Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY (DEPARTMENT B) 

4-H members may enter up to three exhibits but no more than one exhibit per class (see general rules).  

Purple $3                            Blue $2.50                            Red $2

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. 

No duplicates – with the exception of Portfolios, which may include images entered in other classes. (Don't use same picture or similar pictures in more than one exhibit).

4-H'ers are allowed to exhibit in only one photography level.  

Entry Tags: Entry Tag must be securely attached to the upper right-hand corner of displays or prints.             

An image may only be used on one exhibit with the exception of Portfolios, which may include images entered in other classes. Photos may be taken with any type of film or digital camera, including phones, tablets, and drones. 

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.

Securely attach photos. Photos, mats, backing and data tags that are poorly attached may be disqualified.

Do not use photo corners, borders, or place coverings over the exhibits 

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. Data tags should be securely attached to the back of the exhibit. Current data tags and help sheet are available at: https://stanton.unl.edu under Fair Resources.  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. 

Level I Data Tag (County Only) 

Level 2 Data Tag

Name:_____________________________________________________ Age: __________ County:___________________

Years in Photography: _______________________________________ Years in the Current Level:___________________

Camera: ___________________________________________________________________ _______________________

                            (brand make & model)                                                             digital or film)                                     

Focal Length: ___________

Type/Source of light: _______________________________________________________________

Tell us about this photo. Include any special equipment or techniques used.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Describe any edits or changes made to the picture using digital software. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Level 3 Data Tag

Name: ________________________________________________ Age: ___________County:______________________

Years in Photography: ____________________________________Years in the Current Level: ______________________

Camera: ________________________________________________ __________________________________________

                                                 (brand make & model)                             (digital or film) 

Focal Length: _________________ Shutter Speed: ______________ F Stop: ___________ ISO: _____________________                         Type/Source of light: _________________________________________________________________________________  

Identify advanced equipment, techniques, or manual adjustments used to capture this image. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tell us about this photo. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Describe any edits or changes made to the picture using computer software.  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS: Level 1 GUIDELINES - DIVISION 165                                                         No State Fair

Pictures must be taken by 4-H’er.   (Pages refer to Level 1 manual available for purchase www.4-Hphotography.org)

Picture Displays:

Level I – Displays – Displays exhibits are encouraged for Level 1 exhibitors. Displays consist of three 4 inch x 6 inch photos mounted on a single horizontal 11 inch x14 inch 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.

Level 1 Print Exhibits:

--- Print exhibit must be prints are 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. 

--- Level 1 Data Tags are required. Tags must be securely attached to the back of the exhibit.

Level I - not eligible for state fair   

Class:                                               

901. FUN WITH SHADOWS DISPLAY OR PRINT – Photos should capture interesting or creative use of shadows (Activity 4)

902. GET IN CLOSE DISPLAY OR PRINT – Photo should capture a close-up view of the subject or object. (Activity 8)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 11 inch x14 inch 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)

LEVEL 2 NEXT LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY - DIVISION 181 

Pictures must be taken by 4-H member.     

(Pages refer to Level 2 manual available for purchase in the extension office or online www.4-HPhotography.org)

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.

Panorama: 

— To be mounted on horizontal 11 inches X 14 inches black or white poster or mat board.

— No titles, captions or stick-on numbers will be allowed.

— Photos may be cropped with straight edged scissors. No decorative cuts. Corners must be 90 degrees.

— Level 2 Data Tags are required.

Level 2 Display Exhibits: 

— Three 4 inches x 6 inches photos mounted on 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 in classes 20-60.

--- Photos must be mounted vertically or horizontally.

--- Level 2 Data Tags are required. Each photo of the display must include a separate Level 2 Data Tag. Data tags should be numbered with the corresponding photo’s number. Data Tags should be securely attached to the back of the exhibit.

Level 2 Print Exhibits:

--- Print exhibit 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. 

--- Level 2 Data Tags are required. Tags must be securely attached to the back of the exhibit.

Class:

901.   Panorama Display - Entry will consist of an arrangement of 3 or more pictures connected to show a wide angle of a subject. Pictures may have some overlap, but unwanted excess can be cropped (cut). No State Fair.

965.    My favorite picture (no state fair this class) - Picture may be enlarged up to 5 inchs x 7 inches.  Mount according to directions in manual, on black or white poster board. Size of poster board should be appropriate to size of picture. 

970.    Rule of Thirds Display: (no state fair this class) (page 34-35) a. 3 photos, vertical/horizontal or combination OR b. 5x7 Exhibit print mounted on 8x10 black poster board. 

971.    Bits and Pieces Display: (no state fair this class) (pages 62-63) a. 3 photos showing details of still subjects. (Use the close-up/flower setting on your cameras OR b. 5x7 Exhibit Print mounted on 8 inch x10 inch black poster board.

10.  *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 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. 

Portfolios may be presented in either print or digital formats:

a. Printed portfolios should be presented in a 8.5 inch X 11 inch three-ring binder or similar book format. Recommended photo size is 8 inches X10 inches. Matting is not necessary.

b. 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.

20.  *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)  

30.  *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)

40. *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 the viewer’s attention. (Activity 11)

50.  *CANDID PHOTOGRAPHY DISPLAY OR PRINT – Candid photos should capture a special moment or meaningful interaction. Photo should be un-posed. (Activity 10)

60.  * EXPRESSION THROUGH COLOR DISPLAY OR PRINT – 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)

MASTERING PHOTOGRAPHY – Level 3 GUIDELINES - DIVISION 182

Pictures must be taken by 4-H member.    (Pages refer to Mastering Photography Level 3 manual available in the extension office or Online URL: https://4hcurriculum.unl.edu/index.php/main/program_project/30

 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 Basic, Book 2 Next Level Photography, and Book 3 Mastering Photography.                                  

Portfolios may be presented in either print or digital formats:

                       a. Printed portfolios should be presented in an 8.5 inch X11 inch three-ring binder or similar book format. Recommended photo size is 8 inch X10 inch. Matting is not necessary.

                       b. Digital portfolios may be presented online and must be exhibited along with a single 8.5 inch X 11 inch flyer. Flyers must include a link, URL, or QR code that takes users (judges and fairgoers) to their online portfolio.                                                                                                    

Level 3 Print Exhibits:

--- All print exhibit must be prints are 8 inches X10 inches prints mounted in 11 inches X14 inches (outside size) cut matting with a sandwich mat-board backing.  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 rules regarding Data Tags).

--- Level 3 Data Tags are required. Tags must be securely attached to the back of the exhibit.

Class:

901.   Exhibit Print: Choose a, b, OR c. a. Still Life- (pages 42-43 for ideas), b. Expression through color (pages 54-55 for ideas) or c. Details, Details (pages 58-59 for ideas) ---5x7 or Larger Exhibit print mounted on black poster board.

10.  *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 of 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.

20.  *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)

30.  *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 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)

40.  *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)

50.  *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)

60.  *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)