Knox-Lincoln 4-H Photography Contest Rules

Knox-Lincoln 4-H Photography Contest 

Age Divisions (by December 31, 2025)

9-11 years, 12-14 years, 15-19 years

The top four scorers in each age division will have their photo displayed in the KL 4-H Photo Gallery! The Gallery will have its premier at the 2026 Achievement Celebration in the fall, then be displayed for a year at the Knox-Lincoln Cooperative Extension office. Each winning photo will also be featured in 1-month rotation at the top of the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Facebook timeline. Deadline to submit photos to the Knox-Lincoln Extension Office: September 30, 2026.

Definitions and Rules

There will be no assigned subject categories for the contest.

Up to 5 entries per person are permitted. All entries will be submitted online.

  1. Request a link to the Entry Form at cynthia.rogers@maine.edu
  2. Complete the Entry Form, uploading your photos in the form. (You will need to create a free Google account in order to upload photos.*)
  3. Be sure to name your photo files with the same titles you list on the entry form!

*If you are having difficulty uploading files or need an alternative way to enter, contact Cindy Rogers at cynthia.rogers@maine.edu, 207.832.0343.

Black/white or color photos will be accepted. No photo collages are allowed for this contest. Recommended resolution of digital photos is at least 1000 x 1250 pixels.

All entries must be submitted by an active 4-H member in Knox or Lincoln Counties 4-H age 9-19.

Photos must have been taken by the 4-H member in the current 4-H year (October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026). Photos previously entered at a Maine fair are allowed.

Judging

Judges will be selected from qualified individuals in the fields of photography, graphic art, fine arts and others. Photography will be judged based on the Criteria/Standards sheet.

The decision of the judges is final and not subject to change.

Objectives

To encourage 4-H members to use photography as a meaningful communication tool.

To develop life skills in communication and expressive arts.

To provide photography showcase opportunity for 4-H members.

Contest Criteria and Standards for Judging

Focus

Definition: Adjustment of the distance setting on a lens to appropriately define the subject.

Standard: Main subject in focus, unless blurriness is obviously intentional (ie to show motion, depth of field, etc.).

Exposure

Definition: The overall brightness and amount of contrast in the photo.

Standard: A range of light-to-dark contrast, not “washed-out”, flat or dark.

Photo Quality

Definition: The photo exhibits quality consistent with contest requirements.

Standard: The digital file should be of good enough resolution to avoid pixilation when viewed online, or eventually printed in an 8×10-inch format (if a winner). Recommended at least 1000 x 1250 pixels.

Subject

Definition: The photo uses the subject to deliver a message in a creative way.

Standard: The photo clearly communicates the subject.

Composition

Definition: Placement of the subject in the photo demonstrating artistic ability.

Standard: A pleasing balance exists among all components of the composition.

Impact

Definition: The photo clearly captures the attention of the viewer.

Standard: The composition conveys a strong message

Uniqueness

Definition: Use of originality, camera angle, lighting, character studies, and/or creativity.

Standard: The photographer exhibits creativity through the photo.

Lighting

Definition: The illumination of a subject.

Standard: Use of light to produce the desired mood or effect.