The Fair

4H Photography

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TO PLACE AN ON LINE ENTRY CLICK HERE

Superintendent – Carmen Patton
Phone - 704.307.1639

Entries can be placed on-line through July 11th, or on July 12th in the 4-H Exhibit Building between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. All exhibits are due in-person on July 12th in the 4-H Exhibit building between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Division 14

General Rules for Classes A - F

Read rules carefully!  Small details can cost big points.

1. All entries in all classes must be photos taken by the exhibitor during the current 4-H year.
2. All exhibitors must be enrolled in a 4-H photography project.
3. Entries may be film or digital captures which have not been manipulated in any way, unless entered in Class F - Digital Imaging. Cropping prior to printing is acceptable.  Digital manipulation will result in the disqualification of the exhibit. 
4. All digital photos must be printed on photographic paper. Entries printed on paper, cardstock, etc will not be accepted.
5. Photos may only be used once in a competition (i.e. - cannot present a photo in Class A that is also used on a photo board or album).  Using a phonto more than once will result in the disqualification of all exhibits using the photo.
6. Color enhancements (including black and white) and changes may not be made to the original photo unless it is entered In Class F - Digital Imaging.  If settings are changed on the member's camera to make color changes prior to taking the photo, this must be indicated on the C0890 photo lable.  If "Auto" is checked, the judes will assume that changes were make post-processing, and photos will be disqualified.
7. All entries must be mounted on poster board following the guidelines set forth for the class. In all classes, multiple layers of poster board may be used to create borders and enhance look of mounting.  However, the bottom layer must be poster board for display puroses.  Improper mounting materials will result in an automatic loss of all mounting points.  Framed or unmounted entries will not be accepted.
8. All entries must be presented with the photo label #C0890 filled out and attached to the photo entry.  This photo label is available on line.  *NEW 2012 GUIDELINES*

• Attach photo label  to the back of the posterboard.
  • The card should not be visible from the front of the exhibit.
  • Label must be attached for photo to be accepted, so be sure to get it ahead of time.
  • Improperly attached photo labels will result in an automatic loss of 5 points from the mounting criterion.

Fill in the photo label with the following information:

• Caption - optional but highly recommended
• Exhibitor - Your name
• Name or type of camera(Include brand and model)
• Indicate SLR (manual controls), P&S (point and shoot) or digital or film
• Focus - Manual or Auto (If manual, list your settings)
• Exposure-Manual or Auto (If manual, list your settings)
• Film, ASO/ISO - specify the film speed e.g. 100, 200, 400
• Print made by - Exhibitor or commercial printer
• Years in project - how many years enrolled in a 4-H photography project and your age

 

4-H PHOTOGRAPHY SCORE SHEET.

Most* classes and lots with single photo entries will be judged according to the following criteria:

• Correct Category (appropriate class and lot) - 15 points; all or nothing points
• Quality (technically well done, in focus, good lighting, good print quality) - 25 points
• Interest (story telling ability, emotional response, convey a message) - 25 points
• Composition - 25 points
  • Simplicity - points
  • Good use of rule of thirds - 5 points
  • Good use of lines - 5 points
  • Good use of balance - 5 points
  • Minimize distraction from point of interest - 5 points

• Mounting (neat, secure, attractive, photo label attached properly) - 10 points

*Exceptions to these judging rules will be noted in the class or lot desciptions.

SCORE SHEET FOR ENTRIES WITH MULTIPLE PHOTOS

Most* classes and lots that require the entry of multiple photos per exhibit will be judged according to the following criteria:

• Correct category - 10 points
• Quality - 30 points
• Composition / Creativity - 45 points
• Presentation - 15 points

*Exceptions to these judging rules will be noted in the class or lot desciptions.

NOTE:

For those 4-H students who lack the tools or experience to properly cut poster board and mount your entry, there is help available. You may call Rena Worst at 318-8570 and arrange a time with her. She has many years of experience, all appropriate tools, and a sincere desire to help young people do their best. You must call her prior to June 27th.

