Photography

COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPRESSIVE ARTS 

Photography Department B 

Superintendent: TBD  

Junior Superintendents: Garett Tollman, Julia Nicholson, & Miranda Betson 

GENERAL RULES: 

  1. Youth may enter in all three units. (Dawes County Only) Only 15 entries are allowed per member.
  2. Entry Tags: Entry Tag must be securely attached to the upper right-hand corner of displays or prints.
  3. A photograph may only be used on one exhibit and may be taken with a film or digital camera, including phones, tablets, and drones.
  4. Photos must be shot by the 4-H member during the current project year except for Portfolios, which may include images captured and/or exhibited in previous years.
  5. Securely attach photos, mats, backing, and data tags. Exhibits that are poorly attached may be disqualified. Do not use photo corners, borders, or place coverings over the exhibits.
  6. Portfolios: All portfolios must include the following information: 1) 1-page max bio, 2) table of contents, 3) year each photo was taken, 4) title for each image, 5) device make and model used to capture each image, and 6) reflections for each photo. When writing reflections, youth should focus on what new photography techniques or skills they were practicing when they took the photo, what makes the image successful, and what could have been done to improve the image. Portfolios may be presented in either print or digital formats:
  • Printed portfolios should be presented in a three-ring binder that is 8.5 inches x 11 inches or similar book format. Recommended photo size is 8 inches x 10 inches. Matting is not necessary.
  • Digital portfolios may be presented online and must be exhibited along with a single 8.5 inches x11 inches flyer. Flyers must include a link, URL, or QR code that takes users (judges and fairgoers) to their online portfolio.
  1. Display Exhibits: At State Fair, display exhibits are only accepted in Level 2 classes. Displays consist of three 4 inch x 6 inch photos mounted on a single horizontal 11 inch x 14 inch black or white poster or mat board. No foam board backing should be used. Each photo in the display must be numbered using a pencil. Numbers should be readable but not distract from the overall display. No titles, captions, or stick-on numbers will be allowed. Photos may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Level 2 Data Tags are required.
  2. Print Exhibits: Print exhibits for both Level 2 and 3 must be 8 inch x 10 inch printed mounted in 11 inch x 14 inch (outside size) cut matting with a sandwich mat board backing. No foam board should be used for matting or backing. Incorrect sizes will not be accepted. Mat openings may be rectangular or oval. Photos may be horizontal or vertical. No frames are allowed. Appropriate unit data tags are required.
  3. Entry Tags:  Entry tags should be securely attached to the upper right-hand corner of the exhibit.
  4. Data Tags: are required on all print and display exhibits.  Data tags are not required for portfolios.  Each exhibit must have the appropriate number and level of data tags as outlined below. Current data tags and a help sheet are available at www.northernpanhandle.unl.edu 
  • Level 1 – All Level 1 photos should have a Level 1 Data Tag securely attached to the back of the exhibit in the upper right-hand corner.
  • Level 2 Prints: - All Level 2 prints must have a Level 2 Data Tag.
  • Level 2 Displays: - Each photo of the display must include a separate Level 2 Data Tag. Data Tags should be numbered with the corresponding photo's number
  • Level 3 Prints: - All Level 3 prints must have a Level 3 Data Tag.
  1. All static exhibits must have received a purple ribbon at the county fair to advance to the State Fair. 

 

DIVISION 180 LEVEL 1: PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS 

  1. Unit I Picture Displays:
  • Photos should be 4” x 6” mounted on a single horizontal 11 inch x 14 inch black (preferred) or white poster or matting board.
  • Every photo on picture display must be pencil numbered below (for judge’s reference only). Numbers should be readable but not detract from display.
  • No titles, captions, or stick-on numbers will be allowed.
  • Photos must be mounted vertically or horizontally.
  • Personal Data Tags (part A and B) are required.
  1. Level 1 Photo Journal:
  • Choose project area 1, 2, 3 or 4 in the Level 1 project manual titled “Photography Basics”
  • Complete the pages associated with the project of your choice (project 1, 2, 3 or 4) or recreate and print the pages (still using actual photos).
  • Place pages in an 8 .5 inch” x 11inch, black or white three- ring binder.
  • Personal Data Tags are required. For your journal complete Part A only and include this as page one of your journal. 

