1. Telling StoRies With Photography
Caption Writing
Telling StoRies With Photography

2. What Is A Caption?
A short description or title accompanying an illustration in a printed text
Also called a “cutline”
Can draw attention to something that’s not obvious
It provides the context for a picture by answering the 5W’s
Caption writing involves interviewing, drafting, rewriting, and editing

3. Types of Captions Basic Expanded
Describes the moment captured in the photo
One sentence written in present tense
Expanded
Answers the 5W’s with background information and/or a quote
Two or more sentences
First sentence is in present tense
Subsequent sentences are in past tense

4. Lead-ins Lead-ins are headlines for your caption
Consist of attention-grabbing words or phrases
Are often alliterative
Are no more than three words
Sparkling Skyscraper
Warning Web
Academic Achiever

5. As Easy As A-B-C A Action lead-in B Basic information
List attention-getting words or phrases
B Basic information
Who, What, Where and When, written in present tense
C Complementary information
Why, written in past tense
A quote

6. Caption Writing Must-Do’s
Avoid stating the obvious
Tell the reader something they don’t know
Captions that include “looking into the camera” or “posing for a photo” will earn an F
Identify all people in the picture who are seen clearly
Don't start a caption with a person's name or the name of the school

7. Caption Writing Must-Do’s
Give the reader a lot of information in the caption. Use two or three sentences, if possible
Using quotes in a caption adds a personal voice
Make sure to secure IDs and additional information as you take photos

8. Let’s Do One

9. Sentence 1: What are the 5w’s?
Using first and last names, identify everyone in the photo (up to five)
Interview people in the photo as well as those associated with the activity
Accurately describe the action in the photo

10. Sentence 1
Betty Parris, portrayed by Jane Spane (11), Tituba, played by Sally Dally (10) and Abigail Williams, portrayed by Amy Jamey (12), fall into fits during the fall presentation of “The Crucible.”

11. Sentence 2: additional info
Write another sentence in past tense that contains additional information
Expand coverage by going behind the scenes
Dig deeper. Get the inside scoop and appeal to the intelligent, curious reader
Write additional sentences in past tense

12. Sentence 2
The Arthur Miller play dramatized the Salem witch trials of 1692.

13. Sentence 3: complementary information
Include any pertinent information
It can include a quote
Quotes should always be split
Quotes should always use “said”

14. Sentence 3
“The Crucible is a difficult production,” said director John Strong. “I am so proud of the hard work our students put in.”

15. What’s Your Action Lead-In?
Write an attention- getting word or phrase that links the caption to the photo
Theatre
Crucible
Witchcraft
Salem
Manipulation
Puritan

16. Lead-In
Puritan Paradox

17. Final Caption
PURITAN PARADOX Betty Parris, portrayed by Jane Spane (11), Tituba, played by Sally Dally (10) and Abigail Williams, portrayed by Amy Jamey (12), fall into fits during the fall presentation of “The Crucible.” The Arthur Miller play dramatized the Salem witch trials of “The Crucible is a difficult production,” said director John Strong. “I am so proud of the hard work our students put in.”

18. What’s Wrong With This Caption?
Amanda Samba, Allen Ballen, and Amelia Tabilia pause to take a photo during the yearbook powder shoot.
“pause to take a photo”, no second sentence

19. What’s Wrong With This Caption?
Taking photos before prom, Leanne Heban (12) smoothed out date Justin Shmustin’s hair. “I wanted him to look perfect for our photo,” she said.
Past tense verb in first sentence

20. What’s Wrong With This Caption?
Varsity cheerleader Sydney Andrews (12) acknowledges the crowd as she is introduced during the homecoming game. Andrews also plays softball.
Present tense verb in second sentence

21. Part 1: caption writing – Major grade
Using the captions on the next page, identify what is incorrect about each and write a new, correct caption
Create a Word document titled [last name] caption edits [your class period] and save to your H drive. Submit to Mr. Nigrelli via Google Drive by the end of class on Thursday, November 2nd

22. Captions for editing
1. A giant Uncle Sam balloon marched down 6th Avenue during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This marks the 87th year for the annual New York event.
2. A woman looks at what is left of her home after it was destroyed during a tornado in Washington, Ill., on Nov Rescue workers were combing through the wreckage in the wake of a fast- moving storm that killed eight people in two states.

23. part 2: caption writing – major grade
Select five photos that you took yourself
Insert each photo into a Word document
Based on what you know about the 5Ws in the photo, write an expanded caption for each photo
Title your document [last name] personal captions [your class period] and save to your H drive
Submit to Mr. Nigrelli via Google Drive by midnight Friday, November 3rd