Caption Writing 101 Quick Study

Captions Identify Describe Detail Give readers information they can’t tell by just looking at the photo

Types of Captions ident: name and very brief description summary: who, what, when, where, why, how quote: first-person, word-for-word commentary expanded: in-depth, 5Ws & H and direct quote collection: describe a photo package, can be idents group: idents by row

Each caption should include these components: Caption Content Each caption should include these components: lead-in: captures the attention of the audience and serves as a photo mini-headline first sentence: describes action in present tense second sentence: background in past tense quote: relevant human interest commentary supporting facts: additional information

Caption Review… What are the 5 Ws & H again? The first sentence of your caption is in what tense? Second sentence? Advisor Notes/Tips: Ask students these questions and wait for a response. They should be able to answer the questions based on the previous slides. 5W’s/H: who, what, when, where, why/How First sentence: present tense Second and subsequent sentences: past

Ready to write? Once you have the info you need, you’re ready to write. Decide what type of caption you need to write and jump in!

where: Central High School; State Track Meet Writing a caption in a nutshell: Start with the 5 Ws/H & include a Quote who: senior Kyle Smith when: October 30 where: Central High School; State Track Meet what: long jump; school and state record 25 feet, 8 inches why: 1 of 10 who qualified for state competition how: won district and regional conference meets quote: “Since he was our first team member to go to state in school history, we were really excited for Kyle to do well and kick it in,” said senior captain John Herman. Advisor Tips/Notes: Using the information on this slide, ask students to write a caption on their own; invite a few students to share.

Ident or ‘Id’ Caption Kyle Smith, state long jump champion. Kyle Smith sets school, state long jump record. At Central H.S.: Kyle Smith attempts long jump. Sample ident(ifying) caption.

Summary Caption Jammin’ Jump. Setting a school and state long jump record at 25 feet, 8 inches, senior Kyle Smith stretches the distance in his first attempt of the meet. Sample summary caption

Quote “I couldn’t believe the distance I got that day -- it was awesome to hang in the air that long,” said senior Kyle Smith. “Since he was our first team member to go to state in school history, we were really excited for Kyle [Smith] to do well and kick it in,” said senior captain John Herman. Sample quote caption.

Expanded Caption Jammin’ Jump. Posting his personal best performance and setting new school and state long jump records, senior Kyle Smith makes his first attempt for the long jump title at the state competition at Central High School on Oct. 30. Smith was one of 10 qualifiers for state competition. “Since he was our first team member to go to state in school history, we were really excited for Kyle to do well and kick it in,” said senior captain John Herman. Sample expanded caption—NOTE: these are ALWAYS the best if there is room for them!

Collection State or Bust. With a total of four varsity squads going to state competitions, players show anxiety and excitement at their state finishes. This set a record for the most number of teams in school history to advance to state finals. “It’s been an amazing year for our athletic teams -- we never recognized so much support from the school community and other team members. The loyalty our fans have displayed has really added to our teams’ successes,” said Athletic Director Bernie Smith. John Lawerence: Celebrates the state trophy. Kyle Smith: Attempts the long jump. Sample collection caption Marci Johnson: defends opponent Mark Asner: makes the championship play

Review Lead-in Attention-getting word or phrase relating to the action/reaction of the photo Primary sentence Reports the most important 5Ws & H, showcases the most important aspect in first 5-7 words & is in present tense Secondary sentence(s) Provides details not obvious in the photo (when/why/how) & written in past tense

Be prepared to share them with the class Now, you try it! Write your own caption for the following two photos. Be prepared to share them with the class Advisor Tips/Notes: If you wish, pass out slips of paper with the different types of captions on them. Students must write the caption they’ve been given based on the type on the slip of paper. Of course, students should make up facts/quotes that could be relevant to the photos.