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Photography provides an interesting activity or project for youth of all ages. Photography introduces you to a useful hobby and a career field; giving you educational guidance as you develop skills in taking and using pictures. You will also gain an appreciation of photography as an art, science and communication tool that will help to observe and appreciate your surroundings. Photography is an excellent way to record events, ideas and situations for later use.

To complete this project, set goals and record project highlights in Montana 4-H record forms, write at least three original poems composed of at least four-line stanzas and demonstrate a specific rhyme pattern in original verse. The member manual also lists other activities to make your experiences rewarding—from performing at local events to locating cowboy poetry in your local library and on the internet.

 

Projects to learn

At level 1 of photography, students will learn

  • equipment
  • lighting
  • composition
  • skill building
  • flash
  • black & white photography
  • taking selfies
  • deciding how and where to store photos

At level 2 of photography, students will learn

  • rule of thirds
  • selecting a lens
  • panorama

At level 3 of photography, students will learn

  • smartphone exposure tips
  • low light challenges
  • studio portraits

At level 4 of videography, students will learn

  • video cameras
  • a tripod
  • video tips
  • how to capture
  • transfer video footage
  • carry out a video project in the form of a family vacation movie, a PSA or a documentary

Independent study is for any youth looking for new challenges and opportunities in 4-H. This allows a member to explore topics that have not been investigated while remaining enrolled in a 4-H project. Members enrolling in the independent study phase of a project should

  • develop a detailed learning plan for their work
  • identify an area of interest within the project area
  • set goals and locate resources (people, publications, materials) to carry out a project plan
  • determine specific experiences needed to accomplish project goals,
  • set a realistic timeline for completion
  • carry out the project learning plan,
  • share experiences with others
  • evaluate outcomes and determine what could be improved.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

The individualized learning plan should be approved by a parent, 4-H adult volunteer leader or 4-H agent. For assistance in developing a personal learning contract, use Design Your Own project materials or other goal-setting materials. While independent study provides flexibility and creativity, it also requires serious planning, implementation and evaluation.

Materials you'll need

Non-Animal Record Books

A Project/Financial Journal is needed for each non-animal related project. Project journals need to contain the name of the project, the year these records were kept, and a leader/parent signature. All sections of the journal need to be completed. If nothing was done in an area or section of a record sheet, the word “none” or something similar should be written. 

Download record book sheet

 

Careers in Photography

If you are wanting to explore careers in photography, below are some of the potential routes you can take. 4-H members interested in going to college can also visit the 4-H foundation website for scholarships in their county or reservation.

  • Surveying and Mapping Technicians

  • Photographer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Printing Press Operators