 

CLASS A – PHOTOGRAPHY

PREMIUMS: 4.00   3.00    2.50

LOT NUMBER

  1. People: One print of one or more people (no shadow photos allowed).  Can be posed portraits or candid shots.
  2. Animal: One print of one or more animals.
  3. Landscape: One print of a landscape (no seascapes, boats or sunsets allowed).
  4. Building: One print of one or more buildings (no signs or billboards allowed).
  5. Flowers:One print of one or more flowers, weed, or plant.
  6. Action: One print of any subject where the viewer can see action in progress.
  7. Close-up/Macro:One print of any subject, very close or zoomed in.
  8. Special lighting: One print of any subject using light to enhance image (i.e. strobe, side, evening, back lighting, timed exposures,  etc) - must identify type of special lighting on C0890
  9. Enlargements: One 8"x10" OR 5"x14" print of any subject, color or B&W, commercially printed.
10. Darkroom skills: One B&W print developed and enlarged to 5"x7" by exhibitor - must include 3x5 card defining chemicals, exposure, and paper used. Judged on the following criteria: Correct category - 10 points, Quality - 30 points, Dark room techniqes - 25 points, Composition/Creativity - 25 points, and Mounting - 10 points.
11. Special Effects: One print of any subject using special effects (i.e. double exposure, painting with light, use of special filters, trick photography, tilt shift, etc.) - explain on photo label which special effect was used. No digitally altered photos. Special effects must be created by exhibitor.
12. Design Elements: One print of any subject showing design element.  This element will change each year.  For 2012, the desing lelment is: texture(s).
13. Still Life: One print of any inanimate object(s) posed for photo.
14. Abstracts: One print of any abstract subject - photo may not be digitally manipulated.

15. Machines:One print of any machine or machine part.  Photos of boats, planes, cars, robots, engines, etc. will be accepted in this lot.

16.  Color of the Year: One print with the predetermined color as the main color of the photo.  This will change each year.  For 2012, the color is: PURPLE, any shade.

17. Whatcom County: One print of any place or event in Whatcom county.  Caption is required.  (HINT:Be creative!  Show unusual things.)

18. Last Year's Fair: One print from the previous year's fair.  Can be of anything at the fair.  Caption is required.

19. Humor:  One print of any subject in a funny or humorous situation.  Caption is required.

20.  Food:  One print of any food item(s) posed for display.

 CLASS B – PHOTO BOARDS

• Maximum of one lot per exhibitor and one entry per lot.
• All photos must be minimum of 3 1/2" x 5" in size.
• Mount photos for each exhibit on single piece of poster board with the following guidelines:
  • Use rubber cement, mounting tissue, or photo stickers. Water based glue will cause photos to bubble.
  • Over-all dimensions of photo board may not exceed 11"x14" - dimensions larger than this will result in a loss of all mounting points and the possibility of not being displayed do to limited space.
  • Place photo label along bottom edge of poster board so that it is visible from the front - improperly mounted photo labels will result in automatic loss of 5 presentation points.  If photos were taken with more than one camera, include a photo label for each camera used.
  • On the front of your exhibit, include a small label(no larger than 1"x3") that includes your name, age group (J-Junior, I-Intermediate, S-Senior) for the year the member is completing, and club.

• Scanned, laser, or manipulated digital copies will not be accepted in this class. Unmanipulated photos may be cropped before printing.
• All entires in this class will be judged using the Score Sheet for Entires with Multiple Photos.

 

PREMIUMS:  6.00    5.00    4.00

LOT NUMBERS

1. Photo Story: 3 to 6 photos that tell a story or sequence of events with a begining/ending, a title and captions.
2. Theme Board: 3 to 6 photos depicting a specific theme. Title required; captions, poems, or other written words are optional, but strongly suggested.

CLASS C – PHOTO JOURNALISM

• Maximum of one lot per exhibitor, and one entry per lot.
• Photos for Lots 1 & 2 must be mounted on white poster board, following the guidelines outlined in each lot.
• Place photo label along bottom edge of poster board so that it is visible from the front.
• On the front of your exhibit, include a small label(no larger than 1"x3") that includes your name, age group(J-Junior, I-Intermediate, S-Senior) for the year the member is completing, and club.
• Scanned, laser, or manipulated digital copies will not be accepted in this class. Unmanipulated photos may be cropped before printing.
• B&W or color photos accepted.
• All photos must be of a newsworthy nature. They must be captioned. Include information on who, what, when, where, and why in each caption.
• All entries in this class will be judged using the following criteria: Journalistic value - 55 points, Quality of photo - 35 points, and Captioned correctly - 10 points.

