Judging for the Dr Kim Ingold NC 4-H Photography Contest will be performed by qualified photographers who are accustomed to creating and/or using photographic images as part of their own work.

Criteria

Information the judges use when choosing the winners of this contest.

Relevancy to Category Topic – Is the photo an obvious illustration of the category in which it is entered? If the picture doesn’t tell us, does the information on the entry form make it clear how the subject fits the category?

Composition/Arrangement – Are the objects in the photo arranged in a meaningful, pleasing manner or are they haphazard? Did the photographer use the best angle or otherwise interesting perspective?

Focus / Sharpness – Is the object of the photo in focus? If not in sharp focus, does it appear to be an intentional special effect to enhance the image artistically?

Lighting – Did the photographer use proper lighting of the subject matter? Do any extremes of darkness or brightness lend to or detract from the image content?

Creativity – Does the photographer show some creative thought or original idea in the making of this image? Is the subject something unusual or is the content of the photo presented in a way we haven’t seen before?

Categories for the 2025 Contest

4-H in Action:

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of 4-H events with close-up shots that immerse viewers in the action. (If there is a 4-H Clover in the picture, it should follow official guidelines.)  Whether it’s the intensity of a livestock show, the interaction with commissioners and legislators, or 4-H’ers just having FUN, aim to portray the genuine moments and expressions of your subject(s). Get up close and capture the 4-H’er’s face and their expressions. Through your lens, offer judges a firsthand glimpse into the dynamic world of 4-H activities and the impact these activities have on the 4-H community.

Nature’s Beauty:

Capture the essence of beauty in nature through your lens by exploring habitats, landscapes, or the sky, land, and water of our planet. Whether you capture a breathtaking sunset, vibrant flowers, or a lightning storm, strive to showcase the beauty and wonder of nature in your photograph.
Pay attention to strong composition, beautiful lighting, and sharp focus to bring out the best in your subject.

Animals:

Capture amazing photos of animals! This could be anything from a wild deer in the woods, your favorite pet at home, or even a tiny insect up close. Try to show what makes each animal special, like their funny faces, how they move, or interesting details. Make sure your photos are clear and well-composed to really show off the animal’s beauty or unique personality.

Black & White:

Make your photos pop without any color! In this category, you’ll take pictures that are just black, white, and shades of gray. Think about how light and shadows play together, or how different textures look without color. It could be a cool building, a person’s face, a landscape, or even an everyday object. Focus on strong lines, interesting shapes, and how bright or dark things are. This helps create a powerful photo that tells a story using just tones.

Resources for you to take the perfect picture:  

• It’s time to research how to take the best possible picture.
• Practice, Practice, and Practice some more by taking 100’s of pictures to capture that 1 amazing shot.
• Basic Photography – 4-H Spark Video
• 4-H Photography Curriculum

All entries are due by September 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST and must be submitted online at the link below. All participants must be enrolled and approved in 4-HOnline.
To enroll in 4-HOnline, please visit this link. 4-HOnline Enrollment

 Click here to submit your entries.
North Carolina 4-H reserves the right to use any photographs received for educational purposes.

The judges are looking forward to seeing your hard work as you capture inspiring photographs for this year’s Contest!

Please contact Lori McBryde with questions or concerns.