TEXAS 4-H PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

The photography project encourages self-expression and teaches proper use of photographic equipment and developing processes. Photography provides opportunities for career exploration and promoting 4-H.

PAGE LINKS:
Contest Rules and Guidelines
Contest Forms
Contest and Project Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Future Theme Suggestions
Contest Results
Best of Show Winners from Past Contest

2009 CONTEST RULES AND GUIDELINES

TEXAS 4-H PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST OBJECTIVES:

• To develop life skills in composition, light, story line, posing, and awareness.
• To encourage 4-H members to use photography as a meaningful communication tool in their lives.
• To provide photography project showcase opportunity for senior 4-H members.
• To continue to share the message of 4-H.
  To utilize photographs which can promote and strengthen the 4-H program.

RESOURCES FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST:

• Adventures With Your Camera – B (Grades 6 to 9) (Available from National 4-H Council Supply)
• Texas 4-H and Youth Development Photography Project Resource Page http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/events/photography/index.html
• Any reference to a product or company is not to endorse or support them and their causes. Links to companies are provided for their educational resources only.

DEFINITION OF CLASSES:

• Color: photos taken with either emulsion film or digital cameras.
• Black & White: photos taken with any camera, however, they must be in grey-scale only (this class does not include antiquing, sepia-tone, and/ or hand-tinting).
• All Media: this includes color emulsion/digital, and black and white emulsion/digital.

RULES AND GUIDELINES:

1. Participation Age: The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Photography contest will be displayed during the 2008 Texas 4-H Roundup and is open to all senior age 4-H members that have passed their 14th but not their 19th birthday before August 31, 2008. Participants must have been born during the period beginning September 1, 1989 and ending August 31, 1994.
2. Eligibility of Photos: All photographs must have been taken by 4-H members between the dates of January 1, 2008 and the time of entry. Photos may be submitted only one time and in only one division and class to the state photography contest.
3. Number of Entries: A county may have only one entry per class for a total of 15 entries per county, and all entries and entry fees must be submitted DIRECTLY TO THE TEXAS 4-H AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.
4. Entry Fee: A fee of $8.00 per picture must accompany each entry. Please make check payable to TEXAS 4-H FOUNDATION – PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST for all entries.
5. Contestants Participating at Texas 4-H Roundup: Photography contest participants do not attend Texas 4-H Roundup unless they are competing in another contest however, if a 4-H member/adult chooses to attend to view the display they may do so, but are required to pay the necessary registration fee.
6. Entry Deadline: ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED AND PAYMENT (E-CHECK OR CREDIT CARD) MADE ON 4-H CONNECT by April 15, 2009.
7. Photo Submission: Photos and county/club checks must be postmarked by April 15, 2009.
8. Removal of Entries: Entries are not to be removed from the display by anyone.
   
   Contest Structure
   
   
9. Size of Photographs: Each photograph must be a true 8 inch by 10 inch photograph.
10. Mounting of Photographs: All prints must be securely and permanently mounted solid on PHOTOGRAPHIC MOUNT BOARD (mat board material) or a THIN FOAM BOARD no larger than 8 inches by 10 inches suitable for hanging without an additional frame. Masonite, photo folders, corrugated cardboard or thin poster board is not acceptable. Double faced tape, glue or rubber cement is not allowed for mounting purposes. (Use dry mounting if possible.) Matting (of any kind) is not allowed and will result in disqualification. Some resources for mounting supplies include: Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Blick Studio (www.dickblick.com), local framing shops, and art supply stores.
11. Negatives: Entrants must be able to provide original transparencies, negative, disk or print if requested.
12. Refusal Rights: The Texas 4-H and Youth Development reserves the right to refuse inappropriate or unsuitable entries.
13. Judges: Judges will determine the placings. Their decision on all entries is final.
14. Judging Criteria: Photographers aiming for the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Photography contest should be mindful of the criteria used in judging entries. In general, contest judges establish a viewing distance when evaluating photo quality, 8X10 photos are generally viewed from 14 to 16 inches. Participants should use viewing distance and the following criteria as guidelines:
    • Focus
    • Exposure
    • Lighting
    • Print Quality
    • Subject
    • Composition
    • Impact
    • Uniqueness