PREMIUMS:  6.00   5.00   4.00

LOT NUMBER

1. Photo: One newsworthy photo with caption - photo size 5"x7"; mounted on white poster board, overall dimensions should not exceed 8"x10". Caption should be mounted below the photo on the poster board.
2. Story Board: 2 to 4 newsworthy photos with captions depicting single newsworthy story; mounted on white poster board; photos may be any size, but over-all dimensions of board may not exceed 11"x14". Caption should be mounted below the photos on the poster board.
3. Album: Minimum of 10 newsworthy photos with suggested headlines and captions; published and unpublished work of the exhibitor. Include suggested cutlines; if published, include a copy of the publication.

 

CLASS D – 4-H PHOTO RECORD

• Maximum of one lot per exhibitor, and one entry per lot.
• Photos must be mounted on poster board, following the guidelines outlined in each lot.
• All photos must be captioned.

PREMIUMS:  5.00    4.00    2.50

LOT NUMBER

1. 4-H Promotion: One photo suitable for promoting 4-H clubs. 4-H emblem must be visible in the photo. Photos may be of projects, community service, activities, events, or leadership development. Photos must be 5"x7" in size - no other sizes will be accepted. Photo must be mounted on poster board with margins between 1" and 1 1/2" - margins smaller that 1" or exceeding 1 1/2" will result in loss of all 10 points for mounting. Entries larger than 8"x10" cannot be accepted due to space restrictions. Caption should be mounted on poster board on the front of the poster board. Photo label should be attached to the back of the poster board.  On the front of your exhibit, include a small label(no larger than 1"x3") that includes your name, age group(J-Junior, I-Intermediate, S-Senior) for the year the member is completing, and club.  All entries in this class will be judged using the following criteria: Promotional Value - 50 points, Quality of photo - 35 points, Mounted correctly - 10 points, and Properly Captioned - 5 points. Photos in this class and lot may be used in 4-H promotional materials, brochures, flyers, etc.
2. 4-H Project: 2 to 6 photos documenting a 4-H project of any kind. Title and captions should be included. Captions should include the appropriate who, what, when, where, and why to create a better understanding of the project. All photos must be minimum of 3 1/2"x5" in size. Mount photos on a single piece of poster board using an appropriate adhesive, allowing for exterior mounting. Over-all dimensions of photo board may not exceed 11"x14" - dimensions larger than this will not be accepted due to limited space available. Place photo label along bottom edge of poster board so that it is visible from the front - improperly mounted photo labels will result in automatic loss of 5 presentation points. All entires in this class will be judged using the Score Sheet for Entries with Multiple Photos.

 

CLASS E – 4-H PHOTO ALBUMS

• Maximum of one lot per exhibitor and one entry per lot.
• All photos must be minimum of 3 1/2"x 5" up to 8"x 10" size.  Multiple photo sizes may be used in a single album.
• Secure photo label on inside front cover of album.
• All photos submitted for one year do not have to be from the same type of camera, but additional photo labels should be attached from each camera used.  You can mix digital and regular film photos.
• Photos being judged should be your best work from the current 4-H  year. If you are adding to an old album, be sure to mark the current year in the front of the album.
• Scrapbooks are not acceptable.
• All entries in this class will be judged using the Score Sheet for Entries with Multiple Photos.

