Spring is my favorite time of year. The tiny buds begin to open on the trees, my daffodils have already made their appearance, and the sound of birds in the morning is the best kind of wake-up call. Everything feels fresh and new. It’s the perfect time to step outside and reconnect with nature.
Recently, I had the opportunity to teach sessions on pollinators to groups of elementary students at the Arbor Day Festival at the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey. This event brought together two of my favorite things, talking about bees and spending time in the forest. The mornings were a little chilly, but it was hard to notice when surrounded by such a beautiful setting and so much excitement from the kids.
Even though this spring has been a little “wonky,” it hasn’t taken away from what makes the season so special. There’s still so much to see, explore, and appreciate. It’s also the perfect time to grab a camera, head outdoors, and capture those fleeting spring moments, maybe even the perfect photo for the County Fair.
One of my favorite project areas to browse at the County and State Fair is the photography division. It’s always so fun to see what 4-H members choose to capture. As you walk through, you’ll find photos of favorite pets, show animals, siblings, and even everyday items from around the yard. I’m always amazed by the creativity and talent of our young people.
The photography project area in 4-H is open to members at every level, and no special equipment is required. Youth can use phones, tablets, digital cameras, or even drones to capture their images. Like all 4-H project areas, there are opportunities to grow. Starting at the beginning level and progressing up to Mastering Photography, members can exhibit year after year—and you can truly see how their skills and creativity develop over time.
My own children participated in this project every year, and we always looked forward to seeing what they would come up with. One class that stands out is the “Photo Story Display,” where exhibitors create a three-photo story—a beginning, a middle, and an end.
Our daughter always wanted her horse in her photos—always. She and her brother spent an entire day brainstorming for ideas. In the end, she came up with a simple but perfect story. The first photo showed Rocky standing near the barn. The second captured her brother putting a saddle on him, and the final photo showed him riding Rocky. When you looked at the display, you could easily follow the story from start to finish.
Even though she’s all grown up now, that photo display still touches my heart. I remember that day so clearly—the two of them going back and forth about the story, deciding where to take the photos, and even debating which was Rocky’s best side. There were conversations about sunlight, shadows, and what colors looked best—all the same things even professional photographers think about when trying to capture the perfect image.
Maybe taking photos of a horse isn’t on your child’s or grandchild’s list, but I bet there’s something they would love to capture. Spring is the perfect time to head outside and encourage the young people in your life to slow down and take a closer look at all the beauty around them.
The 4-H photography project is a wonderful way for youth to explore their creativity, build skills, and tell their own stories through images. If you have questions about this—or any 4-H project area—we would be happy to help.
If you have questions on 4-H enrollment or on any of the project ideas listed, please contact the Buffalo County Extension Office at (308)236-1235 or you can email me directly at hdarby2@unl.edu for more information.