YM-30, Reprinted November 2001. Recommended for Extension use in Alabama by Bob Drakeford, Extension Specialist-Volunteer Programs, Auburn University. Originally prepared by Elbert Williams, former Extension Communications Specialist.

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Project Introduction Photography

The Photography Project Is...

The world's first photograph took 8 hours to expose. That was in 1827. Since then, cameras and film have been improved so that now you can get a good, clear photograph in seconds.

Today, photography has thousands of uses and is a popular 4-H project.

Being behind a camera gives you a special view of the world. You learn to look at details, at shapes, and at light. You can capture happy moments, beautiful scenes, and important events. And you only need a simple camera and a little picture taking know-how... know-how you can get in the 4-H Club Photography Project.

In this project, you'll learn all about the equipment needed to take pictures. You'll develop skills that will help you make better pictures. And you'll learn ways to use your pictures once you've made them.

Your Photography Project will not only be rewarding in itself, but you can use it to improve your other 4-H projects by making better pictures for your record book.

Photography is an interesting hobby no matter what age you are. And later in life, it can be helpful in many professions or it may lead to a profession in itself.

• How a camera works.
• How to choose film and load a camera.
• How to set up a good photograph.
• How to use light in taking a photo.
• How to take action photos.
• To appreciate photography as an art and a science.

Things You Can Do:

• Take black and white photographs.
• Take color photographs.
• Enter a photograph in a contest or exhibit.
• Take photos of other 4-H projects for your record book.
• Share your knowledge by helping friends with their photography.
• Keep records of your photography work.

Photography Activities of ______________________________________________________

Date_________________________ 4-H Club_______________________________________

1. Photos are useful in many ways. We see them almost everywhere we look. Make a list of all the ways you can think of that photographs are used.
2. Select a magazine that you like and look closely at the photographs. Choose three pictures and tell, in the chart below, why you think they are good photographs.
   

   	EXAMPLE	PHOTO 1	PHOTO 2	PHOTO 3
   Magazine	National Geographic
   Describe the picture.	A male lion looking through grass.
   Why is this a good photo?	Clear, good light, shows how a hungry lion looks

3. Look at the camera you plan to use in your photography work.
   

   What are the brand and model of your camera?
   Does your camera have a serial number? What is it?
   What size is your camera?
   What size film does it use?
   What kind of flash does it use?

4. If the camera moves when you press the shutter release, your picture will be blurred. Learn to hold the camera still while pressing the shutter release.

Exercise: Tape a small mirror across your camera lens. Have someone stand across the room and shine a flashlight at the mirror. Look through the viewfinder and hold the camera so you can see the reflected spot of light on the wall (see diagram). Gently squeeze the camera shutter release and watch the spot of light. It should not move. Practice until you can press the shutter release without moving the spot of light. I pressed the shutter release times ________ before I could hold the camera still.

Annual Record of 4-H photography Activities, 20______

Name: _______________________________Age:_________

Here is a list of the kinds of pictures you can make while studying the first unit of the 4-H Photography Project:

• Pictures of people
• Landscape pictures
• Trick pictures
• Pictures of animals
• Pictures of buildings
• Nature pictures

Choose your best picture in four of the groups above and answer these questions.

	Picture 1	Picture 2	Picture 3	Picture 4
Is the picture clearly in focus? If not, why?
Is the picture properly ex posed or is it too light or too dark? Why?
Does the picture show your subject the way you wanted it to? If not, what should you have done?
Is the subject close enough to the camera? Is it too far away?

Record of Expenses

Name:___________________ Year:_________

	COST
How much did your camera cost?	$___________________
How many rolls of black and white film did you use this year? What was the total cost?	___________________ $___________________
How many rolls of color film did you use this year? What was the total cost?	___________________ $___________________
How much did you spend to get your photographs developed this year?	$___________________
Did you spend money for any other supplies such as batteries, etc? Item_____________________________________________________ Item_____________________________________________________ Item_____________________________________________________	$___________________ $___________________ $___________________
Add the cost column to find how much you spent on photography this year.	$___________________
Total number of black & white pictures made this year ___________ Total number of color prints made this year ___________ Total number of color slides made this year ___________
Make a list of the ways you used your pictures this year. Include any entries in contests, any awards or special recognition's you received, use in family albums, 4-H record book, etc.