stories and where they’re going in life and then all of a sudden you have contacts all around the world you can rely on or bounce ideas off of,” said Brennecke. 

Brennecke graduated in 2006 and took a job at the Sheridan Press in Wyoming, where he had interned as a student. He went on to work at the Yuma Sun in Arizona, and eventually spent 13 years at The Bulletin in Bend, Oregon.

Martino left UM in 2014 and made his way to the Muskegon Chronicle in Michigan, where he spent 10 months learning the ropes as a news photographer. 

“It was really formative and fun, and actually colder than Missoula,” he joked. 

After a short stint at the Wyoming Tribune Eagle in Cheyenne, Martino accepted a staff photographer position at the Missoulian, but he had his sights set on returning to campus. 

“I pretty much annoyed people until I could get in the door here,” he said. 

Brennecke also had been keeping UM in mind as a dream job. 

“I had been interested in working at UM since graduation,” he said. “I’ve always been looking.”  

Martino had been at UM for a few years when Brennecke joined the communications team last fall. With their familiarity of campus and a shared passion for athletics, the pair quickly found common ground. The collaborative environment is something both enjoy.

“Having a staff, a team of photographers and an intern and video people- it’s just fun to have that group and think similarly. Or to not think similarly, that’s good too,” said Martino.  

UM has a high number of employees who are also alumni of the institution. Martino and Brennecke feel that connection to their time as students and bring that understanding to their work. They value the significance behind many campus traditions and challenge themselves with putting their own spin on annual photo ops like the Main Hall pumpkin. 

Despite being behind the camera, Martino and Brennecke are far from anonymous on campus. For them, that’s one of the perks of the job. 

“You get an all-access pass to go places and talk to people,” said Brennecke.

“There are all kinds of fun stories to be found,” added Martino.

The UM community may be used to seeing Martino and Brennecke, armed with a camera or two to get that perfect shot. And they have no plans to give it up anytime soon. 

“I'm just looking forward to the next few years with Tommy and me working together and pushing each other,” said Brennecke. 

Martino shares similar hopes for the photography team. 

“I think we’ll continue to grow as photographers and keep telling UM stories in pictures,” he said.