Arts in Action: University photographer Scott Huck captures Cedarville stories through images

By Megan Deets

“I think sometimes people think photography’s easy,” Scott Huck, Cedarville University’s lead photographer of 34 years said. “There’s a skill behind photography. There’s practice behind when one takes pictures.” 

Huck began his time at Cedarville under the Public Relations office and worked mostly on photos for the course catalog. As the university grew and changed, Huck transitioned to the Creative Services department under Marketing and Communications. His photography team now works with other marketing teams, including graphic design and videography. 

Cedarville’s event times determine Huck’s work hours. Sometimes he even takes photos of events at nights and on weekends. Huck used to shoot every single home sports event, but his student photographers cover many of those events now. 

With every event he shoots, Huck’s photography work combines artistic and technical elements in order to market Cedarville in the best possible way. 

“I love making Cedarville look good,” Huck said. “There’s always a visual whenever there’s marketing. In some respects, it’s saying ‘Come do these things at Cedarville.’”

The university uses Huck’s photography in nearly every piece of media and advertising that they put out, whether it’s a department brochure or a social media post. He ensures that Cedarville has access to recent pictures of classes and training, such as clinicals for nursing majors and student teaching for education majors. These photos must remain updated to give an accurate picture of the university. 

To be successful, photography requires an eye for detail. Every photo has a unique aesthetic that can be captured, whether it’s in a casual, classroom or performance setting. 

“Knowing how to use the camera and applying that in the situation where you’re photographing [is important],” Huck said. “Make the camera do what you want it to do.”

Huck explains that he could leave an event after just taking a few quick photos, but instead he stays to capture the best possible photo. 

“It could always be a better shot, and I’m waiting for that opportunity [in chapel] for the speaker to pick up a Bible or make a gesture,” Huck said. “Expression and that kind of thing is what I’m looking for.”

Finding the perfect shot is difficult to do. Huck visualizes the moment he wants to capture, but that moment is not always a reality. 

“For whatever reason, I don’t walk away sometimes with the exact shot I have in mind,” Huck said. 

This can happen when the people aren’t positioned how Huck imagined, the setting appears different or the lighting is bad. And sometimes, it’s just hard to find the ideal photo. 

Another aspect of photography is being willing to capture a moment no matter what the outcome is. Sports games are one example of this. 

“They’ve practiced that game,” Huck said. “Win or lose, I want to document that game.” 

Despite the challenges of photography, Huck finds joy every time he works.

“I absolutely love photography,” Huck said. “I love shooting for Cedarville. I love documenting and advertising and showing off the university.”

Megan Deets is a freshman Professional Writing and Information Design student. Some of the things that she loves are new notebooks, fresh fruit and musicals.

Photos courtesy of Scott Huck.