DIVISION 180: LEVEL 1 CLASSES (Not State Fair Classes) 

B180010. Picture Display. Entry will consist of three pictures. The 4-H member will exhibit one picture from three different categories. Categories to be selected from include: 1) animal, 2) building, 3) people, 4) landscape, 5) special effects, 6) still life, 7) sports. 

B180020. Picture Story Series. An entry will consist of a series of five pictures, which tell a photo story, and should have a photographic introduction, a body and a conclusion, all done with pictures. Each photo should show a definite step. Imagination and variety are encouraged. 

B180030. Panorama Exhibit. Entry will consist of an arrangement of three or more pictures connected to show a wide angle of a subject. Pictures may have some overlap, but unwanted excess may be cropped (cut). 

B180040. Fun With Shadows Display. Entry will consist of three pictures of three different subjects that capture the image of the shadow.  

B180050. Magic and Tricks Display. Entry will consist of a display of three pictures of three different subjects that use a “special effect” to create interesting photos. 

B180060. Photo Journal. An entry will consist of a single completed and bound section of project 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the Level 1 project manual titled “Focus on Photography”. 

B180061. Get in Close Display or Print. Photo should capture a close-up view of the subject or object.  

B180062. Bird’s or Bug’s Eye View Display or Print. Photo should capture an interesting viewpoint of a subject, either from above (bird’s eye view) or below (bug’s eye view).  

B180063. People, Places, or Pets with Personality Display or Print. Photos should have a strong focal point, which could be people, places, or pets. Photos should capture the subject’s personality or character. Photos may be posed or un-posed.  

B180064. Black and White Display or Print. Photos should create interest without the use of color. Photos should show strong contrast and/or textures. Photos may be captured in black and white or captured in color and edited to black and white.  

 

DIVISION 181 LEVEL 2 NEXT LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY 

Level 2 photographers should be utilizing all the skills and techniques they have developed thus far in their photography careers, especially topics covered in Book 1 Photography Basics and Book 2 Next Level Photography. 

DIVISION 181: LEVEL 2 CLASSES 

B181010. Level 2 Portfolio (SF88) Level 2 portfolios represent the 4-H member’s best work and must include five to seven different images from the 4-H member's photography career. At least two images must have been taken during the current year. The remaining images may have been taken at any time during the member's 4-H experience and may have been previously exhibited. Portfolios may include photos which are exhibited in other Level 2 classes during the same year. Portfolios must include: 1) 1-page max bio, 2) table of contents, 3) year each photo was taken, 4) title for each image, 5) device make and model used to capture each image, and 6) reflections for each image. When writing reflections, youth should focus on what new photography techniques they were practicing when they took the photo, what makes the image successful, and what could have been done to improve the image. 

B181020 Creative Techniques & Lighting Display or Print. (SF87) Photos capture a creative use of lighting, such as diffused lighting, backlighting, or hard lighting, reflections, or another lighting technique covered in Book 2 Next Level Photography (Activity 3, 4, 5)  

B181030. Creative Composition Display or Print. (SF87) Photos capture a creative composition using the Rule of Thirds, Golden Triangle, Golden Rectangle, or another composition technique covered in Book 2 Next Level Photography. (Activity 6, 7, 8, 9) 

B181040. Abstract Photography Display or Print. (SF87) Photos be abstract or capture a small piece of a larger subject. Abstract photos may not look like anything in particular but should be able to capture a viewer's attention. (Activity 11) 

B181050. Candid Photography Display or Print. (SF87) Candid photos capture a special moment or meaningful interaction. Photos should be un-posed. (Activity 10) 

B181060. Expression through Color Display or Print. (SF87) Photos capture a creative use of color or a color scheme, such as complimentary, contrasting, monochromatic, warm, cool, primary, secondary, or tertiary. (Activity 13) 

B181070. Black and White Photography Display or Print (SF87) A photo should be a black and white photograph that demonstrates strong use of composition, lighting, and contrast. Photos may be taken with any camera type (digital or film) but must be printed in black and white.  

