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Arkansas 4-H Projects
4-H Journal
Using Photography to Strengthen the 4-H Journal
Why are journal pictures important?
- Help the judge know the 4-H’er
- Documents the project
- Sequences show growth
- Seeing is believing
Introduction to photo pages
- Four pages of pictures are allowed for the
beginner and intermediate levels. Five pages of pictures are
allowed for the advanced level. Exceptions: If photography is the main project, the 4-H
member may have a total of 10 extra pages of photos: Four or
five pages, depending on the journal level, like all other
projects, and ten pages of photos the 4-H member has taken
as a part of their project.
- Any captions must be included on these pages.
Space used for captions counts as part of the page.
- Only one side of the page may be used.
- Pictures may not be shingled or layered.
- Avoid excess trimming of photos. The photos
should be large enough to see
- The 4-H member should be in the photo.
Picture Section
- Select a picture that shows the 4-H’er in
action: active, doing, leading with the 4-H’er prominent.
- Use high quality photos-exposure, focus,
composition, properly cropped for emphasis. Computer
generated photos are acceptable; remember, if you use
premium glossy paper (paper designed specifically to print
photos form the computer), the quality will be much better.
- For sequences, use a logical progression and
make sure the sequence is complete.
- Show major points using as few pictures as
possible.
- Photo record should show member and project
growth, and document community service and leadership. An
emphasis on the main project should be present.
- Pictures of ribbons, plaques, etc. are usually
boring, and do not show the progression, but the end.
Placement and Arrangement
- Consider a theme or central idea for each page,
and a logical sequence for the pictures on each page. Use
space effectively-white space is often helpful. Don’t crowd.
It’s not about how many photos you can place on the page!
- Organize the page vertically, so the book does
not have to be turned sideways for viewing.
- In general, subjects in pictures should face
toward the center of the page.
- Experiment with the placement of the picture on
the page and make sure your arrangement is pleasing to the
eye. Ask for advice from others. Don’t mount the picture
until you are happy with your placement.
Mounting
- Avoid photo corners, white glue, and cellophane
tape. They allow pictures to fall off.
- Start with clean, dry hands and a clean work
area.
- For best results, use a photo mounting adhesive
for mounting pictures. In any case, make sure the adhesive
you use is for mounting photographs.
- Mount pictures on pages that will fit into the
journal. Make sure the paper is substantial enough to
support the picture, but flexible enough for the pages to
turn easily.
- Select natural or subdued complementary colors
for your picture pages. Avoid bright (neon) colors. Also
avoid plastic page protectors. They reflect light and make
it difficult for the judges to see the photos.
Captions and Headlines
- Captions explain your picture. Make them neat,
concise, and legible. Make sure spelling, punctuation, and
grammar are correct. Be sure to include the year the photo
was taken.
- A combination of capital and lower case letters
is easier to read than all caps.
- Headlines and captions should not overpower the
page, but should be large enough to read easily.
- A caption may accompany each picture, or
captions can be grouped on the page. Tip: the judges usually
prefer the captions to accompany each picture!
- All lettering should be neat, whether done on
computer, typewritten or hand-lettered!
Special Effects
- Special effects are not necessary.
- Remember, the photo section is not judged on
creative ability! The main purpose of the photos is to
provide documentation for the 4-H members’ project work.
Suggested Guide for Photo Pages
- Use one page to illustrate main project work.
- Use one page for other project work.
- Use one page for leadership.
- Use one page for community service.
- Advanced Journal – the 5th page of pictures
for work prior to the 5 years reporting
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