Caption Writing Captions should do more than state the obvious Captions answer the readers’ questions about a photo – the who, what, where, why, when, & how Caption writing requires reporting and interviewing – they must be thorough All captions must have a photo credit

A caption’s CONTENT combines with a photograph to tell a story – it answers the 5 W’s and H Who, What, Where, Why, When, and How

Who: Katie Madison ’07, who played Aida in the Where: school performance of Tim Rice and Elton John’s Broadway production of Aida What: is lifted up by the people of Nubia When: as they realize that she is their princess, Why: rather than a mere slave like themselves. How: Katie’s participation in choir and years of voice training helped her land the lead role in the musical, a part she played with vigor. Photo: Jane Smith {Example}

The information of a caption progresses from specific to broad. For example, the first sentence covers what might be obvious from the photo, the second addresses what the viewer might not know from viewing the photo. The last information is something not available to the viewer (often in the form of a quote). specific broad State the obvious here, tell what is happening in the photo. Tell the viewer what might not be obvious in the photo. You may end with a quote. ) ) ( (

The first sentence of a caption should be written in the present tense, everything thereafter will be written in the past tense: You should start each caption with a lead sentences to draw the reader in, not with a person’s name: He aims, and shoots for the win. Junior Travis Wilson, a competitive basketball player, takes aim at the hoop during a home meet against Petosky in February. Travis was on the varsity team this year and his years of training paid off when he was made captain of the team. “My coaches were grateful for years of experience I brought to the game this year,” said Travis. Photo: Jane Smith } { Past Present Specific This info. Is obvious from the photo Broad Not obvious from the photo, quote included Lead sentence

Do not use “to be” verbs, or –ING tenses State the facts ONLY: Making fast time, Maria Smith ’05, the center field player on the Titan Girls’ Soccer team runs toward the goal at a home meet against Petosky at Thrilby Field. Maria scored the winning goal which led to the district championship this year. Photo: Jane Smith Making fast time, Maria Smith ’05 is the center field player on the Titan Girls’ Soccer team. She is running toward the goal at a home meet against Petosky at Thirlby Field. Maria was able to score the winning goal which is what led us to the district championship this year. Photo: Jane Smith Wrong Right

Remember to use creative, reflective, and descriptive words when writing a caption. Never use “Maria poses for the camera” or such generic phrases. Instead of saying..: Try saying..: a good studenta diligent student the winning teamthe accomplished team an experienced teachera wonderful teacher he was an amazing playerhe competed with strength and grace they performed well they brought the audience to their feet.

Quotes from individuals add depth to the photo: Dressed to kill, Angie Davis ’06 and Marissa Jones ’06 chat about their roles in “Aida” after getting dressed and made-up for the opening night in the auditorium. Angie said, “I am nervous but excited” just before entering the stage for her performance as a Nubian runway model, one that she completed with expertise and style. Angie studied dance since she was 5 years old and her experience showed during all of her school performances during the school year. Photo: Jane Smith

Write a caption for the following photograph:

How about this….? Taking a hit from the ref, Brett Smith ’05, quarterback for the varsity football team, takes in some constructive criticism at an away game in Ludington. Brett, an accomplished player, spent his summer at football camp getting ready for his position on the team. “I didn’t mind giving up my summer to go to camp,” he said. “Ooley Camp totally got me ready for the season.” Brett started playing football when he was only five years old because his dad was a coach at the Pop Warner football program. Photo: Jane Smith