4-H members are allowed entries in only one level.

Superintendents: Karen Hurst, Steve White

Premium: Purple $3.75; Blue $3.25; Red $2.50; White $1.25

# of Entries: One per class

All Static exhibits must receive a purple ribbon at the county fair to advance to the State Fair. Levels 2 and 3 are State Fair eligible.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION (all levels): 

  • 4-H members are allowed to exhibit in only one photography level.
  • An image may only be used on one exhibit, with the exception of the 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, & drones.
  • Photos must be shot by the 4-H’er 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 be disqualified. Do not use photo corners, borders or place coverings over the exhibits.
  • 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:
  1. Printed portfolios should be presented in an 8.5x11”, three-ring binder or similar book format. Recommended photo size is 8x10”. Matting is not necessary.
  2. Digital portfolios may be presented online and must be exhibited along with a single 8.5x11” 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 Levels 1 and 2 classes. Displays consist of three 4x6” photos mounted on a single horizontal 11x14” 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 8x10” printed mounted in 11x14” (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 upper right-hand corner of the exhibit.
  • Data Tags – Data tags are required on all print & 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. Data tags can be found here: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/hall/hall-county-4-h/hall-county-fair/, or copies may be picked up at the Extension office.
  • Levels 1 & 2 Prints: All Levels 1 & 2 prints must have the appropriate level Data Tag.
  • Levels 1 & 2 Displays: Each photo of the display must include a separate (appropriate level) 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.
  • 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.
  • 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, & Book 3 Mastering Photography.

 

Photography Basics – Level 1, Division 180 Classes

All displays or prints must have a Level 1 data tag for each photo securely attached to the back of the exhibit (see rules above). Data tags can be found here: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/hall/hall-county-4-h/hall-county-fair/, or copies may be picked up at the Extension office.

  • B180-001 - Fun with Shadows Display or Print: Photos should capture interesting or creative use of shadows (Activity 4).
  • B180-002 - Get in Close Display or Print: Photo should capture a close-up view of the subject or object (Activity 8).
  • B180-003 - 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).
  • B180-004 - 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 flower pot, 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).
  • B180-005 - 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).
  • B180-006 - 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).
  • B180-007 - Special County Display or Print: Display three photos or a print from this project year.

 

Next Level Photography – Level 2, Division 181 Classes

All displays or prints must have a Level 2 data tag for each photo securely attached to the back of the exhibit (see rules above). Data tags can be found here: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/hall/hall-county-4-h/hall-county-fair/, or copies may be picked up at the Extension office.

  • B181-009 - (County Only) Special County Display or Print – Display three photos or a print from this project year.
  • *B181-010 - Level 2 Portfolio: Level 2 portfolios represent the photographer’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.
  • *B181-020 - 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).
  • *B181-030 - 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).
  • *B181-040 - 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).
  • *B181-050 - Candid Photography Display or Print: Candid photos capture a special moment or meaningful interaction. Photos should be un-posed (Activity 10).
  • *B181-060 - 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).
  • *B181-070 – 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.
  • B181-080 – 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. 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) were altered and the equipment or software used.

 

Mastering Photography – Level 3, Division 182 Classes

All displays or prints must have a Level 3 data tag for each photo securely attached to the back of the exhibit (see rules above). Data tags can be found here: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/hall/hall-county-4-h/hall-county-fair/, or copies may be picked up at the Extension office.

  • B182-009 - (County Only) Special County Display or Print – Display three photos or a print from this project year.
  • *B182-010 - Level 3 Portfolio: Level 3 portfolios represent the photographer’s best work and must include 9-11 images from the 4-H member’s photography career. At least 3 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 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.
  • *B182-020 - Advanced Techniques & Lighting Print: Photos 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).
  • *B182-030 - 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 viewers 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).
  • *B182-040 - 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).
  • *B182-050 - 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).
  • *B182-060 - Freezer/Blur the Moment Print: Photos capture a subject in motion. Photographers should adjust shutter speed to either freeze or blur the movement (Activity 11).
  • *B182-070 – 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.
  • *B182-080 – 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” x 6” 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.

 

Completing a Photography Exhibit Data Tag:

Data tags can be found here: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/hall/hall-county-4-h/hall-county-fair/, or copies may be picked up at the Extension office.

  • Camera Make & Model: Indicate the brand make and model of the camera, such as Google Pixel 2, Nikon Coolpix B500, or Canon EOS Rebel T7. Indicate whether the camera is digital or film.
  • Tell us about this photo (special equipment, techniques, subject, location, goals, etc.). Use this space to tell the judges what you want them to know about the photo. For abstract photos, it might be a good idea to tell the judge what the subject is or how you took the photo. For especially unique images, tell the judge how you captured the image. For images where you used advanced equipment or tried a new technique, tell the judge about it here.
  • Describe any edits or changes made to the picture using digital software. Use this space to explain any digital manipulation done to the photo, including digital post-production filters, cropping, or any adjustments to exposure, contrast, etc. Explain what edits or changes were made, as well as what software was used. This includes mobile/smartphone apps.

 (The following questions are for Levels 2 and 3 only.)

  • Focal Length*: This is a number indicating the length of the lens which determines how much of a scene you are able to see through your viewfinder. This is typically measured in millimeters (mm). Example: 29 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm. See Level 2, Activity 1 for more information.
  • Type/Source of Light*: Be as specific as possible. Identify whether the lighting was natural or artificial. If artificial, identify the light sources, such as camera’s flash, neon lights, car headlights, flashlight, etc. For natural light, identify the type, dawn, dusk, midday, reflected, diffused, direct, light shining through a window, etc. Example: natural, midday direct sunlight. See Level 2, Activities 3 and 5 for more information.

(The following questions are for Level 3 only.)

  • Shutter Speed*: This is the length of time a camera shutter is open to expose light into the camera sensor. Shutter speed is typically measured in fractions of a second when they are under a second. Slow shutter speeds allow more light into the camera sensor and are used in low-light situations, while faster shutter speeds help freeze motion. This might also be referred to as exposure time. Example: 1/30, 1/125, or 1/500. See Level 3, Activity 1 for more information.
  • F Stop*: This is a number which indicates the size of the aperture, which allows light to travel into the camera. The aperture controls the depth of field. A larger aperture opening will result in a smaller depth of field. The aperture size is expressed in f numbers or f-stops. Examples: f/1.4, f/4, f/22. See Level 3, Activity 1 for more information.
  • ISO*: This is a number that indicates a film’s sensitivity to light or more commonly its speed. It is typically measured in numbers, a lower number representing a darker image, while higher numbers mean a brighter image. Examples: 100, 200, 400. See Level 3, Activity 1 for more information.
  • List advanced equipment and/or techniques used and/or what manual adjustments were made: Level 3 exhibitors should be exploring and experimenting with advanced techniques. This may include but does not necessarily require using a DSLR camera, manual adjustments, or other advanced equipment. Use this space to identify and, if needed, explain what advanced equipment or techniques were used to capture this image. If manual adjustments were made, identify which settings were adjusted (ISO, F Stop, Shutter Speed).
  • *Note: Regardless of whether or not you made manual adjustments or used special equipment, you must still identify this information. “Auto” is not an acceptable answer. Digital cameras automatically record this information for each photo captured. The information, referred to as Metadata, is attached to the image file and goes with it when the image is downloaded to a computer for example. There are many ways to access this data. Go to https://go.unl.edu/ne4h-photography for more information.

 

An asterisk* in front of a division/class number indicates the class is State Fair eligible.