Preparing Photo Preparing Photo CaptionsCaptions

Adapted from the Poynter Institute, the The New York Times and the AP Style Guide.

Students at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Ridgewood, N.J., are old hands at text messaging, but not all of the words are friendly.

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Photo CaptionPhoto CaptionA short sentence or two that

describes a photograph or illustration within a page layout.

Also called a cutline.

Why use photo captions?Why use photo captions?Photo captions are an integral part of

storytelling, but they are often the most underdeveloped element in the mix of words, graphics, and photographs.

Captions are second only to headlines as the most read copy in newspapers and other media.

A poorly executed caption can destroy the message of a photo.

The reader/viewer expects nothing less than◦ accurate, complete, and informative information,

including captions .

Reader BehaviorReader BehaviorReader looks briefly at the photo.

◦Subtle aspects of the photo may not register

When interest is sparked the reader will typically look for the photo explanation (caption/cutline).

After reading the caption the reader goes back to the photo for a second look.

How do you write a good How do you write a good caption?caption?Include the main elements by

answering the following.◦AP Style suggests identifying the

Who, What, Where, When, Why, How

◦Who is that? (And, in most cases, identify people from left to

right unless the action in the photograph demands otherwise.)

◦What is going on?◦Where and when was this?◦Why is this important or significant?◦How did this occur?

Writing the CaptionWriting the Caption

First Sentence: Who and What, Where and When!◦Who and What the photo shows (in present

tense)◦Where and When of the photo

Second Sentence: Why and/or How◦Why… is the photo significant

◦AND/OR

◦How: Gives the background on the event

Example of a Standard AP Example of a Standard AP CaptionCaption

The Mississippi River flows through a hole in the Sny Island, Ill., levee, flooding farmland and homes 10 miles south of Quincy, Ill., Sunday, July 25, 1993. About 2,000 people were evacuated from the 44,000 acres that flooded. (AP Photo/Bill Waugh)

Read the following captions Read the following captions and determine if the caption and determine if the caption is good, okay or poor based is good, okay or poor based on AP style.on AP style.

Poor CaptionPoor Caption

Fresh meats are stocked at the grocery store.

Good CaptionGood Caption

John Mueller prepares Nancy’s Pride for the Grimes County 4-H Horse judging contest. The judging contest is held annually during the Grimes County fair.

Okay CaptionOkay Caption

Oatka Dairy has been owned by the Butler family for three generations. This fall the dairy will close because of low milk prices.

Hot TipsHot TipsCheck the facts. Be accurate!

Don't assume. ◦ Ask questions in your effort to inform and be

specific. ◦ Be willing to contact and include the subject. ◦ Ask for correct spelling of names.

Avoid stating the obvious. ◦ "Dennis Rodman smiles as he kicks a

broadcast photographer in the groin.“ Provide useful information.

Always identify the main people in the photograph.

Hot TipsHot TipsUse present tense when possible.

Don't try to be humorous when the picture is not.

Use commas to set off directions from the captions to the picture.◦ “George Wardlow, above,..."or◦ “Casandra Cox, upper left,..."

Conversational language works best. ◦ Don't use clichés. ◦ Write the caption as if you're telling a family

member a story.

Hot TipsHot TipsAvoid making judgments.

◦ "An unhappy citizen watches the protest...”.◦ If you must be judgmental, be sure you seek the

truth.

Avoid using terms like "is shown, is pictured, and looks on."

Include dates for historic or file photos, ◦ Mayor David Dinkins, 1993.

ReviewReview

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By John Spink, AP

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