Judging 4H Photography

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Judging 4-H Photography

• Kim Peterson, Coordinator
• University of Nebraska Rural Initiative

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4-H Photography Projects

• Unit I Focus on Photography
• Unit II Controlling the Image
• Unit III Mastering Photography
• Unit I is a county-only exhibit and not
  eligible for State Fair exhibit.

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General Photography Rules

• 4-Hers may enter up to three exhibits and can
  only exhibit in one unit
• Entry tag must be securely attached to upper
  right hand corner of displays or prints
• A photograph may only be used on one exhibit and
  may be taken with a digital or film camera
• Photo must have been taken by the 4-H member
  during the current project year

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General Photography Rules

• Photos must be attached securely unattached
  photos will be disqualified
• Do not use photo corners, borders, or coverings
  over photos do not attach negatives
• Personal data tag required on all entries
• Photo journals only need Part A
• Picture displays and exhibit prints require Parts
  A B
• Exhibits not following these rules will receive a
  participation ribbon (State Fair guideline at
  the county-level may prefer to lower one ribbon
  placing)

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What To Take With You

• Score sheets
• http//4h.unl.edu/programs/statefair/sfscoresheets
  .htm
• Photography manuals
• Specific county guidelines (counties may have
  different categories for Unit I) READ AHEAD OF
  TIME
• Cropping tool
• Ruler or small tape measure
• Pencils for writing comments

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Four Basic Areas for Scoring

• Guideline Requirements
• Focus/Exposure/Lighting
• Composition/Distance
• Creativity and Appeal
• There is a fifth category in Units II and III for
  the Nebraska Theme Exhibits

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Guideline Requirements

• Mounting
• Correct size

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Correct Size

• Photo displays
• Mounted on 11 by 14 horizontal poster or
  matting board black (preferred) or white
• Photos should be 4x6 prints must be mounted
  horizontally or vertically
• Exhibit prints
• 8x10 print mounted in 11x14 cut matting with
  sandwich backing or 5x7 print in 8x10 cut
  matting with sandwich backing
• May be horizontal or vertical layout
  rectangular or oval mat

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Guideline Requirements

• Mounting
• Correct size
• Appropriate color
• Secure
• Pencil-numbered (no titles, captions, or stick-on
  numbers)
• Artistic arrangement
• Entry Tag and Personal Data Tag
• Complete
• Secure

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Personal Data Tag A
Name Age County Unit Class Film
Speed/(ISO or ASA) Setting Camera Description
(digital/film, fixed/auto/SLR) Filt
er Used (if any) Special Lens Used (if
any) Focus Type (automatic,
manual, fixed) Aperture Type/F Stop Setting
(adjustable, non-adjustable) Shutter Speed
Setting (adjustable, non-adjustable)
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Personal Data Tag B

• Answer the following questions
• What is the intended purpose of the photo?
• How was the photo taken and printed? (Describe
  the equipment and software used.)
• What type of paper was the image printed on?
• Describe any changes made to the pictures using
  computer software.

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Focus/Exposure/Lighting

• Sharp focus
• Proper light/used correctly
• Flash
• Color quality
• Proper exposure
• Creative/interesting use of lighting sources

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Composition/Distance

• Strong center of interest
• Appropriate angle/viewpoint/proper camera
  position
• Photo appropriately fills frame
• Rule of thirds applied
• Good framing
• Good visual effect
• Appropriate use of space to create interesting
  photo

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Composition Tips

• Composition is a major factor that gives a photo
  impact
• A photo with effective composition features a
  pleasing combination of
• Point of interest
• Background
• Foreground
• Get up close and personal
• Place the subject off-center
• Vertical versus horizontal

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Composition Point of Interest

• A photo has more impact if the point of interest
  is at one of the four intersecting points. Use
  this concept with shooting or cropping photos.

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Composition Rule of Thirds

• Landscape photos usually look best if the horizon
  line is one-third from the top or bottom of your
  photo.

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Composition Rule of Thirds
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Composition Subjects Facing In
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Composition Subjects Facing In
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Creativity and Appeal

• Unique or interesting subject
• Creative techniques/angles/viewpoints
• Effectively executed the intent of the class
• Lighting effects
• Different views
• Candid photos
• Action photos
• Artistic expression
• Creative use of color emphasis of detail,
  emotion, etc.
• Overall appeal of photo

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Nebraska Theme Exhibits

• Portrays Nebraska
• Creativity/originality of concept
• 2008 Themes
• Celebrating Citizenship
• Go for Gold

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Photo Journals 3 Scoring Areas

• Guideline requirements
• Journal content
• Photo quality

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Photo Journal -- Guidelines

• Display
• Correct size
• In black or white 3-ring binder
• Photos mounted securely
• All pages of selected project category complete
• Entry tag and Photo Data Tag A complete and
  secure
• Data Tag A should be Page 1 of the journal

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Photo Journal -- Content

• Neatly presented
• All questions answered
• Thoughtful, concise responses
• Indicates understanding of technique or skill
  presented in the particular journal activity
• Appropriate photo selections
• Photos effectively illustrate the intent of the
  journal activity

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Photo Journal Photo Quality

• Strong center of interest
• Obvious/interesting focal point
• Sharp focus
• Steady
• Camera control
• Depth of field
• Proper light/used correctly
• Front, back, existing flash, controlled
• Creative/interesting angles, viewpoints,
  techniques

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Tips for Writing Comments

• Explain the ribbon placement
• If its not a purple ribbon tell them how to
  improve to make it better
• Let an exhibitor know if exhibit was lowered a
  ribbon placing for not following rules or
  guidelines
• Give praise for creativity and effort
• Be sure to give positive comments along with
  negative comments
• Be careful how you word comments
• Always end with a positive comment!

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Interview Judging

• Let the exhibitor tell you about the exhibit and
  what they learned
• Give praise for creativity and effort
• Be sure to give positive comments along with
  negative comments
• Be careful how you word comments
• Always end with a positive comment or praise!

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Remember

• 4-Hers are KIDS perfection is not the 1
  criteria! Emphasis should be placed on the
  learning not the project.
• Always
• Be honest
• Be fair
• Be consistent
• Be friendly
• Smile
• Offer encouragement

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• Good luck and have fun judging 4-H Photography!