Photography
Capture your friends, family and important events through photography. Learn about basic and advanced film cameras, and/or digital cameras, and how to plan, compose, light and exhibit your photos. Advance into wide-angle and telephoto lenses, filters, light meters and computer enhancement.
Things to Learn/Do in the Project
Level 1 Photography
- Learn more about a camera and how it works
- Learn basic photo composition
- Organize a photo story
- Learn to use simple automatic or digital camera
Level 2 Photography
- Learn shutter speeds and f-stops
- Use the Rule of Thirds
- Learn to capture a point in time
Level 3 Photography
- Use filters and special film
- Learn how to use a light meter
- Create still-life photos
- Explain the differences between normal, wide angle, telephoto and zoom lenses
Important Photography Notices
Appropriate photo subject matter:
Photographic subject matter is expected to follow 4-H standards. For a sense of prohibited subject matter, review the Kansas 4-H member Code of Conduct; in general, if it is not allowable at a 4-H event, it is not allowable in a 4-H photograph at the State Fair.
Photos with live subject(s) on railroad right away or taken from railroad right of way property will not be displayed in Kansas 4-H Photography and may receive a ribbon penalty or disqualification.
Copyright protections must be observed.
Decisions as to display and/or penalties will be made by the Photography Department Superintendent and the 4-H Specialist responsible for the photography department.
Posing on or taking photos from railroad tracks is a practice that is both dangerous and illegal. If you trespass while photographing, you can receive a citation, fine, jail time, or more severe consequences such as injury or death. Trains do not stop quickly and you may not see or hear one coming until it is too late.
Project Materials
Reasonably priced materials are available for every project in Kansas 4-H. You can order the materials for your project online or contact your local Extension Office.
Photography (PH100)
- Focus on Photography (ages 7-10)
- Controlling the Image (ages 11-13)
- Mastering Photography (ages 14+)
General Photography Resources
- 4-H Guide Digital Photography
- 4-H Filmmaking DVD
- National Geographic Ultimate Field Guide to Photography
- Kodak New Pocket Guide to Digital Photography out of print, still good information, may be available used
- Photo Mounting for State Fair Demonstration (Power Point) (PDF)
- Photography Member Guide and Annual Report
- Kansas 4-H Generic Record Form
Events and Activities
Shutterbugs at Auburn
Where: Auburn Community Center, Auburn, KS
When: March 19, 2017
Shutterbugs in the Garden
Where: Botanica Gardens, Wichita, KS
When: April 29, 2017
Shutterbugs in Hays
Where: Hays, KS
When: October 14, 2017
Shutter Bugs in the Garden City Zoo CANCELLED
Where: Garden City Zoo, Finnup Center for Conservation Education
When: May 6, 2017
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for registration from walk-ins and classes begin at 9:30 a.. with the last class beginning at 11:30.
State 4-H Photography Judging Contest
Where: Kansas State Fair, Hutchinson, KS
When: September 10, 2017
Awards and Recognition
County Level
Award: Medal presented at your 4-H Achievement Banquet
Donor: Jim Gordon
State Level
Award: Medallion
Donor: Jim Gordon
National Level
Award: $400 National 4-H Congress Scholarship
Donor: Jim Gordon
