4-H Photography Project

Project Resources >> General / Natural Resources Projects >> Photography >> Unit 1

Focus on Photography Level 1

This unit is for member’s ages 8-18 years old. This beginning level project is designed for youth with no prior experience in photography. Members will explore four Project Areas:

  • Equipment
  • Lighting
  • Composition
  • Skill Building
  • Any camera can be used for this level

The photo exhibit for Level 1 will be broken into two—Level 1A which will cover the areas of Equipment and Lighting and Level 1B which will cover the areas of Composition and Skill Building. 4-H members can either exhibit in Level 1A or Level 1B depending on their level of competence. If 4-H members complete the manual, they may exhibit in both Level 1A and Level 1B. Be sure to have the 4-H members look over the manual and decide which areas they are going to exhibit in.

Step 4:

The items listed below are your project requirements. Select each in turn to access a Word Document. Once you have your document, please save it to your hard drive or other media before entering information.

  1. Colorado 4-H Photography Project Tip Sheet
  2. 4-H Project E-Record for Family/Consumer Science and General Projects

Colorado State Fair and Local County Fair Exhibit Requirements

General Exhibit Requirements:

Project Exhibit Rules for All Units

  1. Focus on Photography has been broken into two exhibit levels –Level 1A and Level 1B. 4-H members should be enrolled in Focus on Photography but can choose to exhibit in either Level 1A or Level 1B. If a member completes the manual, they may enter in both Level 1A and Level 1B. There must be an e-Record for each level (the e-Record can be photocopied).
  2. For all units, submit photo material for the current unit being entered. Do not submit previous photos or records.
  3. In levels 1-3, pictures can be either mounted on the journal pages or on cardstock. Use the tips on page 73 of the manuals for mounting the pictures.
  4. The Best Photo may be up to 5" x 7" in size. Best Photo may be mounted on the journal page 7 or can be mounted on cardstock and identified as your "Best Photo". If you are entering the Best Photo Contest, you will need to make a copy of your "Best Photo" and follow the rules for mounting. Therefore, you will need two photos of your "Best Photo"; one for your project and one for the Best Photo Contest (for levels 1-3). No duplicate pictures will be accepted except for Best Picture and/or Best Photo.
  5. Binders: Hardback, three-ring notebook 3" in size for all units. No posters or oversized books. Do not use plastic covers on any pages in any unit. All materials must fit within the notebook. You should include all your photos and your e-Record in the three-ring notebook. Additional pages can be added as need to exhibit your photos.
  6. Videos must be appropriate for total family viewing.
  7. For photo exhibits in Levels 1-3 follow the tips on page 73 of the manuals. Photos can be mounted on journal pages or on cardstock. Label format for levels 1-3 are:
    Camera Used___________________
    Type of film_____________________
    Exposure Details_________________
    Journal Page # (if using cardstock to mount pictures)__________
    Photo # (left to right and top to bottom)___________________
    Subject_____________________
    Date Photo Taken___________________
  8. Label Format for Units 4-7
    Activity#_____________________
    Photo#______________________
    Subject#_____________________
    Date Photo Taken_____________
    Notes:_______________________
  9. Label Format for Best Photo Contest
    Title___________________
    Name_________________
    4-H Age_______________
    Camera used___________
    Film__________________

Level 1A Exhibit will consist of the following:

A. Completed e-record and include the following in your story: What camera did you use this year (Brand name, film size , etc), How do you store your negatives/discs and Why did you pick your Best Photo pictures. Also include photos of you working on your project in the e-Record photo page.

B. Pages 4-7 from the manual are to be completed and placed in the three-ring notebook with your photos and e-Record.

C. Level 1A photo exhibits will consist of the following Photo Journal pages from Project Areas: Equipment and Lighting (a minimum of 30 photos). Photos may be mounted on cardstock with reference to journal pages:

  1. Photo Journal page 7 –1 photo (Best Photo)
  2. Photo Journal page 12 –5 photos
  3. Photo Journal page 16 –6 photos
  4. Photo Journal page 20 –3 photos of outdoor scene taken at different times (explained in manual page 18); 3 photos of indoor scene taken at different times (explained in manual page 18). (A minimum of 6 photos)
  5. Photo Journal page 24 –5 photos
  6. Photo Journal page 28 –4 photos
  7. Photo Journal page 32 –3 photos

Level 1B Exhibit will consist of the following:

A. Completed e-record and include the following in your story: What camera did you use this year (Brand name, film size, etc) How do you store your negatives/discs and Why did you pick your Best Photo pictures. Also include photos of you working on your project in the e-Record photo page.

B. Pages 4-7 from the manual are to be completed and placed in the three-ring notebook with your photos and e-Record.

C. Level 1B photo exhibits will consist of the following Photo Journal pages from Project Areas: Composition and Skill Building (a minimum of 31 pictures). Photos may be mounted on cardstock with reference to journal pages:

  1. Photo Journal page 7 –1 photo (Best Photo)
  2. Photo Journal page 36 –3 photos
  3. Photo Journal page 40 –3 photos
  4. Photo Journal page 44 –3 to 5 photos
  5. Photo Journal page 48 –4 photos
  6. Photo Journal page 52 –4 photos
  7. Photo Journal page 56 –3 photos
  8. Photo Journal page 60 –3 to 5 story format
  9. Photo Journal page 64 –3 to 5
  10. Photo Journal page 68 –4 photos

Additional Information:

The Best Photo Contest is open to members in Photography Levels 1-3. Those members wanting to participate will use their 5” x 7” (Best Photo in Levels 1-3) for this contest. No e-Record is required.

Rules:

  1. 4-H members must use their 5” x 7” Best Photo in Levels 1-3 for this contest.
  2. The photo must be mounted on a mat and suitable for hanging without additional frame. No other mounted materials (i.e. foam core, glass, wood, plastic, metal, etc.) can be used.
  3. The maximum size for the matted 5” x 7” is no larger than 8” x 10” (no frame or glass).
  4. The photo must be labeled on the back with the title, member name, 4-H age, camera used, film.
  5. All photos used for the Best Photo Contest will become property of the State 4-H office.
  6. Photos will be judged according to the following criteria:
    a. Composition/Presentation
    b. Focus/Sharpness
    c. Lighting
    d. Creativity
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Updated Thursday, October 23, 2008.