Photography

Photography exhibitors are encouraged and invited to participate in the interview judging of 2 entries of their project.  The purpose of this project area is to establish basic to advanced knowledge of and abilities in using photographic equipment, lighting, and composition to capture images, express feelings and communicating ideas.  4-H members can work through the three project levels, progressing from basic to advanced photography skills and techniques.

Rules 

1. 4-H members are allowed to exhibit in only one photography level. One entry per class. For Example, “B180912 Selfie” is a class.
   1. An image may only be used on one exhibit with the exception of the Portfolios which may include images entered in other classes.
   2. Cameras – Photos may be taken with any type of film or digital camera, including phones, tablets, and drone.
   3. Photos must be shot by the 4-H member during the current project year with the exception of the Portfolios, which may include images captured and/or exhibited in previous years.
   4.  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.

   5. 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, 4-H member 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:

      i.  Printed portfolios should be presented in a 3-ring binder that is 8.5 inches x 11 inches three-ring binder or similar book format.  Recommended photo size 8 inches x 10 inches.  Matting is not necessary. 
      ii.  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.

   6. Display Exhibits – Display exhibits are only accepted in Level I and II.  Displays consist of three 4 inches x 6 inches photos mounted on a single horizontal 11 inches x14 inches black or white poster or mat board. Incorrect sizes will not be accepted. 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. Appropriate Data Tags are required (see rule regarding Data Tags)
   7. Print Exhibits – Print exhibits must be 8 inches x 10 inches printed, mounted in 11 inches x 14 inches (outside size) cut matting with a sandwich mat board backing. Incorrect sizes will not be accepted except for Level 1 or county projects.  No foam board should be used for matting or backing. Mat openings 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)
   8. Entry Tags – Entry tags should be securely attached to the upper right-hand corner of the exhibit.
   9. Data Tags – 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.  Data tags should be securely attached to the back of the exhibit. Current data tags and help sheets are available at https://go.unl.edu/4h-photography
   10. Prints – All Level 2 prints must have a Level 2 Data Tag. All Level 3 prints must have a Level 3 Data Tag.
   11. 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.

Additional Information for County Only entries

1. Panorama Exhibit
   1.     The entry will consist of an arrangement of three or more pictures connected to show a wide angle of a subject. 
   2.     Panorama display must be mounted on a horizontal 14” x 22” poster. 
   3.     Pictures may have some overlap, (about ¼” – ½”) but unwanted excess can be cropped (cut).
   4.     Data Tag is required.
2. Photo Flop
   1.     Three pictures, each illustrating a different photography mistake. 
   2.     Below each picture describe the error in photography technique and how the picture could be improved.
   3.     Mount pictures and description of error on 11” X 14” poster. 
   4.     Data tag is required.
3. County Projects – This year’s theme – “Where in the World is 4-H?” Hit the road with your camera! Take a photo of a special destination, landmark, or icon – it can be a well-known local spot, a unique roadside attraction, or a place from vacation! 
   1.     Photo 8 inches x10 inches in size mounted in appropriate size matting (no frame) with a sandwich mat-board backing; (not foam board)
   2.     Identify the location/landmark on your data tag. During the fair, viewers will have an opportunity to guess the location of the photos in this class. Data tag is required.
       

Level 1 Photography – Beginning

Rules

Displays – Displays exhibits are encouraged for Level 1 exhibitors.  Displays consist of three 4x6 photos on a single horizontal 11x14 black or white poster or mat board.  No foam core backing board is allowed.  Each photo in the display must be numbered using a pencil.  Numbers should be readable but not distracting from the overall display.  No titles, captions, or stick-on numbers are allowed.  Photos may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Data tags are required for each photo in the display.  Use numbers to identify which photo each data tag corresponds with.

