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 communicate ideas. 4-H members can work through the three project levels, progressing from basic to advanced photography skills and techniques.
PHOTOGRAPHY exhibits that qualify for the State Fair are eligible for:
- ON-CAMPUS EXHIBITION SELECTION - Exhibit prints may be selected from State Fair entries for special on-campus exhibitions. Selected prints will be collected at the end of the State Fair and will be returned to county Extension offices after the completion of their on-campus exhibition.
GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES - PHOTOGRAPHY
4-H members receiving a purple at the State Fair are strongly encouraged to advance to the next Unit level the following year. Unit I-Beginning Level (suggested three years maximum enrollment), Unit II-Intermediate Level (suggested three years maximum enrollment), and Unit III-Advanced Level (no limit, except that they should continue to enter a new challenge in the field of photography each year).
- CAMERA – Photos may be taken with any type of film or digital camera, including phones, tablets, and drones.
- IMAGES – An image may only be used on one exhibit with the exception of Portfolios, which may include images entered in other classes.
- ENTRIES - 4-H members are allowed to exhibit in only one photography level. Those youth who have exhibited in Level 2 Photography may not exhibit in Level 1, and those who have exhibited in Level 3 of Photography may not exhibit in Level 1 or 2. Only youth exhibiting in Level 2 or 3 with an exhibit of purple quality at the County Fair will qualify to exhibit at the State Fair.
- 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, and Book 3 Mastering Photography.
- ENTRY TAGS - Entry tags must be securely attached to the upper right-hand corner of displays or prints.
- CURRENT YEAR PHOTOS – 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.
- ATTACHING PHOTOS - 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:
- Printed portfolios should be presented in a 3-ring binder that is 8.5 inch x 11-inch three-ring binder or similar book format. Recommended photo size is 8 inches x 10 inches. 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 accepted in Levels 1 & 2 but not in Level 3. 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 are allowed. Photos may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Use numbers to identify which photo each data tag corresponds with. Appropriate Data Tags are required (see rule regarding Data Tags).
- 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).
- 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 sheet are available at:
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/nemaha/2026-2027-nemaha-county-fair-book/ or can be picked up at the Extension Office.
- Level 1 Prints: All Level 1 prints must have a Level 1 Data Tag.
- Level 1 Displays: Each photo of the display must include a separate Level 1 Data Tag. Data Tags should be numbered with the corresponding photo’s number.
- 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.
DEPARTMENT B - DIVISION 180 – LEVEL 1: PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS
Division 180 Classes 901–912 Pay Category L
| CLASS | DIVISION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| C)901 | Fun with Shadows Display or Print | Photos should capture interesting or creative use of shadows (Activity 4) (CF85) |
| C)902 | Get in Close Display or Print | Photo should capture a close-up view of the subject or object. (Activity 8) (CF85) |
| C)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) (CF85) |
| C)904 | 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 in the image, making it look as if the flowers are growing out of the person’s head. (Activity 11) (CF85) |
| C)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) (CF85) |
| C)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) (CF85) |
| C)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) (CF85) |
| C)908 | Album: | Album of 25 or more photographs, LABELED. Strongly urge some family pictures to be included in the collection among others of the exhibitor’s choice. Must be taken in this year’s project. Previous year’s pictures may be included but must be separated and easily distinguished by tabs or other means of division. (Member may use or make any album they choose). (CF85) |
| C)909 | Favorite Exhibit Print: | May select their favorite picture and have it enlarged to an 8”x10” and exhibit this print mounted in11” x 14” cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing. Photo should be printed by a commercial printing lab. (CF85) |
| C)910 | Photo Flop | Level 1 - Three pictures, each illustrating a different photography mistake. Mount the pictures on a 14 inch x 22 inch horizontal poster. Below each picture describe the error in photography technique and how the picture could be improved.(CF910) |
DEPARTMENT B - DIVISION 181 - LEVEL 2: NEXT LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Division 181 Classes 010-060, 960, 962-963 Pay Category L
| CLASS | DIVISION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| SF)010 | Level 2 Portfolio: | 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 that are exhibited in other Level 2 classes during the same year. (SF88)
