Content
PHOTOGRAPHY
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. Participants can work through the three project levels, progressing from basic to advanced photography skills and techniques.
Refer to General Rules for Ribbon Premium information
Resources:
Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials, and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4h-photography.
A list of 4-H projects and links to 4-H curriculum resources can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/resources/projects.
MASTERING PHOTOGRAPHY - Get to know your camera's capabilities using the mode dial;
practice capturing a focal point understanding how camera equipment and depth of field effects the photo; Practice taking photos in low-light situations; Practice taking photos that help you get the correct exposure; Practice taking silhouettes; Practice composing photos that include geometric shapes and interesting framing; Practice composing photos that break photography "rules"; Practice taking still-life photos; practice capturing portraits showing a person's character and personality; Practice taking photos of interesting shapes, patterns, and textures; Practice capturing photos where the subject is in motion; Practice taking photos that are outside the normal limits: astrophotography, underwater, infrared; Practice creating creative joiners; Evaluate photos that represent the body of work.
NEXT LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY - Get to know your camera's capabilities using zoom; practice
using different lens filters; Practice using light to portray a specific mood; Practice taking photos of reflections; Practice taking photos without the flash feature on your camera; Practice using the Rule of Thirds and the Rules of the Golden Triangle and the Golden Rectangle; Practice taking photos from different points of view/perspectives; Practice creating photos with interesting negative spaces; Practice capturing unposed, candid shots of a subject or event; Practice taking photos of "bits and pieces" of ordinary objects to create a work of art; Practice using a camera to create a panorama; Use color to create photos that are cool warm, monochromatic, contrasting, and/or complementary; Practice taking photos with a specific purpose in mind to teach, instruct, or sell a product or service; Evaluate photos that represent body of work.
PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS - Get to know your camera; Practice keeping the camera steady and
level; Practice taking photos, noticing natural light; Notice shadows and their potential in photography; Practice using natural light from several different directions; Practice using flash for fill, solving red-eye problems; Evaluate background, middle-ground, and foreground when
taking photos; Practice filling the frame with the subject; Practice eliminating background clutter in photos; Practice using different viewpoints and perspectives in photos; Compose creative, unusual photos; Compose a variety of selfies; Take photos of people, places, and things; Sequence photos to tell a story; Create black and white photos; Evaluate photos using critical thinking.
Rules:
- ***4-H’ERS ARE ALLOWED TO EXHIBIT IN ONLY ONE PHOTOGRAPHY LEVEL***
- Individuals may enter up to three exhibits, but no more than one exhibit per class.
- Youth in 4-H Photography Levels 2 and 3 are eligible to exhibit at the State Fair. All static exhibits must have received a purple ribbon at the county fair to advance to the State Fair.
- 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 must be shot by the 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 or assembled may be disqualified. Do not use photo corners, borders, or place coverings over the exhibits. Do not include negatives.
How to prepare photos for exhibit at the fair:
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dixon/dixon-county-4-h/static-project-resources/
- 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"x10". Matting is not necessary.
- 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.
- Display Exhibits: Display exhibits are only accepted in Level II. 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. 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).
- Print Exhibits: Print exhibits must be 8 inch x 10 inch printed mounted in 11 inch x14 inch (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).
- Entry Tags - Entry tags should be securely attached to the front 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. 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.
- Level 1 Prints: All Level 1 prints must have a Level 1 Data Tag.
- 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.
Photography Data Tags and How to Complete the Data Tag are available on the Dixon County 4-H Static Project Resources website:
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dixon/dixon-county-4-h/static-project-resources/
On-Campus Exhibition 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.
LEVEL 1: PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS
(* Level I is not State Fair eligible)
Rules:
Displays 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.
*B 180 901 FUN WITH SHADOWS DISPLAY OR PRINT - Photos should capture interesting or creative use of shadows (Activity 4)
*B 180 902 GET IN CLOSE DISPLAY OR PRINT - Photo should capture a close-up view of the subject or object. (Activity 8)
*B 180 903 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)
*B 180 904 TRICKS AND MAGIC DISPLAY OR PRINT - Photos should capture visual trickery or magic. Trick photography require 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, making it look as if the flowers are growing out of the person’s head. (Activity 11)
*B 180 905 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)
*B 180 906 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)
*B 180 907 CHALLENGING PHOTO EXHIBIT: 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)
*B 180 908 MY FAVORITE OTHER PICTURE - Any other favorite photo. Exhibit 8”x10” mounted in appropriate size cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing. *Not State Fair eligible.
LEVEL 2: NEXT LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Rules:
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.
B 181 010 LEVEL 2 PORTFOLIO - Level 2 portfolios represent the photographer'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.
B 181 020 CREATIVE TECHNIQUES & LIGHTING DISPLAY OR PRINT - 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)
B 181 030 CREATIVE COMPOSITION DISPLAY OR PRINT - 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)
B 181 040 ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY DISPLAY OR PRINT – Abstract photos 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)
B 181 050 CANDID PHOTOGRAPHY DISPLAY OR PRINT - Candid photos should capture a special moment or meaningful interaction. Photos should be un-posed. (Activity 10)
B 181 060 EXPRESSION THROUGH COLOR DISPLAY OR PRINT - Photos capture a creative use of color or a color scheme, such as complimentary, contrasting, monochromatic, warm, cool, primary, secondary, or tertiary. (Activity 13)
B 181 070 BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY DISPLAY OR PRINT - 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 - 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 images on the back of the matted exhibit, describe how the image(s) were altered and the equipment or software used.