C)    B180901    Fun with Shadows Display or Print – Photos should capture interesting or creative use of shadows. (Activity 4)

C)    B180902    Get in Close Display or Print – Photo should capture an interesting viewpoint of the subject or object. (Activity 8)

C)    B180903    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). (Activity 10)

C)    B180904    Tricks and Magic Display or Print – Photos should capture visual trickery or magic.  Trick photography requires creative compositions of objects in space and are intended to trick the person viewing the photo.  For example, if someone is standing in front of a flowerpot, the pot might not be visible, making it look as if the flowers are growing out of the person’s head.  (Activity 11)

C)    B180905     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. (Activity 13)

C)    B180906     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. (Activity 15)

C)    B180907    Telling a Story Display – Exhibit will include three photos which tell a story without words. Photos may show something being created, destroyed, consumed, moving, or growing. Photos should capture the beginning, middle, and end of a single story, project, or event. Display will consist of three 4x6 photos mounted on a single horizontal 11x14 black or white poster or mat board. Each photo in the display must be numbered using a pencil. Numbers should be readable but not distracting from the overall display. No titles, captions, or stick on numbers are allowed. Photos may be mounted vertically or horizontally.  Data tags are required for each photo in the display. (Activity 14)

C)    B180908    Panorama Exhibit – (see Panorama Exhibit information above)

C)    B180909    Photo Flop – (see Photo Flop information above)

C)    B180910   County Projects – This year’s theme – “Where in the World is 4-H?” Hit the road with your camera! Take a photo of a special destination, landmark, or icon – it can be a well-known local spot, a unique roadside attraction, or a place from vacation! See more information at the beginning of the Photography division under County Projects.

C)    B180911   My Favorite Other Picture – Print of any other favorite photo. Exhibit may range in size from 3” x 5” to 8” x 10” in an appropriate-sized mat with sandwich backing (no frames).

C)    B180912    Selfie – A photo taken of yourself. Photo should capture your personality and emotion.  Must be appropriate for all viewing ages.
 

LEVEL 2:  NEXT LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY – Intermediate

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.

SF)  B181010    Level 2 Portfolio (SF88) – Level 2 portfolios should represent the 4-H member’s best work and must include 5-7 different images from the 4-H member’s photography career.  At least 2 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.

SF)  B181020    Creative Techniques & Lighting Display or Print (SF87) – 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)

SF)  B181030    Creative Composition Display or Print (SF87) – 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)

SF)  B181040    Abstract Photography Display or Print (SF87) – 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)

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

SF)   B181060    Expression Through Color Display or Print (SF87) – 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)

SF)   B181070    Black and White Photography Display or Print (SF87) 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.

SF)   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 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 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.

C)    B181909    Photo Flop – (see Photo Flop information above)

C)    B181910    County Projects – This year’s theme – “Where in the World is 4-H?” Hit the road with your camera! Take a photo of a special destination, landmark, or icon – it can be a well-known local spot, a unique roadside attraction, or a place from vacation! See more information at the beginning of the Photography division under County Projects.

C)    B181911    My Favorite Other Picture – Print of any other favorite photo. Exhibit may range in size from 3” x 5” to 8” x 10” in an appropriate-sized mat with sandwich backing (no frames).

C)    B181912    Selfie – A photo taken of yourself. Photo should capture your personality and emotion. Must be appropriate for all viewing ages.
 

Level 3:  Mastering Photography – Advanced

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.

SF)   B182010    Level 3 Portfolio (SF88) – Level 3 portfolios should represent the photographer’s best work. Level 3 portfolios must include 9 to11 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 member 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.

SF)   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)

SF)   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)

SF)   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)

SF)   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)

SF)  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)

SF)  B182070 Black and White Photography Print: (SF89): Photo demonstrates advanced black and white photograph with strong technical ability and creative expression.  Photo demonstrated intentional use of contrast, lighting, and composition to create visual impact.  Advanced editing is allowed as appropriate for black and white imagery.

SF)  B182080 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 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.

C)   B182909      Photo Flop – (see Photo Flop information above)

C)   B182910      County Projects – This year’s theme – “Where in the World is 4-H?” Hit the road with your camera! Take a photo of a special destination, landmark, or icon – it can be a well-known local spot, a unique roadside attraction, or a place from vacation! See more information at the beginning of the Photography division under County Projects.

C)    B182911    My Favorite Other Picture - Print of any other favorite photo. Exhibit may range in size from 3” x 5” to 8” x 10” in an appropriate-sized mat with sandwich backing (no frames).

C)    B182912    Selfie – A photo taken of yourself. Photo should capture your personality and emotion. Must be appropriate for all viewing ages.

Data Tags can also be found on our Pre-Fair & Fair Resources webpage

Level 1 Data Tag

Level 2 Data Tag

Level 3 Data Tag