Caption Writing

An Introduction

Three Parts to a Caption

• Lead-In• Sentence One• Sentence Two

Part One – The Lead-In

• Capture the reader’s attention • Identify which photo the caption relates to• One-two words, or a short phrase• Serves as a mini-headline• Set off with larger font or a different

typeface• Be consistent!!

Sentence One• Written in present tense• Identifies and describes the content

(who, what, where, when)• GO BEYOND THE OBVIOUS!!• Focus on little-known details• Answer the readers questions• Use specific names, visual nouns and

action verbs• Try to avoid starting with names

Sentence Two

• Written in past tense• Presents after-the-facts information• Focuses on the why and how• Gives readers answers to their questions

Optional

• Add a direct quote as sentence two• For sports, add the outcome of the game,

or the significance of the play

Exceptions

• Team Pictures: Use First Row, Second Row, etc.

• List first and last names

- Locate a roster so names are correct

- Not sure who someone is, ask some who would know

Exceptions

Group pictures: a group is counted as six or more people

Organization pictures: follow the same guidelines for team pictures

Checklist• Don’t start with

names• Don’t state the

obvious• Use first and last

names• Mark rows if

necessary• Avoid made-up

information

• Avoid opinions• Keep things

consistent• Use the right

tense• Answer all

questions about the photo content