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 though the three project levels, progressing from basic to advanced photography skills and techniques.
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.
- 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, and drones.
- 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.
- 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, 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:
1. 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.
2. 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 1 and Level 2 Classes. 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).
- Print Exhibits – Level 1 Print exhibits may range in size from 4 inches x 6 inches to 8 inches x 10 inches mounted in appropriate size cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing. Photos may be horizontal or vertical. Level 2 & 3 Print exhibits must be 8 inches x 10 inches prints 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).
All 4-H members are limited to one (1) exhibit per entry number and four (4) exhibits per project.
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 resources are available at http://go.unl.edu/ne4h-photography or from the Extension Office.
- Level 1 Displays – A Level 1 Display Data Tag is required. Each photo in the display must be numbered using a pencil. Numbers should be readable but not distracting from the overall display. The numbered photo should match the photo number on the Level 1 Data Tag.
- Level 1 Prints – A Level 1 Print Data Tag is required.
- 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.
Scoresheets and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4h-photography. An explanation of projects and curriculum resources can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/resources/projects.
LEVEL 1 GUIDELINES: PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS
- 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. No foam core backing board is allowed. Photos must be mounted vertically or horizontally.
- 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.
- Displays - Level 1 Display Data Tag required.
- Prints – Level 1 Print Data Tag required.
- Print may range in size from 4 inches x 6 inches to 8 inches x 10 inches mounted in appropriate size cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing. Photos may be horizontal or vertical.
LEVEL 1 CLASSES, (COUNTY ONLY) (**Denotes NOT State Fair Eligible)
PREMIUMS: Purple, $4.00; Blue, $3.00; Red, $2.00; and White, $1.00
**B180901 Fun with Shadows Display - Scoresheet SF87 - Photos should capture interesting or creative use of shadows. Display will consist of 3 pictures of 3 different subjects. (Activity 4 of Book 1 Photography Basics)
**B180902 Fun with Shadows Print - Scoresheet SF87 - Photo should capture interesting or creative use of shadows. (Activity 4 of Book 1 Photography Basics)
**B180903 Get in Close Display – Scoresheet SF87 - Photos should capture a close-up view of the subject or object. Display will consist of 3 pictures of 3 different subjects. (Activity 8 of Book 1 Photography Basics)
**B180904 Get in Close Print – Scoresheet SF87 - Photo should capture a close-up view of the subject or object. (Activity 8 of Book 1 Photography Basics)
**B180905 Bird’s or Bug’s Eye View Display- Scoresheet SF87 - Photos should capture an interesting viewpoint of a subject. Display 3 different photos from 3 of the 4 different positions: Position 1: lie on your stomach; Position 2: lie on your back; Position 3: lean over; and Position 4: bend sideways. (Activity 10 of Book 1 Photography Basics)
**B180906 Tricks and Magic Display - Scoresheet 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, making it look as if the flowers are growing out of the person’s head. Display will consist of 3 photos of 3 different subjects. (Activity 11 of Book 1 Photography Basics)
**B180907 People, Places, and Pets with Personality Display - Scoresheet SF87 - Photos should have a strong focal point, which must be people, places, and pets. Photos should capture the subject’s personality or character. Photos may be posed or un-posed. Display will consist of 3 photos, one from each category. Categories are people, places, and pets. (Activity 13 of Book 1 Photography Basics)
**B180908 People, Places, or Pets with Personality Print - Scoresheet SF87 - Photo should have a strong focal point, which must be people, places, or pets. Photo should capture the subject’s personality or character. Photos may be posed or un-posed. Choose 1 category – people, places, or pets. (Activity 13 of Book 1 Photography Basics)
**B180909 Black and White Display - Scoresheet 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. Display will consist of 3 photos of different subjects. (Activity 15 of Book 1 Photography Basics)
**B180910 Black and White Print - Scoresheet SF87 - Photo should create interest without the use of color. Photo should show strong contrast and/or textures. Photo may be captured in black and white or captured in color and edited to black and white. (Activity 15 of Book 1 Photography Basics))
**B180911 Challenging Photo Exhibit: Telling a Story Display - Scoresheet SF87 - 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 4 inches x 6 inches photos mounted on a single horizontal 11 inches x 14 inches black or white poster or mat board. 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 are allowed. Photos may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Level 1 Data Tag required. (Activity 14 of Book 1 Photography Basics)
**B180912 My Favorite Other Print or Display - Scoresheet SF87 - Any other favorite photo or display of photos. Print may range in size from 4 inches x 6 inches to 8 inches x 10 inches mounted in appropriate size cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing. A display will consist of 3 different pictures of 3 different subjects mounted on 11 inches x 14 inches black or white poster or matting board.
