No Camera? No Problem! Champion Uses Multiple Devices

Technology has its advantages, just ask Rachel Higgins. 

On a camping trip with her grandparents, the Neligh-Oakdale sophomore saw the perfect photo opportunity. But she didn't have her camera.

Instead, Rachel grabbed the next best thing - her Kindle Fire - and captured the photo, which just happened to help her win grand champion honors in Unit III Photography at the Antelope County Fair this week.

That photo was one Rachel's five photography entries. She advances to state with that photo, along with three others.

"It was the perfect conditions for the photo," she said. "The sun was going down, and we were right next to the rocks. I went into the water to take the photo, so my feet were cold."

Rachel, who is the daughter of Brad and Jenny Higgins of Neligh, shot most of her entries with her mom's digital camera. But this photo wouldn't have been possible without having a mobile device handy. 

And photography judge Abby Larsen couldn't be more excited about seeing youth using their phones and devices to take photos.

"I'd been waiting for someone to come in and tell me they used their iPhone," Larsen said. "It would be great if smartphones lead to more kids entering photos."

Larsen said since youth rarely go anywhere without their phones, they're always taking photos. And some of the photos are really good, which makes them great choices for either 4-H or Open Class entries.

It's also a great way to get started with photography, she said. As their skills advance, youth can move on to a more professional camera.

"Anymore, not a lot of people even buy cameras," she said. "But most have a smartphone. I'd love to see more kids entering photos since they have the ability to take them anywhere anytime."

Rachel Higgins agreed. She's used an iPhone for photos, besides her Kindle, and said cameras are bulky. 

"My mom's camera bag is big, but a phone you can carry in your pocket or in your hand. You can always have that with you," she said. "I think it'll really help if kids know they can not only take them on their phones, but they can also alter photos. There are so many things you can do with your phone."

Or on a Kindle, as Rachel did while camping with her grandparents, Joe and Janet Groen of Randolph.

"Rachel really did take a great photo," Larsen said. "It looks a lot different when you hold it far away as compared to walking up to it. It's kind of surreal when you look at it close."