Released: March 04, 2004

Garden Show Attracts Budding Photographers

WICHITA, Kan. – A group of young photographers 448 strong is expected to attend the 2004 4-H Photo Extravaganza March 5-6 during the Wichita Garden Show, said Eric Otte, K-State Research and Extension 4-H youth development agent in Sedgwick County.

The photo opportunity begins Friday at 8:00 p.m. with a one-hour presentation by Ron Lockwood, professional photographer. Following the presentation – and after the garden show closes to the public – 4-H photographers will have time to photograph flowers, plants and garden settings, Otte said.

On Saturday, 4-H members can attend one of three workshops on topics such as digital cameras and photography; selecting and evaluating photos; and how to set up a photo judging contest. Photo judging and photo contests also will be offered.

Up to March 27, the photographers can submit up to four photographs taken during the garden show for consideration for future publicity for the show, Otte said.

Several 4-H photos were used in promotional materials this year, he said.

The fourth annual 2004 4-H Photo Extravaganza was introduced to help Kansas 4-H photographers improve their skills in a garden-like setting. Attendees this year represent 48 of Kansas’ 105 counties.

Otte credited the state 4-H photo action team adult volunteers and 4-H members with organizing the opportunity. Adult team members in addition to Otte are (in alphabetical order by county): Becky Knoll, Butler County; Pansy Fryman, Finney County; Deb Henry, Nemaha County; Carol Griffith, Norton County; Rita Meili, Phillips County; James Gordon, Pottawatomie County; Karolyn Howey, Reno County; Liz Beikmann and Bethany Jessup, both from Riley County; Nancy Otte, Sedgwick County; Kathleen Ramonda, Shawnee County. Bob and Annette Harlan, Washington County; and Gaylen Meriwether, Wyandotte County.

4-H members serving on the Photo Action Team (also in alphabetical order by county) include: Adam Works, Allen County; Daniel Colwell, Franklin County; Mica Becker, Geary County; Jennifer Gardner, Harvey County; Seth Gordon, Pottawatomie County; Kristen Harper, Reno County; Sara Parks, Riley County; Katy Patrick, Saline County; Petra Elmore, Sedgwick County; Andrew McCandless, Shawnee County, and Jessica Mirt, Sumner County.

State 4-H staff liaison is Rod Buchele, Southwest area 4-H youth development specialist.

For more information on the 4-H photography project or other educational 4-H programs open to students ages seven and up, contact the local K-State Research and Extension office or check the state 4-H Web site: http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/dp_4hyp

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson
nancyp@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News