*Denotes entries not eligible for State Fair
General Photography Rules
- 4-H members shall exhibit in only one photography level.
- An image may only be used on one exhibit, with the exception of portfolios, which may include images entered in other classes.
- Cameras– Photos may be taken with any type of film or digital camera including phones, tablets, and drones.
- Photos are to be shot by 4-H member during the current project year, with the exception of portfolios, which may include images captured and/or exhibited in previous years.
- Securely attach photos, mats, backing, and data tags. Exhibits that are poorly attached may not be judged. Do not use photo corners, borders or place coverings over the exhibits.
- Portfolios— All portfolios shall 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 an 8 ½ inches x 11 inches three-ring binder or similar book format. Recommended photo size is 8 inches x 10 inches. Matting is not necessary.
- Digital portfolios may be presented online and shall be exhibited along with a single 8 ½ inches x 11 inches flyer. Flyers shall include a link, URL or QR code that takes users (judges and fairgoers) to their online portfolio.
- Display Exhibits– Display exhibits are only accepted in Level II. Displays consist of three 4 inches x 6 inches photos mounted on a single horizontal 11 inches x 14 inches black or white poster or mat board. Incorrect sizes will not be accepted. No foam board backing should be used. Number each photo in the display with 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. Appropriate Data Tags are required (see rule regarding Data Tags).
- Print Exhibits– Print exhibits shall be 8 inches x 10 inches prints mounted in 11 inches x 14 inches (outside size) cut matting with a sandwich mat board backing. No foam board should be used for matting or backing. Mat opening may be rectangular or oval. Photos may be horizontal or vertical. No frames are allowed. Appropriate data tags are required (see rule regarding Data Tags).
- Challenging Photo Exhibits— These classes are intended to encourage creativity, problem-solving skills and deeper exploration of the use of photography. These classes require taking and exhibiting multiple photos in a single exhibit. Photos should be attached to a single poster or mat board. No foam core backing. Appropriate data tags are required (see rule regarding Data Tags).
- Entry tags– Attach entry tags to the upper right-hand corner of the exhibit.
- Data Tags– Data Tags are required on all print and display exhibits. Data tags are not required for portfolios. Data tags should be securely attached to the back of the exhibit. Current data tags and help sheet are available at: https://go.unl.edu/ne4hphotography.
- Level 2 Prints– All level 2 prints shall have a Level 2 Data Tag
- Level 2 Displays– Each photo of the display shall 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 shall have a Level 3 Data Tag.
- Challenging Exhibit Pictures—Shall have appropriate Level Data Tag.
Division 100 – 4-H Flops are Educational Pay Category #7
*Class 2 Photography Flop in Any Class. On a sheet of paper, explain why it was a flop and what you learned as a result.
Division 902 – Photography for Fun Pay Category #5
The Photography for Fun division provides additional opportunities for all levels of photography exhibitors. Limit of two classes per exhibitor.
*Class 1 My Favorite Picture Exhibit Print– Exhibit shall be 5 inches x 7 inches mounted in an 8 inches x 10 inches cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing.
*Class 2 My Favorite Pictures Display– Entry will consist of three different pictures mounted horizontally or vertically on 11 inches x 14 inches poster board. Put numbers by each photo with a pencil.
*Class 3 My Favorite 2025 County Fair Picture Exhibit Print– Exhibit shall be 5 inches x 7 inches mounted in an 8 inches x 10 inches cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing.
*Class 4 Special Use of 4-H’ers’ Photography (other than printed photo)– Example: Printed on t-shirt, puzzle, calendar, wood cutout, greeting card, stickers, etc.
*Class 5 You Be the Teacher– Share with others what you learned. Exhibit may be a poster (no larger than 14 inches x 22 inches), a notebook, or small display of an educational nature (no larger than 12 inches deep, 15 inches wide, 10 inches high).
Division 189 – Level I: Photography Basics
(Recommended age 8-12, beginner equivalence experience) Pay Category #5
Unit I Picture Displays:
—Mounted on horizontal 11 inches x 14 inches black (preferred) or white poster or matting board unless otherwise noted.
—Number each photo with a pencil. Numbers should be readable but not detract from display.
—Avoid stick-on numbers, captions, or titles.
—Individual photos may be cropped either horizontally or vertically with straight edged scissors.
Avoid decorative cuts. Corners shall be 90 degrees.
—Photos shall be mounted vertically or horizontally.
—Data Tags are required (see General Rules).
—Because the exhibitor’s tag is placed in the upper right-hand corner of the poster board, please do not secure a photograph in that location.
*Class 1 Picture Display– Entry will consist of three pictures. The 4-H’er will exhibit one picture from three different categories. Categories selected from include: 1) animal, 2) building, 3) people, 4) landscape, 5) special effects, 6) still life, or 7) sports.
*Class 2 Picture Story Series– An entry will consist of a series of three to five pictures which tell a photo story and should have a photographic introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Each photo should show a definite step. Size variance, artistic arrangement, originality, and creativity are encouraged. Mount on horizontal 14 inches x 22 inches black (preferred) or white poster or matting board.
*Class 3 Exhibit Print– Entry will consist of black & white or color photograph of any size and subject mounted in an appropriate cut matting with sandwich backing. Encourage originality and creativity.