**B180913 County Challenge Print or Display - “Grasslands in Nebraska”–Scoresheet SF87 - Photo or display will consist of photo(s) demonstrating “Grasslands in Nebraska”. Print may range in size from 4 inches x 6 inches to 8 inches x 10 inches mounted in appropriate size cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing. A display will consist of 3 different pictures of 3 different subjects mounted on 11 inches x 14 inches black or white poster or matting board.
In addition to the Data Tag, include the answers to the following questions:
- Why did you choose this location?
- What did you notice?
**B180914 County Only Print or Display –Scoresheet SF87
LEVEL 2 CLASSES, NEXT LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
PREMIUMS: Purple, $5.00; Blue, $4.00; Red, $3.00; and White, $2.00
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.
B181010 Level 2 Portfolio – Scoresheet 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, 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.
B181020 Creative Techniques & Lighting Display or Print – Scoresheet 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 – Scoresheet 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 – Scoresheet 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 – Scoresheet 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 – Scoresheet 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)
COUNTY ONLY EXHIBIT OPEN TO LEVEL 2 (**Denotes NOT State Fair Eligible)
**B181908 My Favorite Other Photo Print or Display – Scoresheet SF87 - Any other favorite photo or display of photos. Print may range in size from 4 inches x 6 inches to 8 inches x 10 inches mounted in appropriate size cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing. A display will consist of 3 different pictures of 3 different subjects mounted on 11 inches x 14 inches black or white poster or matting board.
**B181909 County Challenge Print or Display - “Grasslands in Nebraska”–Scoresheet SF87 - Photo or display will consist of photo(s) demonstrating “Grasslands in Nebraska”. Print may range in size from 4 inches x 6 inches to 8 inches x 10 inches mounted in appropriate size cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing. A display will consist of 3 different pictures of 3 different subjects mounted on 11 inches x 14 inches black or white poster or matting board.
In addition to the Data Tag, include the answers to the following questions:
1. Why did you choose this location?
2. What did you notice?
**B181910 County Only Print or Display - Scoresheet SF87
LEVEL 3 CLASSES, MASTERING PHOTOGRAPHY
PREMIUMS: Purple, $5.00; Blue, $4.00; Red, $3.00; and White, $2.00
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.
B182010 Level 3 Portfolio – Scoresheet SF88 - Level 3 Portfolios should represent the 4-H member’s best work. Level 3 portfolios must include 9 to 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, 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 – Scoresheet SF87 - 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 of Book 3 Mastering Photography)
B182030 Advanced Composition Print – Scoresheet SF87 - Photos should 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)
B182040 Portrait Print – Scoresheet SF87 - 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 of Book 3 Mastering Photography)
B182050 Still Life Print – Scoresheet SF87 - 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 of Book 3 Mastering Photography)
B182060 Freezer/Blur the Moment Print – Scoresheet SF87 - Photos should capture a subject in motion. Photographers should adjust shutter speed to either freeze or blur the movement. (Activity 11 of Book 3 Mastering Photography)
COUNTY ONLY EXHIBIT OPEN TO LEVEL 3 (**Denotes NOT State Fair Eligible)
**B182908 My Favorite Other Print – Scoresheet SF87 - Entry will consist of any other favorite print 8 inches x 10 inches mounted in 11 inches x 14 inches (outside size) cut matting with a sandwich mat board backing. (See more info under Print Exhibits)
**B182909 County Challenge Print or Display - “Grasslands in Nebraska”–Scoresheet SF87 - Photo or display will consist of photo(s) demonstrating “Grasslands in Nebraska”. Print may range in size from 4 inches x 6 inches to 8 inches x10 inches mounted in appropriate size cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing. A display will consist of 3 different pictures of 3 different subjects mounted on 11 inches x 14 inches black or white poster or matting board.
In addition to the Data Tag, include the answers to the following questions:
- Why did you choose this location?
- What did you notice?
**B182910 County Only Print or Display - Scoresheet SF87