Department: Photography

Premiums: Purple $3.00 Blue $2.00 Red $1.00 White $ .50

Purpose: 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. For help getting started with this project contact your county 4-H Extension office.

Department Rules:

  1. 4-H members are allowed to exhibit in only one photography level.
  2. 4-H members may enter up to three exhibits but no more than one exhibit per class (see general rules).
  3. An image may only be used on one exhibit with the exception of Portfolios, which may include images entered in other classes.
  4. Cameras: Photos may be taken with any type of film or digital camera, including phones, tablets, and drones.
  5. Photos must 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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 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. Portfolios may be presented in either print or digital formats:
  8. 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.
  9. Digital portfolios may be presented online and must be exhibited along with a single 8.5 inches x 11 inches flyer. Flyers must include a link, URL, or QR code that takes users (judges and fairgoers) to their online portfolio.
  10. Display Exhibits: At State Fair, 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. 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).
  11. 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. 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).
  12. Entry Tags: Entry tags should be securely attached to the upper right-hand corner of the exhibit.
  13. 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 outline below. 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/ne4h-photography.
  14. Level 2 Prints: All Level 2 prints must have a Level 2 Data Tag.
  15. 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.
  16. Level 3 Prints: All Level 3 prints must have a Level 3 Data Tag. 
  17. On-Campus Exhibit Selection: Level 2 and Level 3 prints exhibited at State Fair may be selected for special on-campus exhibitions. Selected prints will be collected at the end of State Fair and will be returned to county Extension offices after the completion of their on-campus exhibition. 

Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials, and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4h-photography.

Division: Photography Basics - Unit 1 (County Only)

Division Rules:

  1. Unit 1 photos can be either a 5 inches x 7 inches or 8 inches x 10 inches but must be matted.
  2. Display exhibits are encouraged for Level 1 exhibitors. Displays consist of three 4x6 photos mounted 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. 
  3. Resources: URL: https://4hcurriculum.unl.edu/index.php/main/program_project/28
     
  • B404001 Fun with Shadows (SF87) – Look around for an object with an interesting shadow and capture some mysterious photos. (Activity 4)
     
  • B404002 Get in Close Display or Print (SF87) – Photo should capture a close-up view of the subject or object (Activity 8)
     
  • B404003 Bird’s or Bug’s Eye View Display or Print (SF87)– Photo should capture an interesting viewpoint of a subject, either from above (bird’s eye view) or below (bug’s eye view). (Activity 10)
     
  • B404004 Tricks and Magic Display or Print (SF87) - 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 in the image, try making it look as if the flowers are growing out of the person’s head or ear.  (Activity 11)
     
  • B404005 People, Places, or Pets with Personality Display or Print (SF87) - 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)
     
  • B404006 Black and White Display or Print (SF87) – 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)
     
  • B404007 Art of the Selfie (SF87) – Know your best side, have an interesting expression – don’t be too “posed”, remember natural light is the best. You can include yourself and friends

Division: Level 2: Next Level Photography

Division Rules:

  1. 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.
  2. Level 2 prints MUST be 8 inches x 10 inches and be matted.
     
  • B181010 Level 2 Portfolio (SF88) - Level 2 portfolios should represent the 4-H member's best work and must include five-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
    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 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)
     
  • 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)
     
  • 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)
     
  • B181050 Candid Photography Display or Print (SF87) - Candid photos should capture a special moment or meaningful interaction. Photos should be un-posed. (Activity 10)
     
  • 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)

Division: Level 3: Mastering Photography

Division Rules:

  1. 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.
  2. Level 3 prints MUST be 8 inches x 10 inches and be matted.
     
  • 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 
    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)

Cheyenne County 2025 Fair Book