Division 181 – Level 2: Next Level Photography (Recommended age 10-16)
Pay Category #4
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.
Class 10 Level 2 Portfolio– Level 2 portfolios should represent the 4-H member’s best work and shall include 5-7 different images from the 4-H member’s photography career. At least 2 images shall 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 shall 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.
Class 20 Creative Techniques & Lighting Display or Print– Photos should 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)
Class 30 Creative Composition Display or Print– Photos should 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)
Class 40 Abstract Photography Display or Print– Photos should 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)
Class 50 Candid Photography Display or Print– Candid photos should capture a special moment or meaningful interaction. Photos should be un-posed. (Activity 10)
Class 60 Expression Through Color Display or Print– Photos should capture a creative use of color or a color scheme, such as complimentary, contrasting, monochromatic, warm, cool, primary, secondary, or tertiary. (Activity 13)
Class 70 Black & White Photography– 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.
Class 80 Creative and Experimental Photography Exhibit– 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 adult care-giver permission. Any artificial intelligence work must be referenced. The 4-H member’s original work must be the majority of exhibit. Using photos and other work found online is not acceptable. Must include a 4” x 6” copy of each original image on the back of the matted exhibit, describe how the image(s) was altered and the equipment or software used.
*Class 90 Challenging Photo Exhibit-Pictures with a Purpose– Exhibit will include a series of three photos which show off a product, organization or event. Photos should be captured with the idea of being used in an advertisement or promotion. All three photos shall capture the same product, organization or event. Exhibits will consist of three 4 inches x 6 inches photos mounted on a single 11 inches x 14 inches black or white poster or mat board. No foam core backing. Photos may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Data tags are required for each photo in the exhibit. Exhibit should be titled with the name of the product, organization, or event featured in the photos. Each photo should be numbered and captioned. Captions should provide context for the viewer—similar to photo captions you might see in a magazine or newspaper. Captions should be readable but not distracting. (Activity 14)
*Class 91 Framing and Leading Lines Display– An entry will consist of three pictures of three different subjects which include framing (objects such as trees, arches or anything not related to the subject around the top, sides or bottom of photo to direct eye to the well placed subject) and leading lines (any obvious line from the picture edge to a well-placed subject), two photos using one technique and one photo using the other technique. (A center/point of interest should be incorporated into the design.)
*Class 92 Patterns and Textures Display– Entry will consist of three pictures of three different subjects which include patterns (the repetition of shapes and lines) and textures (shows hidden lines or shape patterns, or perspectives of objects not generally noticed; shows how it would feel when touched). Two photos will use one technique and one photo will use the other technique. Special lenses may be used. (A center/point of interest should be incorporated into the design.)
*Class 93 Exhibit Print– Entry will consist of black & white or color 8 inches x 10 inches photograph of any subject mounted in an appropriate color 11 inches x 14 inches (outside size) cut matting with sandwich backing. Encourage originality and creativity.
*Class 94 Picture Story Series– An entry will consist of a series of three to 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.
Division 182 – Level 3: Mastering Photography
(Recommended age 14-18) Pay Category #4
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.
Class 10 Level 3 Portfolio– Level 3 portfolios should represent the photographer’s best work. Level 3 portfolios shall include 9-11 images from the 4-H member’s photography career. At least three 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 shall 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 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.
Class 20 Advanced Techniques & Lighting Print– 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)
Class 30 Advanced Composition Print– 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)
Class 40 Portrait Print– 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 shall be of one or more human subjects. (Activity 9)
Class 50 Still Life Print– 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)
Class 60 Freeze/Blur the Moment Print– Photos should capture a subject in motion. Photographers should adjust shutter speed to either freeze or blur the movement. (Activity 11)
Class 70 Black & White Photography Print– Photo demonstrates advanced black and whit photograph with strong technical ability and creative expression. Photo demonstrates intentional use of contrast, lighting, and composition to create visual impact. Advanced editing is allowed as appropriate for black and white imagery.
Class 80 Creative and Experimental Photography Exhibit Print– Using original photos the 4-H’er 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 and advanced techniques used. Examples of methods to use may include using artificial intelligence or software tools to edit or replace the original pixels of the image or other advanced techniques. Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used when creating this exhibit, with adult care-giver permission. Any artificial intelligence work must 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 6 inch copy of each original image on the back of the matted exhibit, describe how the image(s) were altered, and the equipment or software used.
*Class 90 Challenging Photo Exhibit - Photo Joiner– Using Activity 13 as a guide, create a photo joiner. Photo joiners should include more than 15 separate photos. Recommended photo size is 3 inches x 5 inches or 4 inches x 6 inches. Photos should be securely mounted to an appropriately sized poster or mat board (minimum: 11 inches x 14 inches; maximum: 22 inches x 28 inches). No foam core backing. A single data tag is required for the exhibit. (Activity 13)
*Class 91 Advanced Action Exhibit Print– Enlargement will feature advanced skill level used to capture action of 4-H'er’s subject choice. Subject shall show motion. May be taken with digital camera.
*Class 92 Detailed Exhibit Print– Entry will consist of a print that focuses on the details. Illustrate lighting technique and depth of field and showcase the details.