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How to Prepare Your 4-H Photos for the Fair

Created By Cora Rost

Reviewed by Jillian Bell and Carol Skelly

Members of The Minnesota 4-H Photography PDC

Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This presentation is available in alternative formats upon request.

Reviewed 5/1/25

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Single Photograph Presentation Guide

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Here are (2) recommended ways to prepare your photography project for the fair.

My Favorite Pet

Window Mat Project Display

2) Board Mounted Project Display

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Notes on Mat Sizing

Mat Size ≠ Print Size

There are single or a double mats available.

Neutral Colors are the least distracting.

(Black/ White/ Tan/ Grey)

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Print Size	Window Mat Size	Backboard Size
4” x 6”	5” x 7”	5” x 7”
5” x 7”	8” x 10”	8” x 10”
8” x 10”	11”x 14”	11” x 14”

Mat Size

Print Size

Double Mat

Single Mat

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Notes on Backboards

It is recommended to get pre-cut foam board (or) get a large sheet cut professionally at a craft store or frame shop.

Although large sheets of foam board are slightly less expensive; it is difficult to get a straight, clean edge. Presentation is a consideration for ribbon placing and rough or uneven edges will lower your overall score.

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Tips on a Board Mounted Photograph

Rag board, double-thickness tag board, (or) foam board works best.
Photos should not be mounted on any type of flexible/bendable paper.

Do not use construction paper, cardstock, colored paper or wrapping paper.

Evenly center your photograph on board with a larger space on the bottom.

(1” top X 1” sides x 2” bottom is good spacing)

(Optional) Give your photograph a title to make your project look more professional.

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Window Matting (materials)

Window mat
Foam board (or) double-weighted tag board - (not construction paper)
Photograph
Original 4x6 print for back of project
Multi-purpose spray adhesive
(or) Double sided tape
(or) Rubber cement (Photo Safe)
Pencil
Ruler/ Measuring tape
Printed labels (or) marker for labeling

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Window Matting Steps

Center your print on the backboard by measuring an even border around your print.
Attach print to back board with either spray adhesive, double-sided tape (or) photo corners.

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Tips:

Put glue on the back of the print.
Be careful not to get glue on the front of your print.
Work quickly before glue dries.
Spray adhesive is not as strong as rubber cement but it is easier to use and less messy.
Double-sided tape is another good option.

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Next: Attach Mat to Foam Board

3) Attach mat to foam board using rubber cement, double-sided tape (or) hinge mount for multiple use matting (next slide).

Spray adhesive is not strong enough to hold the entire fair.
Put glue/tape on the back of the window mat.
Make sure edges line up with backboard.
Press mat on foam board for at least 30 seconds.
Leave a large heavy book on top of it overnight.

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Glue/tape on back of mat

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How to Make a Hinge Mount

Line up the front and back of your mat so that their side edges are touching.

Tape this seam with photo safe tape to create a “hinge”.

Double sided velcro dots can be used to secure the bottom of the mat together.

Attach photograph with photo corners for easy yearly replacement.

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Mat window

Front of Mat

Back of Mat

Photograph

Photo Safe Tape

Velcro dots

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Lastly - Label the back of your project

and attach your original 4x6

Any print larger than a 4”x6” is considered an enlargement.

Any enlargement must include an original 4”x6” print on the back to help your judge see any changes made to get the final print.

For easy identification: Please label the back of your project (see right).

Labels can be hand written neatly (or) printed and attached with glue / double-sided tape.

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First and Last Name

Club

County

Class & Age Group (ex- Elements of Photography - Grades 9+)

Original 4x6

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Side Note for the Manipulated Photo Project

If you used multiple images in your composition, judges like to see the original 4x6 of each image used.

You can put them in an envelope on the back of your project.

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Presenting Multiple Prints

A poster board that is either 22” x 14” (or) 11” x 14” in size is recommended.
Neatness counts in any project - make sure edges are straight and handwriting is neat.
Type out or make stencil letters for titles or text if necessary.
Evenly disperse photographs on poster board with even spacing around each image.
Do not leave too much negative space; if needed, cut down poster board to a smaller size.
Titles are highly encouraged to help tell your story to viewers.
Clean up any over glueing or pencil marks when finished .

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Poster Board Arrangement Ideas

on 22” x 14” Board

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Poster Board Arrangement Ideas

on 11”x14” Board

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Presenting Panoramas & Odd Sized Photographs

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Recommended poster board size = 11x14 or 7x14 for a 4x12 panoramic photograph.

The main goal is neatness in any presentation.
For odd sized photographs, a 1” top & side border with a 2” bottom border is the minimum recommended.
Leave more room on the top if you are adding a title to the project.

Want to try something new? Check out Photo Weaving

https://www.blairacademyphoto.com/photo-weaving-101

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QR Codes/ Links to Important Websites and Documents

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https://z.umn.edu/4HPhotography

https://z.umn.edu/4H PhotographyResources

https://z.umn.edu/4H PhotographyChallenges

https://z.umn.edu/4HPhotographyPRG

https://z.umn.edu/4HPhotographyPurple

Photography Project Page

Photography Lessons and Resources Guide

Photography Challenges Guide

Photography Project Resource Guide

Purple Ribbon Photographs Guide

Questions? Contact fourhphoto@umn.edu

Created in 2018 and Reviewed 5/1/25