4-H in Action

Capture the excitement and impact of 4-H experiences. This may include events, leadership activities, project work, community engagement, livestock shows, or everyday moments where 4-H members are learning and having fun. Strong entries will help viewers feel connected to the moment and the people in it.

Nature’s Beauty

Capture the beauty of the natural world through landscapes, scenery, plants, skies, or water. Whether it is a sunset, flowers, or dramatic weather, photographs in this category should highlight the beauty of nature. Animals should not appear in this category.

Animals

Capture animals in a way that shows their beauty or personality. Subjects may include wildlife, livestock, pets, or insects. Strong photos will be clear, well composed, and help the subject stand out.

Black and White

Create a powerful image using only black, white, and shades of gray. Focus on contrast, lighting, shapes, textures, and composition to tell a story without color. Black and white photographs must be entered in this category regardless of subject matter.

Entry Limits

• Cloverbud, Junior, and Senior divisions
  • One photograph may be entered in each category (Maximum of four entries total)
  • The same image may not be entered in multiple categories
• Adult division
  • Maximum of one entry in the 4-H in Action category

Category Requirements

• Animal photographs should not be entered in the Nature's Beauty category, even if found in nature
  • This also includes insects and similar wildlife subjects
• Black and white photographs must be entered in the Black and White category regardless of subject matter

The contest is judged by qualified photographers who regularly create or use photography in their professional work.

Criteria

• Relevancy to Category: Does the photograph clearly represent the category in which it is entered?
• Composition: Are the elements arranged in a visually pleasing way?
• Focus and Sharpness: Is the subject clear and in focus?
• Lighting: Does the lighting enhance the subject and overall image?
• Creativity: Does the photograph demonstrate originality or creative thinking?

Junior and Senior Divisions

Ribbons may be awarded for:

• 1st Place
• 2nd Place
• 3rd Place
• 4th Place
• 5th Place
• Honorable Mention

4th and 5th place ribbons and Honorable Mention ribbons are contingent upon funding.

Winning entries will be:

• Featured here on this page
• Highlighted during National 4-H Week
• Displayed at the NC State Fair as part of the NC 4-H Exhibit

Winning photographs and ribbons will later be returned to county 4-H offices.

Adult Division

Adult participants may receive recognition for:

• 1st Place
• 2nd Place
• 3rd Place
• 4th Place
• 5th Place
• Honorable Mention

Winning adult entries will be displayed at the State 4-H Office during the contest year.

Adult division participants receive recognition only and do not receive ribbons.

Understand Your Camera
Learn the features and settings of your camera or smartphone. Always make sure your lens is clean.

Focus on Composition
Use techniques such as framing, leading lines, and the rule of thirds.

Use Good Lighting
Natural light often works best, especially early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Experiment with Angles
Try different perspectives to make your photos more interesting.

Keep It Simple
Avoid cluttered backgrounds so your subject stands out.

Tell a Story
Think about what message or moment your photo communicates.

Practice Patience
Great photos often require waiting for the right moment.

Edit Wisely
Enhance your photo without over-editing.

Practice Often
Take many photos and select your best one.

Resources

• Basic Photography - 4-H Spark Video
• 4-H Photography Curriculum
• Photography Contest PowerPoint - NC4-HVLA Conference