*B 181 901 MY FAVORITE OTHER PICTURE - Any other favorite photo. Exhibit 8”x10” mounted in appropriate size cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing. *Not State Fair eligible.
LEVEL 3: MASTERING PHOTOGRAPHY
Rules:
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.
B 182 010 LEVEL 3 PORTFOLIO - Level 3 portfolios 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, 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.
B 182 020 ADVANCED TECHNIQUES & LIGHTING PRINT - Photos show 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)
B 182 030 ADVANCED COMPOSITION PRINT - Photos 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)
B 182 040 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 must be of one or more human subjects. (Activity 9)
B 182 050 STILL LIFE PRINT - Photos capture non-moving objects that have been arranged in an interesting way. Photos demonstrate advanced control over lighting and composition. (Activity 8)
B 182 060 FREEZE/BLUR THE MOMENT PRINT - Photos capture a subject in motion. Photographers should adjust shutter speed to either freeze or blur the movement. (Activity 11)
B 182 070 BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY PRINT - Photo demonstrates advanced black and white 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.
B 182 080 CREATIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT PRINT - 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 exhibit. Using photos and other work found online is not acceptable. Must include a 4 inch x 6 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.
*B 182 901 MY FAVORITE OTHER PICTURE - Any other favorite photo. Exhibit 8”x10” mounted in appropriate size cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing. *Not State Fair eligible.
COMMUNICATIONS
The communication category provides 4-H participants an opportunity to improve their presentation and public speaking skills. In addition, 4-H'ers will get to demonstrate their knowledge of varying degrees of communication. Competitors have the option of creating a poster, essay, or digital media in the different divisions.
The speaking portions are connected with the Premier Communications Event, https://4h.unl.edu/premier-communication-event, held June 17-18, 2024, in Lincoln.
This is a pre-qualifiying contest throught the Dixon County 4-H All-Contest Day.
The poster entries are not State Fair eligible.
Resources:
A list of 4-H projects and links to 4-H curriculum resources can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/resources/projects.
Other online resources
Nebraska 4-H Communication Program website
https://4h.unl.edu/communication
The Versatile 4-H Presentation
https://4h.unl.edu/documents/The%20Versatile%204-H%20Presentation.pdf
The Four P's of Planning a Presentation
https://4h.unl.edu/documents/Presentaion%20Planning.pdf
Getting Ready to Give a 4-H Presentation
https://4h.unl.edu/documents/Getting%20Ready%20to%20Present.pdf
Presentation Visuals
https://4h.unl.edu/documents/Presentation%20Visuals.pdf
Using PowerPoint in 4-H Presentations
https://4h.unl.edu/documents/Powerpoint.pdf
Evaluating a 4-H Presentation
https://4h.unl.edu/documents/Evaluating%204-H%20Presentations.pdf
How to Prepare a Multimedia Presentation
https://4h.unl.edu/documents/Multimedia%20Presentation.pdf
Rules:
Static exhibits in this division will be evaluated on clarity of purpose/message in relation to communication, accuracy of information, originality, creativity, evidence of exhibitor’s learning in this area, and educational value of exhibit to viewers.
COMMUNICATIONS, MODULE 1 (*NOT STATE FAIR ELIGIBLE)
*B 154 901 POSTER - Create a poster, measuring either 22”x 28” or 24” x36”, that showcases what was learned in this project area.
*B 154 902 ESSAY - Write an essay (3-5 pages) that showcases what was learned in this project area.
COMMUNICATIONS, MODULE 2 (*NOT STATE FAIR ELIGIBLE)
Rules:
Use one or a combination of the experiential activities in the Communications, Module 2 curriculum to create an educational poster or essay sharing with others what you have learned. Topics may include but are not limited to: conduction of an interview and sharing with a group, giving and understanding directions, evaluating and using appropriate internet sources, composing a rap, or preparing an illustrated talk.
*B 154 001 POSTER - Create a poster, measuring either 22”x 28” or 24”x36”, that showcases what was learned in this project area.
*B 154 002 ESSAY - Write an essay (3-5 pages) that showcases what was learned in this project area.
COMMUNICATIONS, MODULE 3 (*NOT STATE FAIR ELIGIBLE)
Rules:
Use one or a combination of the experiential activities in the Communications, Module 3 curriculum to create an educational poster, essay, or digital media sharing with others what you have learned. Topics may include but are not limited to composing a personal resume, completing research on a speech or presentation topic, identifying ways to reduce risks online, evaluating own cell phone usage and etiquette, critiquing advertisements, and job shadowing a communication professional.
*B 154 003 POSTER - Create a poster, measuring either 22”x28” or 24”x36”, that showcases what was learned in this project area.
*B 154 004 ESSAY - Write an essay (3-5 pages) that showcases what was learned in this project area.
*B 154 005 DIGITAL MEDIA - Design a form of digital media (advertisement, flyer, short video or presentation, social media or web page, etc.) that showcases what was learned in this project area. Upload the digital media file to an online location (web site, Dropbox, Google Drive, YouTube, Flickr, etc.) and using the web address of the digital media file, create a QR code (using any free QR code creator, ex. qr-code-generator.com). Print the following on an 8.5”x11” sheet of cardstock: 1) the QR code, 2) 1-3 sentences about what viewers will see when they access the QR code on their mobile device.