Vision Behind the Lens of a College Student

In the heart of a busy college campus, Matthew Black, a 19-year-old sophomore at Cedarville University is developing his own videography business, one that he hopes will afford him opportunities to tell heart-warming stories through videos and pictures. 

It’s not common for someone Black’s age to undertake such a large venture, but he was inspired when in 2020 he was allowed to shadow the media team at the Word of Life Bible Institute near his home in Spring Hill, Florida.  The broadcasting, digital media and journalism major used the COVID-19 2020 year as the springboard to his new business — Matt Black Media. “Little did I know that I would soon become fully immersed in telling stories through digital media,” Black said. “Having the opportunity to learn from the media team at Word of Life lit the spark for media work within me.” 

Several months after following the Word of Life media team, Black volunteered on the media team of Word of Life’s 2021 Pursuit Camp. Trained as a camera operator at his home church, Idlewild Baptist, his exposure to digital media through this experience radically changed his perspective and passion for sharing stories through video and photos. 

 “The weeks that I served at Word of Life Camps were incredible,” Black said. “They were life-altering opportunities.” 

With this newfound love for storytelling through digital media, Black purchased his first camera and began developing his new business.  

“It was this exact moment that led me to start my freelance videography business,” Black said. “It was a huge investment, and I never thought I could get paid for what I love to do, but I soon got my first freelance photoshoot job for a client and a few months later received my first freelance video job.”  

Black continued to serve in several Word of Life camps in the media department until the end of the summer of 2023. “Our goal as part of the media team was to see every life reached and changed for eternity by capturing every life reached and changed for eternity,” Black said. 

Today, he’s using his education from Cedarville University in Ohio to further his skills and business. In a part-time capacity, he works in the university’s marketing and communication division, assisting the video team and in the production services group as a camera operator. 

Black has worked on various projects since, including the photography for the 2024 Winter Jam in Columbus, Ohio. He is an apprentice for 1520 Creative; the company in charge of producing marketing content for the new film “Unsung Hero.”  

“These different freelance jobs provide me with a unique learning experience that complements what I’m learning in the classroom,” Black said. “I am beyond grateful for these opportunities, and I am always surprised as to where my camera can take me!” 

“I am incredibly humbled to be able to study and work in a profession that I truly love. God continues to do immeasurably more in my life than I could ever ask or imagine,” said Black.  

Throughout his journey, Black has benefited from some of today’s video leaders, including Dylan Franklin (Word of Life media marketing coordinator), Harrison Sims (Idlewild Baptist Church video director), Mark Tucker (Cedarville lead videographer) and Parker Adams (1520 Creative).  

“Without the opportunities given to me by these digital media leaders, I would not even be working in the film and media industry nor be at Cedarville University,” Black said. “Ultimately, I give thanks to Jesus Christ who allows me to serve others through this industry, just like Ephesians 2:10 says.”  

For a teenager, starting a business is remarkable. And telling great stories through video continues to inspire this up-and-coming entrepreneur. Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is a Baptist university with undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, and professional programs, and graduate programs. With an enrollment of 5,456 students in 175 areas of study, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio and is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.