Another round of 4-H photography judging in the books

        I judged 4-H photography at the Washington County Fair on Saturday, July 12.
        This was my third time judging at the WCF and my 13th year since 2012 to judge 4-H photography.
      I have judged in Washington, Iowa, Benton, Poweshiek, Johnson, Polk (Iowa State Fair), Linn, Mahaska, Marion, Warren, Keokuk and Davis counties through the years.
     There were just more than 400 photos entered this year at the WCF and judged. I was one of five photography judges.
       It was a good day as I handed out a number of purple ribbons for some nice photos. My beef photo I gave a purple ribbon to won the best beef award this year. I believe the Washington County Beef Producers hands out that award. I had one, maybe, two photos advance to the Iowa State Fair.
         I handed out several red ribbons and many blue ribbons.
        I typically give red ribbons to out of focus photos or those without a subject or goal. Sometimes a 4-H’er will take a photo of a sunset or sunrise and it ends up being a brush pile or row of trees with no focus or subject.
       I try to suggest they find a fence or fence post with barbwire or something within the brushy area that they can focus on.
        I always explain that a red ribbon is not a negative, but to give a 4-H member an opportunity to learn and improve.
      I have been known to give a 4-H’er a blue ribbon for a photo that has some focus issues. I tend to lean more toward the positive side and honor 4-H’ers for their efforts, even if there is some focus or structure issues.
      For instance, one young 4-H’er entered a photo of her ballet shoes. It was mostly out of focus. I awarded her a blue ribbon because I liked her effort. She was trying something new and that was what I liked about her photo.
      That reminds me of a time some years ago when I was giving photo tips to Poweshiek County 4-H’ers prior to the county fair.
     We had gathered at the Drake Community Library meeting room and area 4-H members brought their photos and I visited with each one about their county fair entries.
     There was one young fellow from Jasper County who was in a Grinnell 4-H Club that participated. He showed me a photo of a herd of cows.
        I asked him what was his subject.
        He said the cows.
        All these cows were in a field and there was no focus or subject.
        So, I suggested that he return and take a close up of one cow.
        He did and it went on to win a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair.
       Thankfully, I didn’t hand out any white ribbons this year. A white ribbon is awarded to those entries that do not meet the average standard.
       According to 4-H info on white ribbons, the level of accomplishment is less than expected. Extremely poor workmanship or little thought is given to the exhibit.
        I have handed out white ribbons on a few occasions, but most certainty don’t like to do so.
4-H is a wonderful organization that is making a difference in young people’s lives and I’m happy to play a small role in helping them learn and grow.
       I was not in 4-H, but did enjoy being in Cub Scouts, Webelos and Boy Scouts as a youngster. I attended Boy Scout camp for five years, 1972 – 1976, at Camp Garland near Locust Grove, Okla.
         Locust Grove is about 50 miles east of Tulsa.
         While on my recent trip to Oklahoma, Debbie and I drove by the camp.
         The entrance seems to have changed.
         It’s been many years since I’ve been there and I might have been at a different part of the camp.
      When I was in Boy Scouts, my troop spent a week at camp the second week of June. We enjoyed the shooting range, archery range, swimming pool, canoe races in Spring Creek, the mess hall, snack bar, flag raising and outdoor chapel.
        These days, the camp caters to Scouts, non-scout groups and families for camping adventures.
        One of my favorite memories of camp was attending chapel each morning.
         I liked to eat, but did not enjoy being on mess duty.
       And other time I went on a five-mile hike outside of the camp for a merit badge and was awarded with many blisters on my feet for not having the proper hiking boots and socks.
       The group I was with then built makeshift tents for an overnight adventure, only to have them destroyed in a wind and rain storm that evening.
        My sleeping bag was soaked and I had to let it dry out before being able to use it again.
        Have a great week and always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day.