B181080. Creative and Experimental Photography Exhibit Print (SF86) Using original photos a 4-H member has captured, create an exhibit in black and white or color demonstrating the use of creative or experimental technology or techniques. Alterations to the exhibit must be apparent. Examples of methods to use may include using artificial intelligence or software tools to edit or replace the original pixels of the image.  

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used when creating this exhibit, with an adult care-giver permission. Any artificial intelligence work but be referenced. The 4-H member’s original work must be the majority of the exhibit. Using photos and other work found online is not acceptable. Must include a 4 inch x  inch copy of each original images on the back of the matted exhibit, describe how the image(s) were altered and the equipment or software used.  

 

DIVISION 182 LEVEL 3: MASTERING PHOTOGRAPHY 

Level 3 photographers should be exploring and experimenting with advanced techniques. This may include but does not necessarily require using an SLR camera, manual adjustments, or other advanced equipment. Level 3 photographers should be utilizing all the skills and techniques they have developed throughout their photography career, especially topics covered in Book 1 Photography Basics, Book 2 Next Level Photography, and Book 3 Mastering Photography. 

DIVISION 182: LEVEL 3 CLASSES 

B182010. Level 3 Portfolio. (SF88) Level 3 portfolios should represent the photographer's best work. Level 3 portfolios must include 9-11 images from the 4-H member's photography career. At least 3 images should be from the current year. The remaining images may have been taken at any time during the member's 4-H experience and may have been previously exhibited. Portfolios may include photos which are exhibited in other Level 3 classes during the same year. Portfolios must include: 1) 1-page max bio, 2) table of contents, 3) year each photo was taken, 4) title for each image, 5) device make and model used to capture each image, and 6) reflections for each image. When writing reflections, 4-H members should focus on what new photography techniques or skills they were practicing when they took the photo, what makes the image successful, and what could have been done to improve the image. 

B182020. Advanced Techniques & Lighting Print. (SF89) Photos should show an experimentation or exploration of advanced lighting, such as low-light or silhouette photography or another advanced photography technique, such as astrophotography, underwater photography, or infrared photography. (Activity 3, 4, 5, or 12) 

B182030. Advanced Composition Print. (SF89) Photos should show advanced compositions, such as using diagonal, horizontal, or vertical lines or repeating shapes to frame a subject or lead the viewer's eye through a scene; breaking the rule of thirds to compose a discordant image; or another advanced composition technique covered in Book 3 Mastering Photography (Activity 6, 7) 

B182040. Portrait Print. (SF89) A great portrait captures not only a person's physical image, but also something of the person's character or personality. Photos may be either formal or informal but must be of one or more human subjects. (Activity 9) 

B182050. Still Life Print. (SF89) Photos should capture non-moving objects that have been arranged in an interesting way. Photos should demonstrate advanced control over lighting and composition. (Activity 8) 

B182060. Freeze/Blur the Moment Print. (SF89) Photos should capture a subject in motion. Photographers should adjust shutter speed to either freeze or blur the movement. (Activity 11) 

B181070. Black and White Photography Display or Print (SF87) A photo should be a black and white photograph that demonstrates strong use of composition, lighting, and contrast. Photos may be taken with any camera type (digital or film) but must be printed in black and white.  

B181080. Creative and Experimental Photography Exhibit Print (SF86) Using original photos a 4-H member has captured, create an exhibit in black and white or color demonstrating the use of creative or experimental technology or techniques. Alterations to the exhibit must be apparent. Examples of methods to use may include using artificial intelligence or software tools to edit or replace the original pixels of the image.  

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used when creating this exhibit, with an adult care-giver permission. Any artificial intelligence work but be referenced. The 4-H member’s original work must be the majority of the exhibit. Using photos and other work found online is not acceptable. Must include a 4 inch x  inch copy of each original images on the back of the matted exhibit, describe how the image(s) were altered and the equipment or software used.  

 

Dawes County Fair Book