Judging Criteria

Judging for the NC 4-H Congress Photo Contest will be performed by qualified individuals.

Judges will do their best to provide a written critique provided there aren't too many photos to reasonably do this.  Likewise, it is expected that individual participants will prepare accordingly through study of photographic styles and techniques in books, magazines and Internet research. One suggested resource is Kodak.com's "Taking Great Pictures" site at: http://www.kodak.com/US/en/nav/takingPics.shtml

While adhering to the rules that are provided in the Contest Rules and Entry Form may be the first step for entry into the contest, there are many other factors which guide the judges in deciding which photos are worthy of ribbons. This criteria includes:

• Relevancy to Category Topic - Is the photo an obvious illustration of the category in which it is entered? (i.e.; "4-H in Action", "Nature's Beauty", etc.)

• 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 effect to enhance the image in some "artistic" way?

• 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?

Using this criteria as a guide along with their own knowledge of photography, the judges award ribbons for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each of the three categories in both age divisions. 

Good luck and happy photographing!

Categories for the 2009 contest include the following:

* 4H in Action: We’re looking for pictures that show us what happens at 4H events throughout the year. The key to winning this category is the action. We want to SEE what’s happening. If it’s a judging contest, we want to feel like we’re right in the middle of the action. If it’s meeting with legislators, then we want to feel like we’re so close we could shake that person’s hand. In other words, we want the photographer to get in close and show us what really happens when 4H’ers get together for an event or activity.

* Nature’s Beauty: Nature’s Beauty is always our biggest category. We had close to 100 entries in 2008 in this category alone, so competition is fierce. Winners in this category are ultimately chosen because they exhibit superior technical skill, move in close to the subject and capture something really different. Some show beautiful things such as sunsets and flowers. Others create beauty from something unexpected (mushrooms, a turtle having a snack, a dragonfly with torn wings.) All contain strong composition, nice light and sharp focus on the subject.

* 4-H Centennial: Show us any part of an event or activity related to100 Years of 4-H. We’re looking for pictures that show us the excitement of the Centennial activities planned for this year across the state. And those that show traditional images of 4-H as well. The winning pictures will be those that make us wish we were there!

We’re looking forward to another great group of photographs to judge for the 2009 Contest!