DIVISIONS:	CLASSES:	DESCRIPTION:
People	1. Color 2. Black & White	People (babies, children, adults, and senior citizens) alone or in a group, active or inactive. Such photos may be photojournalistic, or an interpretative portrait where the person rather than the environment is emphasized.
Animals	1. Color 2. Black & White	Animal life, including domestic, wild, insects, and underwater creatures. The animal(s) should be the focus of the photo and not human subjects or nature/scenic. No harm or injury should be inflicted on the animal in order to acquire the photo.
Still Life	1. Color 2. Black & White	Photography where objects are pre-arranged or set up by the photographer (composition does not occur naturally).
Natural Landscape	1. Color 2. Black & White	Scenes of natural landscapes, seascapes, skyscapes (sunsets, clouds, etc) or underwater scenes.
Plant/Flora	1. Color 2. Black & White	Any photo that focuses on the plant or flower structure and not on a scene or landscape.
Architectural Elements	1. Color 2. Black & White	Photos that emphasizes geometric details such as lines, patterns, textures of inanimate objects.
Special Effects/ Creative Effects	1. All Media (black and white or color)	Any photo that has been enhanced to bring out dramatic or artistic qualities. These enhancements can occur using the camera or developing process. Antiquing, hand-tinting, and sepia-tone photos would be entered in this division.
Theme	1. Color 2. Black & White	The 2008-2009 theme will be “Volunteers in Action”. Volunteers, youth and adults, play an import role in our society. 4-H members are encouraged to take photographs of volunteers in action. Photos can include 4-H volunteers, but also volunteers serving in action roles through other organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, etc.

AWARDS
Blue, Red, and White quality awards will be given to entries based on the score sheet criteria.

Best of Show awards will be presented to one photo in each division. Additional Best of Show awards will be presented to the photos that demonstrates outstanding achievements in: lighting, composition, artistic quality, and impact.

One award may be presented for the photograph that best demonstrates the spirit of 4-H, this can be awarded to any division and class.

A select number of pictures will be retained by the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program for the purpose of marketing and program promotion. Pictures retained are based on both quality and subject matter. Pictures retained could be of all quality award colors.

PROPER ENTRY OF PHOTOS:
Each entry must include the following information to ensure proper entry. Some information will be based on the division and class entered. The information MUST be legibly printed or typed on the photo release and affixed to the back of the photo in the center. This form can be found online in a PDF format on the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Photography website, located at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/photography.
County Division
District Class
Name Make & Model of Camera Used
Address Film Speed Used (if applicable)
City/Zip Software Used (digital photos)
Phone E-mail:
Birthday Age:
Name/Title of Picture:
Special Effect/Creative Effect category please
describe your process used to achieve desired effect (30 words or less)

Entries that do not follow the proper labeling procedures WILL be disqualified.

DISQUALIFICATIONS OF ENTRIES:
Entries that do not follow the rules, division and class guidelines or any general guidelines will automatically be disqualified. Disqualifications forfeit all entry fees. A general form letter specifying reason(s) for disqualification will be returned together with photo to the county after Texas 4-H Roundup. County entries received past the deadline will be automatically disqualified and will be returned to the county.

Reasons for disqualification:

• Incorrect size.
• Mounted improperly or not securely mounted.
• Labeled improperly or label incomplete.
• Entered into incorrect division and/or class.
• Same photo entered into multiple divisions and/or classes.
• No signature(s).
• Entry fee not paid or only partial fee paid.
• County did not select/certify photo to represent county.
• Photo was NOT entered into 4-H CONNECT system.
• Received after postmarked date.
• For black and white photos – not a true black and white photo.
• More than one entry in a division and class from a county

ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS:
Results will be e-mailed to counties and posted on the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Website after judging has concluded and all placings have been verified. This will be AFTER Texas 4-H Roundup.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation and/or its employees/agents involved in the contest will not be held liable for missing, mislabeled, damaged, or non-displayed photographs. By entry the 4-H member accepts this release.

DISPLAY AND FUTURE USE RIGHTS:
By submitting an entry to the contest, the 4-H member grants permission to the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation, and any other public or private agency authorized by the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program, the use, and rights associated to the use of the photographic likeness, in promotional publications, and other media, without compensation. Certain photos will be retained for future use. Other photos will be returned through district offices after Texas 4-H Roundup. By entry the 4-H member accepts these conditions of display and future use.

PROCESS FOR ENTERING PHOTOGRAPHS USING 4-H CONNECT ON-LINE REGISTRATION PROGRAM
(MUST BE ADHERED TO IN ORDER FOR DISQUALIFICATION OF ENTRY(S) NOT TO OCCUR)

Photograph(s) that have won a county contest or those that are eligible for the Texas 4-H Photography Contest must be entered using the 4-H CONNECT on-line registration system.

