Dr Kim Ingold NC 4-H Photography Contest - North Carolina 4-H

Dr. Kim Ingold NC 4-H Photography Contest

Photo of Dr. Kim Ingold with pink flowers around her. — Dr. Kim Ingold

Dr. Kim Ingold developed her love of photography while a member of Stanly County 4-H. Throughout her 4-H career, she was involved in county, district, and state events, which developed her photography skills. Kim was a valued member of the 4-H Honor Club and believed in its mission of giving back to her community. When Kim aged out of 4-H, she became a treasured 4-H volunteer, attending most state-level 4-H events to capture our memories through her photography. She was passionate about educating youth in any way she could. Kim was always there with a camera in hand and, more importantly, there with a smile, a kind word, and a hug. In 2019, we lost Kim in a tragic car accident, and she will forever be missed in our North Carolina 4-H family.

Purpose of this Contest

To showcase the accomplishments of North Carolina 4-H members and adults in photography. The winning entries will be displayed on this website, in a Showcase during National 4-H Week, and at the NC State Fair, alongside the NC 4-H Exhibits, in October.
Encourage creativity through the 4-H Photography Curriculum.
Inspire learning of great photo techniques.
Motivate members to practice and take lots of photos.
Offer expert tips from a professional photographer.
Have fun building photography skills!

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

PARTICIPATION CATEGORIES (4-H Age as of January 1st)

Cloverbud: Ages 5-7
Junior: Ages 8-13
Senior: Ages 14-18
Adult: Ages 19+

SUBJECT CATEGORIES

Cloverbud, Junior, and Senior
- 4-H in Action (If there is a 4-H Clover in the picture, it should follow official guidelines.)
- Nature’s Beauty - No Animals
- Animals
- Black and White
Adult
- 4-H In Action (If there is a 4-H Clover in the picture, it should follow official guidelines.)

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

Rules & Registration Information

Judging

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips on How to Take Your Best Photograph

Understand Your Camera: Learn the features and settings of your camera or smartphone to maximize its capabilities. Also, make sure your lens is clean.
Focus on Composition: To create visually appealing images, pay attention to composition elements like framing, leading lines, and the rule of thirds.
Find Good Lighting: Opt for natural light when possible, such as during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon), and avoid harsh midday sunlight. Experiment with different lighting conditions to see how they affect your photos.
Experiment with Angles: Don't be afraid to crouch down, climb up, or move around to find interesting angles and perspectives for your shots.
Keep it Simple: Avoid cluttered and distracting backgrounds. Focus on your main subject to create a clear and impactful image. Remember to keep your camera still - try using a tripod.
Tell a Story: Consider what story or message you want your photo to convey, and use elements within the frame to help tell that story.
Practice Patience: Sometimes, the best shots require patience. Take your time to observe your surroundings and wait for the perfect moment to capture your image, or take lots of shots and delete all but the best.
Edit Wisely: Use photo editing tools to enhance your images, but be careful not to overdo it. Enhance the natural beauty of your photo rather than drastically altering it.
Learn from Others: Study the work of other photographers, both professional and amateur, to gain inspiration and learn new techniques.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Like any skill, photography improves with practice. Take every opportunity to shoot and experiment with different subjects, styles, and techniques. Take lots of photographs to determine your best one.