PREMIUMS:  6.00    5.00    4.00

LOT NUMBER

1. First year album: 25 prints in album
2. Second year album: 30 new prints
3. Third year album: 35 new prints
4. Fourth year album: 40 new prints
5. Fifth year album: 50 new prints

 

CLASS F – DIGITAL IMAGING

• Maximum of one lot per exhibitor and one entry per lot.
• All finished photos must be 5"x7". The original image must be part of display, on the front of the exhibit mat.
• A typed index card must be part of the mounted display, on the front of the exhibit mat, explaining what was done to arrive at the final image.
• Mount photos for each exhibit on a single piece of poster board with the following guidelines:
  • Over all dimensions of photo board may not exceed "11x14"-dimensions larger than this will result in the loss of all presentation points and the possibility of not being displayed due to limited space available.
  • Place photo label on the back of the poster board.  On the front of your exhibit, include a small label(no larger than 1"x3") that includes your name, age group(J-Junior, I-Intermediate, S-Senior) for the year the member is completing, and club.  Improperly mounted labels will result in automatice loss of 5 pressentation points.

• Photos in this class must be printed by exhibitor on photo paper.
• It is recommeded that digital captures be taken on "high" resolution, and a minimum printer output of 300DPI or PPI should be used.
• Digital captures must be color corrected. B&W photos must be done with the gray scale. Color photos must be done with RGB or CMYK scale.
• All images can be sandwiched; cut and pasted; retouched; cloned; filtered or any other special effects can be used.
• All entries in this class will be judged using the following criteria: Quality of final image - 20 points, Composition - 20 points,  Color correction - 20 points, Retouching 10 points, Cropping, if needed - 10 points, Mounting - 10 points, and Correct category and information cards - 10 points.

PREMIUMS:  6.00    5.00    4.00

LOT NUMBER

1. Regular film and camera: Original print photograph must be scanned to create the digital image, then enhanced or manipulated.
2. Digital capture: Original photo taken with a digital camera, then enhanced or manipulated.
3. Digital restoration: Original photo must have been taken with a film camera and damaged in some manner. Original photo may have been taken by someone other than exhibitor. Exhibitor will scan the original to create the digital photo and then repair it using modern day digitizing techniques. In judging, how well the photo was restored will replace the component of composition.

CLASS G - PHOTOGRAPHY JUDING

• 4-H students will be presented with various photographs, presented as they might be if they were being presented for a fair exhibit. 
• Members will judge the photos using 4-H Photography Score Sheet criteria.
• Members will then give each photo a ranking of Blue (1), Red (2), White (3), or no placing.
• Photographs will be on display for members to judge Wednesday of the Fair, from 10AM to 6PM.  Ribbons and scorecards can be picked  up on Thursday.  If not picked up on Thursday, they will be returned with other ribbons on Sunday.  Pick up will not be available on Friday or Saturday, as the photography superintendent will not be available.
• For 2012, no premiums will be given for this class. However, participation in this activity can result in better understanding of the criteria used for photography judging, making the 4-H student more aware of what constitutes blue ribbon photography. This should result in more blue ribbons, and therefore, a higher premium payout overall.

LOT NUMBER

1. Photography Judging

 

CLASS H-PHOTOGRAPHY SCAVENGER HUNT

• 4-H members will be given clues about where to take photographs of specific items at the fair and may compete as teams or individuals.  Teams will be required to find more items to photograph than individuals.  Photos must be turned in by 2:00 PM on Thursday of the Fair.  How photos are displayed is at the discretion of the individual or team.  Posters, albums, or other creative collections will be accepted.
• Judging will be based on the number of items found and photographed, the overall quality and composition of the photos, and the creativity of the display.
• Members may only enter in one lot.
• No premiums will be awarded, but all participants will receive ice cream and a participation ribbon when turning in their displays.  Winners will be awarded a fun prize by the Superintendent.

LOT NUMBER

1-Individual

2-Team

 

SPECIAL AWARDS:

• Best in Class - Up to three ribbons will be awarded in each class to the exhibit at the judges' discretion. If there is no exhibit that the judges feel warrants this award in any class, no ribbon will be awarded.
• Best in Division - One ribbon will be awarded to a single exhibit at the judges' discretion. This ribbon will be awarded to the exhibit the judges feel is the "best of show".
• Shutter Ace - One ribbon will be presented to the exhibitor with the best overall photographs. The Shutter Ace award will be awarded to the exhibitor with the highest weighted average score.  The weighted scale gives more points for ribbons for each additional class than an exhibitor shows in.  See Superintendent for explanation.  Tie breaker will be judges' choice.  Classes G and H do not factor into this award.