News Stories

A lightweight, portable photo studio will be set up in the 4-H booth at the California State Fair in Sacramento, Counties Exhibit A-B building, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 23 and 24, to record the faces of current and former 4-H members, 4-H leaders and anyone connected to the 4-H program.

“We want to encourage all people affiliated with 4-H past, present and future who attend the fair to make a point of stopping by the 4-H booth,” said Amy McGuire of the California 4-H Foundation.

The photos, to be shot by acclaimed portrait photographer Christopher Irion, will be paired with brief statements about 4-H. Each of the subjects will be asked to complete a sentence that begins, “Thanks to 4-H . . . .”

Irion’s unique talent reveals much more in his portraits than a typical ID photo. With his eye for composition and timing, he captures the character and earnestness of individuals in his images. The “Faces of 4-H” will reveal the diversity, community and enthusiasm that are the essence of the UC Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development program.

The photos will be used in multiple web-based and print media to highlight 4-H in California as the program gathers momentum for its centennial celebration in 2013-2014. Examples of Irion’s work can be found on the UC Berkeley campaign website (http://campaign.berkeley.edu/) and Irion’s personal website (http://www.irionphotography.com/).

July 23-24 4-H is hosting 4-H Alumni Weekend at the California State Fair. Go to the 4-H website at http://www.ca4h.org and click on “I am a 4-H Alumni.” This leads to information about state fair admission discounts ($1 off admission after fees) and a coupon that can be redeemed for a special prize at the 4-H booth.

For more information, contact McGuire at (530) 754-1523, almcguire@ucdavis.edu.