The Russell County 4-H program collaborated with the local home school association to present a photography program to over 20 youth. Photography is a component of the Kentucky 4-H Communication and Expressive Arts core curriculum. The benefits of photography are numerous. Youth can learn a form a creative expression that allows them to document memories throughout their lifetime as well as create memories with family and friends. Photography is also a wonderful form of stress relief that lets people use their imagination. The presented program allowed youth to learn about their personal camera as well as the different types of hobby and professional cameras. The youth learned about the best use of lighting and shadows, eliminating cluttered backgrounds, the rule of thirds and depth of field, candid photos versus formal portraits, and using the flash. Each month the youth learned a different concept and had a photography challenge to complete before the next meeting. 

The youth were given a post-program evaluation at the end of the program to assess their knowledge and how they had practiced their techniques outside of the lessons. The results are as follows:

• 100% of the youth had confidence to take shadow photos and to take photos using side lighting
• 91% of the youth said they could keep the camera level 
• 91% of the youth indicated they could use the rule of thirds
• 91% can take a picture that is in focus
• 82% of the youth can identify the golden hours
• 82% of the youth knew how to eliminate or reduce background clutter
• 64% of the youth can name at least 6 parts of a traditional camera
• 45% of the youth knows the difference in a point and shoot camera versus a single lens reflex camera
• Most youth felt more comfortable using the camera on their cell phone

Seventy-one percent of the youth had practiced their skills outside of the photography assignments. They had taken portraits of family members, practiced still life photography, and practiced taking photos of animals. Eighty-two percent of the youth had used their photos as decorations in their bedroom or home.

At the end of the program, youth were encouraged to enter their projects in the local fair for a chance to advance to the Kentucky State Fair. About 25% of the youth were able to bring photographs to the county fair. One of the youth had two photographs advance to the Kentucky State Fair where she received blue ribbons in both categories.