|
| SF)020 | Creative Techniques & Lighting Display or Print | 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) (SF87) |
| SF)030 | Creative Composition Display or Print | 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) (SF87) |
| SF)040 | Abstract Photography Display or Print | 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) (SF87) |
| SF)050 | Candid Photography Display or Print | Candid photos should capture a special moment or meaningful interaction. Photos should be un-posed. (Activity 10) (SF87) |
| SF)060 | Expression Through Color Display or Print | Photos should capture a creative use of color or a color scheme, such as complementary, contrasting, monochromatic, warm, cool, primary, secondary, or tertiary. (Activity 13) (SF87) |
| SF)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. |
| SF)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. (SF86) 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. |
| C)962 | Album | An album of 25 or more photographs, LABELED with date and what or who is shown in picture. Strongly urge some family pictures to be included in the collection among others of the exhibitor’s choice. May include pictures from previous years as well as containing pictures from the current year. This class is to encourage management of pictures taken and exhibited during an entire 4-H career in the Photography project. Member may use or make any album they choose. |
| C)963 | Photo Flop- Level 2 | (See Photography Rule 12.) (CF910) |
DEPARTMENT B - DIVISION 182 – LEVEL 3: MASTERING PHOTOGRAPHY
Division 182 Classes 010-060, 993–997 Pay Category L
| CLASS | DIVISION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| SF)010 | Level 3 Portfolio | Level 3 portfolios should 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, 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. (SF88) |
| SF)020 | Advanced Techniques & Lighting Print | 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) (SF89) |
| SF)030 | Advanced Composition Print | Photos should show advanced compositions, such as using diagonal, horizontal, or vertical lines or repeating shapes to frame a subject or lead to a 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) (SF89) |
| SF)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) (SF89) |
| SF)050 | Still Life Print | 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) (SF89) |
| SF)060 | Freeze/Blur the Moment Print | Photos should capture a subject in motion. Photographers should adjust shutter speed to either freeze or blur the movement. (Activity 11) (SF89) |
| SF)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.(SF89) |
| SF)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.(SF86) (See AI rule below) |
| C)993 | Digitally Altered Print | Digitally altered prints must be created using one or more original images taken by the exhibitor. Photos must be digitally altered in some way that results in new and unique images. This might include adding text, textures, or illustrations, applying digital filters, superimposing multiple images, etc. Exhibitors should clearly explain what digital manipulation was done and what software was used to create the exhibit when answering questions #2 of the Data Tag. A copy of the original, unaltered photo(s) (no larger than 4x6) should be attached to the back of the exhibit. This is for the judges’ reference and does not need to be a high-quality print. (CF85) (See AI rule below) |
| C)994 | Manual Setting Exhibit Print | Entry will consist of a print that showcases the participant’s ability to master the manual settings on the camera. 1) Manual Focus, 2) Manual Aperture, 3)Manual Shutter Speed, 4) Combination of any of the listed techniques, 5)Other technique not listed. (CF85) |
| C)996 | Album | An Album of 25 or more photographs, LABELED with date and what or who is shown in picture. Strongly urge some family pictures to be included in the collection among others of the exhibitor’s choice. May include pictures from previous years. This class is to encourage management of pictures taken and exhibited during the entire 4-H career in the Photography project. Member may use or make any album they choose. (CF85) |
AI Rule for Class 80 & 993
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.
VISUAL ARTS
(VISUAL ART MEDIUMS/VISUAL ART THEMES)
With an emphasis on originality, the purpose of the 4-H Visual Arts projects is to practice using design elements and principles while exploring and experimenting with various mediums and techniques. In addition, youth should practice self-expression and work to communicate their personal voice through their work.
VISUAL ARTS exhibits that advance to the State Fair are eligible for:
- ON-CAMPUS EXHIBITION: State Fair visual arts exhibits may be selected for special on-campus exhibitions.
Selected pieces will be collected at the end of State Fair and will be returned to county Extension offices following the on-campus exhibition. Youth whose pieces are selected will be contacted directly with additional information, including the exhibition and reception dates.
GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – VISUAL ARTS
- ORIGINAL WORK- Items must be the original work of the 4-H member and should show creativity and originality. No copyrighted images or master studies.
