State 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.

  • Contest Rules and Guidelines- Released 09/15/2011 – PDF
  • Entries due online through 4-H Connect April 15, 2012 – Enter Today
  • 4HConnect quick instructions on uploading photos  – PDF
    Note: Remember that using Mozilla Firefox will eliminate most uploading issues.
  • Results will be available on June 15, 2012.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the theme for 2012?  For 2011-2012 the theme is “Trains.” This theme allows 4-H members to take photos of all types of trains. The train theme includes both real and model trains. Photo subject must be either the engine or a train car. Photos of train accessories such as stations/depots, signs, tracks, etc are not allowed. All necessary safety precautions and laws must be adhered to during photo capturing.
  • With the new categories, where do Black & White Photographs go? There is not separate category/division for Black & White and Color Photographs anymore.  All photographs regardless of type will be entered into their respective category.
  • What is the format for the photos?  Photos must be formatted to a jpg file type that can printed at 300 dots per inch (dpi) at the 3 inch X 5 inch size.  The file memory must not be over 1.5MB.
  • How do I resize my? Below are a list of FREE photo editing software programs that can assist you in resizing your photograph, additionally your camera may have come with some software that you can use as well.  Once you have the software on your computer, you canopen the photograph and using the photo properties/settings you can see what size and resolution is set to and adjust as needed.  HINT: make a copy of your photograph before you start your adjustment process, just in case you save the file with a setting you don’t like.  This process is a learning process in which allows the 4-H member to see different size and resolution settings on the screen and determine what looks the best for entering.
  • How will the photographs be displayed at the state contest? The display will be an interactive video display at Texas 4-H Roundup using multiple wide screen monitors.
  • How will the photographs be judged if everyone has a different computer/monitor? Because the photos are being submitted and judged using a digital format, the judges will be recruited from those that have newer, high definition monitors to evaluate the photographs on.  Since one judge evaluates all photographs for that category they will be asked to judge all photographs on the same computer/monitor to ensure consistency for the entire category.
  • Why does the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program reserve the future rights to all photos? The Texas 4-H and Youth Development is always looking to promote the work of our 4-H members through information which markets our 4-H Program.  By having the rights to use the photographs we can use the photos as needed in such publications, websites, and other interpretative pieces.

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.

Photo Editing – Free Programs

Taking Pictures

Materials

Results
Contests
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011  
Best of Show
2009 2010 2011      

Contact Information

Dr. Toby L. Lepley
Extension 4-H and Youth Development Specialist
4180 Highway 6
College Station, TX 77845
Phone:  979-845-1212
Fax:  979-845-6495
E-mail:  tlepley@ag.tamu.edu

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