Picture yourself in the photography project! In this project, you will have the opportunity to learn how to use a digital camera, lighting, and other photography equipment to get great photos. You will learn to review and evaluate photos for quality and eye-appeal. You can discover techniques in editing and developing photographs for display, competition, or personal enjoyment.
You can attend state-wide photography workshops and field trips held throughout the year that may cover topics such as architecture, portraits, still life, astrophotography, macro, and so much more.
In the photography project, you will learn how to:
- Take photos in manual and preset modes
- Apply different lighting techniques
- Learn about composition to take better photos
- Tell a story with your photos
- Express your artistic side
Resources
- Project Information Sheet
- Explore Guide: Photography
- Click It! Photography Project Activity – Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced
Resource Websites
- Exposure Triangle simulator 3.0
- 4-H Guide to Digital Photography (Available on Amazon)
- Digital Photography for Teens (Available on Amazon)
- Level 1 Photography Basics
- Level 2 Next Level Photography
- Level 3 Mastering Photography
- Photo Editing: GIMP
- Online Photo Editor: Photopea
- Exposure Triangle Simulator
- 21 Free Photography Cheat Sheets
- Pinhole “Camera”
- Learn Photography [Full Course] by Australian Geographic Photographer Chris Bray (YouTube video)
- Camera Buying Guide (Consumer Reports)
- Window to the World – Composition, Rule of Thirds, and Mounting (Iowa State Extension)
Events and Activities
State 4-H Photography Contest
The Texas 4-H Photography Contest encourages self-expression and allows youth to demonstrate skills learned in photography, including the use of photographic equipment and process of photographs.
- 2024-2025 Rules and Guidelines
- Results: 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021
Roundup Photography Judging Contest
The Texas 4-H Photography Judging contest allows 4-H members to demonstrate skills in the evaluation, selection, and placing of photographs based on industry standards and expectations. The 4-H members participating in the contest will judge six classes of photographs and two classes of problems, testing both the participant’s knowledge and skills in the photography project. Participants will then explain their placings, practicing their public speaking skills through oral reasons.
- Photography Judging Contest – State 4-H Roundup Procedures
Visit the Texas 4-H Roundup Website for entry details. - Class Notes Form
- Contest Cuts
- Oral Reasons Guide
- Oral Reasons Outline
- Practice PowerPoint
- Practice Sets Zip
- Practice Sets Older
- Practice Set: 2018 Contest
- Practice Set: 2019 Contest
- Practice Set: 2021 Contest
- Practice Set: 2022 Contest
- Practice Set: 2023 Contest
- Practice Set: 2024 Contest
Natural Resources Photography Contest
The Texas 4-H Natural Resources Photography Contest encourages observation within specific Natural Resources project areas and allows youth to demonstrate skills learned in the area of photography, including the use of photographic equipment and processing of photographs. This contest provides another opportunity to showcase the photographic work of 4-H members in all age divisions.
Junior Master Photographer
Texas 4-H Junior Master Photographer (JMP) program is designed to develop youth in 7th through 12th grade as leaders in the 4-H photography project through a series of in depth workshops and hands on practice events. The Texas 4-H Junior Master Photographer program provides advanced instruction to photography enthusiasts. Becoming a certified JMP is a prerequisite to becoming a Photography Ambassador. Additional details are outlined in the Junior Master Photographer Brochure.
- 2024-2025 Workshop Information
- Junior Master Photographer Brochure
- How To Become A Junior Master Photographer
Photography Ambassador
The Texas 4-H Photography Ambassador Program provides opportunities to grow in the photography project through community service, workshops, training sessions, field trips, and leadership/citizenship activities. Photography Ambassadors serve in photography corps at state-level events, taking event photographs. To become an ambassador, members must first complete the requirements to become a Junior Master Photographer. Additional information about the program is available in the
Applications to become a Photography Ambassador are open in the spring to candidates who have completed the Junior Master Photographer training certification. The two-part Junior Master Photographer trainings typically take place in September and December each year.
STEM Ambassador
The Texas 4-H STEM Ambassador program is a state-wide team who works in a youth-adult partnership structure to promote, educate, and inspire others in the area of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The team consists of senior 4-H members who have a strong interest in promoting STEM to other 4-H members, volunteers, as well as groups outside of 4-H. The team meets throughout the year to develop and support programs in areas such as robotics, photography, and video production. Applications are accepted during the month of July each year. For questions, please contact Derrick Bruton: 972-952-9264 or derrick.bruton@ag.tamu.edu. Check out the video overview for more information.
Project Photo Gallery
