1. MODULE 12: CAPTIONS

2. A caption’s CONTENT combines with a photograph to tell a story.
CAPTIONS SHOULD DO MORE THAN STATE THE OBVIOUS.
CAPTIONS ANSWER READERS’ QUESTIONS ABOUT A PHOTO.
CAPTION WRITING REQUIRES REPORTING.
QUOTES FROM INDIVIDUALS IN THE PHOTO ADD DEPTH. 1 2 3
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3. STEP ONE who: Junior Travis Wilson, competitive wakeboarder
what: spent a week practicing for competitions while on a family vacation
when: vacation, last week of June, competition in July
why: for fun and to improve on last year’s second place
how: practice paid off with a first place medal at the Junior X Series Wakeboarding Championship. 1 2 3
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Gather INFORMATION about the photograph, answering the 5 W’s and H.

4. STEP TWO
During an annual family vacation in June at Lake Powell, junior Travis Wilson practices for the upcoming Junior X Series Wakeboarding Championship. 1 2 3
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To write a SUMMARY CAPTION, write a sentence in present tense explaining the photo.

5. STEP TWO
During an annual family vacation in June at Lake Powell, junior Travis Wilson practices for the upcoming Junior X Series Wakeboarding Championship. His efforts were rewarded with a first place medal. “I live for wakeboarding. It’s an awesome way to push yourself to the limit. My favorite trick is called a tantrum, which is a true back flip.” 1 2 3
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For an EXPANDED CAPTION write additional sentences providing relevant information and a quote.

6. STEP THREE determination flying on water airborne on the fly
in the air
“boardum”
water and air
concentration
up and away
surf the wake
flying on water
on the fly
board walk
flip
big air
wakeboarder
air male
splash 1 2 3
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Brainstorm a list of attention-getting impact words; select the best option for the caption LEAD-IN.

7. The FORMAT of a caption varies with its function.
CAPTION FORMATS RANGE FROM IDENTIFICATIONS TO MINI-STORIES.
SPORTS CAPTIONS REQUIRE SPECIFIC DETAILS AND UNDERSTANDING.
ONE TYPE OF CAPTION SHOULD BE AVOIDED. 1 2 3
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8. A caption’s DESIGN works with its content to draw readers.
A LEAD-IN SERVES AS A MINI-HEADLINE FOR A CAPTION.
THE FIRST SENTENCE INDENTIFIES INDIVIDUALS AND EXPLAINS WHAT IS HAPPENING.
A SECOND SENTENCE ADDS INFORMATION AND INSIGHTS.
WRITING A CAPTION IS LIKE WRITING A POEM; EACH WORD COUNTS. 1 2 3
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9. 1 2 3
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Use TYPOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES to emphasize the caption lead-in.