Registration Steps:

1. Between the dates of March 15, 2009 and April 15, 2009, the photography contest will be open on 4-H CONNECT.
   
2. Create a profile and family email address in the 4-H CONNECT on-line registration program if you do not have one already established. Web address: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu
3. Under contests and events registration tab, select the “2008 State Photography” Contest.
4. Enter your photograph(s) in the correct category.
5. Select your method of payment (credit card or e-check).
6. Submit your entry and payment method on 4-H CONNECT.
7. Mail photographs with release attached to the back of photograph to the following address.
8. Once confirmation is received mail photograph(s) with COMPLETE label/release attached to back to the state 4-H office. Mailing address is:
   Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation
   c/o 2008 Photography Contest
   P.O. Box 11020
   College Station, TX 77842-1020
   

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CONTEST FORMS

	2008-2009 Photography Rules and Guidelines
	Label Example
	Judging Scorecard
	Fill-in Label for back of photograph.

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CONTEST AND PROJECT RESOURCES

Disclaimer: The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, and The Texas A&M University System do not support or endorse any sites other than their own. They bear no responsibility for any information contained on these sites. This page exists merely to guide visitors to potentially helpful resources.

Taking Pictures

• Kodak - Taking Great Pictures
• New York Institute of Photography
• Photography Review.com - Learn the tricks to taking photos
• Digital Camera Lessons
• 7 Tips for Great Digital Photos
• Tips on How To Capture Action Shots
• Imaging Resource - Camera Lessons
• Photography Tips
• File and Digital Camera Simulator
• Black and White Photography
• Tips On Capture Animals
• Photography - The Art Of Light Interactive Guide
• Outdoor Photography
• Focus on on Photography
• Editing Digital Pictures - Short Course
• Photography Short Courses

Materials

• Blick Art Materials:
• Hobby Lobby
• Walmart

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PLANT/FLORA DIVISION AND THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE DIVISON?
  
  The plant/flora division will focus on capturing a certain specific feature of a flower. This is more of a "close-up" category focusing in on the details and beauty of one flower or part(s) of a flower. Natural Landscape is focusing in on what was placed there by nature. Examples of this would be the Grand Canyon, a forest, a lake, etc.
  
  
• WHERE WOULD A PICTURE OF A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS BE ENTERED?
  
  A bouquet of flowers is an arranged object, therefore it would be best suited for the still life category. However, if it is one flower and you are focusing in on a certain part of the flower it could go in the Plant/Flora Division.
  
  
• WHAT EXACTLY IS THE ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS DIVISION?
  
  The architectural elements division allows 4-H members to focus on a certain unique piece of architecture such as a unique gable of a house, the gingerbread trim of a house, a computers circuit board, a row of fence post, the pipes of a refinery, etc. This division stretches the mind to explore the repetitive features of something complex.
  
  
• YOU USE THE WORD "MAT BOARD" IN THE INSTRUCTIONS, BUT YOU SAY THAT WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO MAT OUR PHOTOGRAPHS, CAN YOU CLARIFY THIS?
  
  The materials that is commonly used as "MAT BOARD" is a great thickness and hardness to mount your photos on. It can be purchased at almost any art supply store, and most Wal-Mart will carry this type of materials. So, we say to use "MAT BOARD" for mounting only, but don't place any object on top of the photo (i.e. a "MAT").
  
  
• WHAT IS THE STILL LIFE DIVISION?
  
  The still life division allows for photos to be taken of arranged or set objects or scenes. This could include such things as a scene with a Fall scarecrow on hay bales with pumpkins placed around it. It could also include a table setting or a bouquet of arranged roses.
  
  
• CAN I CROP MY PHOTOS?
  
  Cropping can be done on the digital photo categories, that why we have a separate class for digital. On the Color emulsion film categories the photograph can have MINOR cropping. The photo should have minimally invasive process applied to it.
  
  
• WHAT ARE SOME TECHNIQUES THAT CAN BE USED IN THE SPECIAL EFFECTS/CREATIVE EFFECTS?
  
  These effects are not just those accomplished through Photoshop or some other graphic manipulation software program. This can be the by the use of filters on lenses, different homemade techniques, developing techniques, use of different spectra of lights, etc.

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FUTURE THEME SUGGESTIONS

Possible Future Themes for the Texas 4-H Photography Contest are:

• Landscape and Gardening
• Underwater
• Churches of Texas
• Courthouses of Texas
• Cemetaries of Texas
• Science Experiments
• Abstract: Capture the Emotions of: Happy, Courage, Sadness, Etc.
• Where's the Clover (A Where's Waldo Concept - Hide a clover in the picture)
• A Time in History (suggestion made by Tyler, District 6)
• 4-H Leaders in Action (suggestion made by Marty, District 8)
• Historical Places in Texas

Do you have a suggest for a future theme? If you do, then e-mail it to us 4hevents@ag.tamu.edu

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CONTEST RESULTS

	2008
	2007
	2006
	2005
	2004
	2003
	2002
	2001

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BEST OF SHOW PHOTOS FROM PAST CONTESTS

• 2006
• 2007
• 2008

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Page last updated: August 7, 2008