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 1: Photography Basics
Exhibits are not State Fair eligible
Display exhibits are encouraged.
Level 1 Picture Display Guidelines:
- Three 4x6 photos mounted on a single horizontal 11 inches x 14 inches black or white poster or matting board. No foam board backing should be used.
- 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 will be allowed.
- Photos must be mounted vertically or horizontally.
- Level 1 Data Tag is required for each photo in the display. Use numbers to identify which photo each data tag corresponds with. (General Rule G)
Level 1 Print Guidelines:
- Print is 8 inches x 10 inches mounted in an appropriately sized matting (no frames) with a sandwich mat-board backing; rectangular or oval inside mat opening. No foam board should be used for matting or backing.
- Place photos horizontally or vertically as appropriate.
- Level 1 Data Tag is required. Attach to the back of the exhibit. (General Rule G)
Classes:
B-180-901 Fun with Shadows Display or Print - Photo(s) should capture interesting or creative use of shadows. (Activity 4)
B-180-902 Get in Close Display or Print - Photo(s) should capture a close-up view of the subject or object. (Activity 8)
B-180-903 Bird’s or Bug’s Eye View Display or Print - Photo(s) should capture an interesting viewpoint of a subject, either from above (bird’s eye view) or below (bug’s eye view). (Activity 10)
B-180-904 Tricks and Magic Display or Print - Photo(s) 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)
B-180-905 People, Places, or Pets with Personality Display or Print - Photo(s) 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 unposed. (Activity 13)
B-180-906 Black and White Display or Print - Photo(s) 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)
B-180-907 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 inches x 14 inches black or white poster or mat board. No foam core backing. 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. Level 1 data tags are required for each photo in the display. (Activity 14)
B-180-908 My Favorite Other Picture Print - Any other favorite photo.
B-180-909 Level 1 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)
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