1. 5 Step Captions Adding depth and vital information to your photo coverage.

2. Step 1-Lead-In Design a standing lead-in. A lead-in is a simple graphic device. The purpose is to draw the reader’s attention to the caption area. Keep these consistent throughout your paper.

3. Lead-In ALL CAPS can begin a caption… A simple bullet can serve as a lead-in… MYSTERY SOLVED. Use a mini-header… An actual graphic can be used…

4. Lead-In TEAM SPIRIT.

5. Step 2-The 1 st Sentence 5 W’s and the H Write the first sentence as if it were a news lead. Describe the photo without being obvious. Use a present tense action verb.

6. 1 st Sentence TEAM SPIRIT. State competitors rally around pitcher Monica Hayes before the championship on April 29 at Arvest Field.

7. Step 3-The 2 nd Sentence Details, details, details… Add information about the person or event photographed. Tell the reader something they will not read in the story or view in the photo. Think secondary coverage…

8. 2 nd Sentence TEAM SPIRIT. State competitors rally around pitcher Monica Hayes before the championship on April 29 at Arvest Field. LaSalle defeated Memphis East 3-0 with Hayes’ no hitter earning her tournament MVP.

9. Step 4-Direct Quotes Use a direct quote in the caption, if space is available. Capture the mood and tone of the event. Interview someone from the photo or directly connected to the event— eyewitness. Use a quote that not just anyone could say. Remember to add depth to your coverage.

10. Quote TEAM SPIRIT. State competitors rally around senior pitcher Monica Hayes before the championship on May 29 at Arvest Field. LaSalle defeated Memphis East 3-0 with Hayes’ no hitter earning her tournament MVP. “I couldn’t believe I lasted the whole game. It was 95 degrees on the field. I felt like I would pass out before it was over,” Hayes said.

11. Step 5--Byline Give your photographers credit. Add a byline to the end of the caption OR to the bottom right of the photo. Place the byline in italics—it needs to stand out without overpowering the caption. Have your photographers proofread the captions and photo bylines in the issue.

12. Byline TEAM SPIRIT. State competitors rally around senior pitcher Monica Hayes before the championship on May 29 at Arvest Field. LaSalle defeated Memphis East 3-0 with Hayes’ no hitter earning her tournament MVP. “I couldn’t believe I lasted the whole game. It was 95 degrees on the field. I felt like I would pass out before it was over,” Hayes said. Photo by Breanne Goodrum

13. 5 Step Captions Lead-In 1 st Sentence—5 W’s and H 2 nd Sentence—Details Direct Quote Byline