- READY FOR PROFESSIONAL DISPLAY- All exhibits must be presented appropriately for the medium(s) used and ready to be professionally displayed. 2-dimensional pieces on paper should be framed behind glass/plexiglass. Canvas boards should be framed, but glass/plexiglass is not necessary. Stretched canvases do not need frames as long as staples are not visible on the edges. All 2-dimensional pieces should be ready to hang using a sawtooth or wire hanger.
- ENTRIES PER EXHIBITOR- One entry per class.
- ENTRY DESCRIPTIONS- Entry tags should include a visual description of the exhibit, including size, dominant color, and subject, to aid in identification.
- SUPPORTING INFORMATION- Supporting information is required for all Visual Arts exhibits. Information must include responses to all questions and steps taken to complete the project. Supporting information must be securely attached to the back of the piece. Supporting Information tag templates can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hvisualarts. Exhibits with missing or incomplete supporting information will be lowered a ribbon placement.
- CLASS CHANGES- Exhibits must be entered in the appropriate class based on the medium(s) used or theme. No class changes will be made after check-in. Exhibits in inappropriate classes may be lowered a ribbon placement. Supporting information may provide evidence or justification for the piece being entered in a specific class.
VISUAL ART MEDIUMS
DEPARTMENT C – DIVISION 260 – VISUAL ART MEDIUMS
Division 260 Classes 001–011 Pay Category L
| CLASS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| SF)001 | Original Acrylic Painting (SF200) |
| SF)002 | Original Oil Painting (SF200) |
| SF)003 | Original Watercolor Painting (SF200) |
| SF)004 | Original Pencil Drawing (SF200) |
| SF)005 | Original Charcoal Drawing (SF200) |
| SF)006 | Original Ink Drawing (SF200) |
| SF)007 | Original Fiber Art – Could include weaved art, dyed fabric, felted wool, cotton linter, batik, etc. (SF200) |
| SF)008 | Original Sculpture – Could include Styrofoam, wood, cardboard, paper, metal, wire, etc. (SF200) |
| SF)009 | Original Ceramic Pottery – No purchased ceramic pottery. Must be glazed and fired. May be any hand-built technique or wheel-thrown. May be functional or non-functional. Could include slab built, pinch pots, coil built, wheel thrown, etc. (SF200) |
| SF)010 | Original Painting on Purchased Ceramic Surface – No hand-built or wheel thrown pottery. May be functional or non-functional. Could include figurines, cups, bowls, etc. (SF200) |
| SF)011 | Original Single Media Not Listed – Could include digital art, leathercrafting, printmaking, stained glass, pastels, scratchboard, sand painting, encaustic painting, chalk, etc. (SF200) |
| SF)012 | Original Mixed Media – Could include any combination of two or more other mediums or materials.(SF200) |
VISUAL ART THEMES
Exhibits may utilize any medium or combination of mediums on any surface. All exhibits must be appropriately presented and ready to be professionally displayed. Artwork should depict the artist’s own interpretation of the theme. All exhibits should include an explanation of how the piece reflects the theme and what ideas or thoughts the artist was attempting to express or communicate.
DEPARTMENT C – DIVISION 261 – VISUAL ART THEMES
Division 261 Classes 001-004 Pay Category L
| CLASS | DIVISION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| SF)001 | Original Art Inspired by Plants or Animals | Could involve, but is not limited to, domestic animals, pets, agriculture, wild animals, wildlife conservation, house plants, fruit, vegetables, flowers, native plants, trees, etc. (SF200) |
| SF)002 | Original Art Inspired by Landscapes | Could involve, but is not limited to, rural landscapes, natural environments, and man-made environments, urban landscapes, extraterrestrial landscapes, oceanic scenes, buildings, fantasy landscapes, agricultural landscapes, etc. (SF200) |
| SF)003 | Original Art Inspired by People | Could involve but is not limited to cultural art, modern society, portraits, daily life, careers, families, emotions, etc. (SF200) |
| SF)004 | Original Art Inspired by Artist’s Choice | Could involve but is not limited to food, cars, fantasy worlds, imaginary characters, science fiction, history, etc. (SF200) |