Most people think about 4-H as your traditional agricultural and home economics projects, such as showing animals, cooking and sewing, but 4-H is much more than just those projects.
The photography project is an opportunity to teach youth skills that they can use every day when taking a photo. You do not have to have an expensive camera. 4-H teaches members basic photo skills you can use with any camera including a phone. There are many 4-H photography opportunities and contests to participate in 4-H.
This year, we have two 4-H’ers who are being certified at the state level as Junior Master Photographers (JMP). Maddie Basonic and Luke Holcombe are Milam County 4-H members who have been representing the county at these state level photography events.
In order to become a JMP, they have to attend two workshops that teach them skills to learn how to take photos but also use that knowledge to take back to their County 4-H program and teach. They also had to pass an exam with an 80%.
In addition to the workshops and exam, they also had to complete a community service project related to photography, attend two other workshops and events, and take four photos to submit showing knowledge gained.
Maddie and Luke used their experience and lessons learned to help take photos at the Cameron Chamber of Commerce Trunk or Treat event for the Cameron Herald and Chamber. They also attended an event during Thanksgiving at the Homestead Heritage in Waco. They learned more about how to take outside photos.
On Jan. 4, they will be teaching the 4-H dog project about animal and dog photography.
Lastly, they will attend a workshop on food photography in February. After completing all these tasks, they will apply officially for their Junior Master Photography certification. Once completed, they will be an official JMP and be able to apply for Texas 4-H Photography Ambassador when they become freshmen in high school. They also will be allowed to attend a trip in Europe in 2025 to take pictures in Ireland and Scotland. They cannot wait to share their knowledge with the Milam County 4-H members in the future.
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