ALL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITS WILL BE JUDGED ON CONTEST DAY - JULY 16, 2026
Awards:
Hasemann Funeral Home, Wayne - Champion Beginning Photography
Total Graphics, Wayne – Reserve Champion Beginning Photography
Jesse and Angie Rethwisch Family, Wayne - Champion Advanced Photography
Total Graphics, Wayne – Reserve Champion Advanced Photography
Premiums:
Purple $4.50, Blue $4.00, Red $3.50, White $3.00
Scoresheets:
SF86 – Creative and Experimental Prints (levels 2 & 3)
SF87 – Prints and Displays (all levels)
SF88 – Portfolios (all levels)
General Photography Rules:
A. 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.
B. Entry Tag should be securely attached to the upper right-hand corner of the exhibit.
C. An image may only be used on one exhibit except for Portfolios which may include images entered in other classes.
D. Cameras: Photos may be taken with any type of film or digital camera, including phones, tablets, and drones.
E. Photos must be shot by the 4-H member during the current project year except for Portfolios which may include images captured and/or exhibited in previous years.
F. 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.
G. Data Tags are required on all photography exhibits except Portfolios. Current data tags and instructions are available at https://wayne.unl.edu/county-and-state-fair-information and at the Extension Office.
H. 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 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.
- 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.
J. Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials, and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4h-photography
K. An explanation of projects and curriculum resources can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/resources/projects/.
L. 4-H members can exhibit in only one photography level and may enter one exhibit per class.
M. Once you have exhibited in a higher level, you are not eligible to exhibit in a lower level.
Level 3: Mastering Photography
A 4-H member exhibiting in Level 3: Mastering Photography may not exhibit in Level 2: Next Level Photography or Level 1: Photography Basics. Level 3 photographers should be exploring and experimenting with advanced techniques. This may include but does not necessarily require using a 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 Level 1: Photography Basics, Level 2: Next Level Photography, and Level 3: Mastering Photography.
Level 3 Print Exhibit Guidelines:
All exhibit prints are 8 inches x 10 inches prints mounted in 11 inches x 14 inches (outside size) cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich mat-board backing (not foam board); rectangular or oval inside matt opening. Incorrect sizes will not be accepted.
- Place photos horizontally or vertically as appropriate.
- All Level 3 prints must have a Level 3 Data Tag. (See General Rule G).
Classes:
+B-182-010 Level 3 Portfolio - Level 3 portfolios represent the 4-H member’s best work. Level 3 portfolios must include nine to eleven 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.
+B-182-020 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)
+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 inches x 6 inches 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.
County Level Photography Class – Any 4-H member may enter the following class. Not State Fair Eligible
B-182-909 Level 3 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. Topic could also be a weather-related event, tornado, flooding or other. 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 in Photography Basics Book 1)