Rules For Caption Writing

1. Rules For Caption Writing Every photo needs a caption. Looking at a picture without a caption is like watching TV with the sound turned off.  The caption's purpose is to explain the action and characters in the photo. Since captions are often the most frequently read copy in any publication, staffers should strive to cover all the facts and write concise, interesting caption copy. By Robert J. Courtemanche, CJE rcourtemanche@galenaparkisd.com Galena Park HS, Texas Permission for use granted for any classroom teacher in a public or not-for profit / non-profit school system.

2. Identify everyone by first and last names. Use this rule for candid photos featuring five people or less and for posed team or group photos.

3. Identify everyone by first and last names. Bad Example: Taylor runs through the halls with an AHS banner during Spirit Week.

4. Identify everyone by first and last names. Good Example: While running through the halls, junior Taylor Brill waves an AHS banner during Spirit Week.

5. Avoid the obvious, but provide details. Give information not explained in the photo by covering the five Ws and H (who, what, where, when, why and how).

6. Avoid the obvious, but provide details. Bad Example: Students sit in their Algebra I class as the teacher talks in front by the board during second period October 4.

7. Avoid the obvious, but provide details. Good Example: While working on their second six weeks benchmark test, Ms. Annette Head’s Algebra II class sits quietly while their peers bubble answers and work problems.

8. Present tense/past tense. Describe the action-taking place in the present tense. Write follow-up information in the past tense.

9. Present tense/past tense. Good Example:  Rushing down the hall, Tevin Williams just makes it to his second period World History class. The new class schedule caused many students to be late for class.

10. Do not use gag captions. Always write correct information that is actually about the photo. Never include personal opinions or gag copy. Gag captions can be considered defamatory or libelous and can lead to serious legal or school violations.

11. Do not use gag captions. Bad: Sitting with her friend that she is “just talking to,” is Freshman Jane Smith.

12. Do not begin a caption with a name Start a caption with the what, why, how or even when instead of who.

13. Do not begin a caption with a name Bad: Sophomore Justin Gilley opens his locker to get his books for English II.

14. Do not begin a caption with a name Good: During the passing period, sophomore Justin Gilley finds the books he needs for English class in his locker.

15. Writing a 5-Part Caption By Robert J. Courtemanche, CJE rcourtemanche@galenaparkisd.com Galena Park HS, Texas Permission for use granted for any classroom teacher in a public or not-for profit / non-profit school system.

16. 1-Part Caption: WHO • Identify the people in the caption, including full names and classification / title. • Example:  • Senior Liz Smith, Senior Cade Snowden

17. 2-Part Caption: WHAT & HOW • Description, tell what is going on in the photo, without restating the obvious or beginning with the person’s name. • Example:  • After the Homecoming crowning, seniors Liz Smith and Cade Snowden take a ceremonial walk across the field.

18. 3-Part Caption: WHY IMPORTANT • Add detail, a second sentence with at least one fact that cannot be known from looking at the photo.  • Example:  After the Homecoming crowning, seniors Liz Smith and Cade Snowden take a ceremonial walk across the field. Smith and Snowden are both members of the Escadrille.

19. 4-Part Caption: QUOTE • Personalize the caption with a quote:  a response from someone in the center of interest.  Never ask someone to "give you" a quote. Ask them, “What were you doing here?” or “Why did you do that?” for example. • Example:  After the Homecoming crowning, seniors Liz Smith and Cade Snowden take a ceremonial walk across the field. Smith and Snowden are both members of the Escadrille. “I can’t believe I was the first Homecoming King in the new stadium,” Snowden said. “I truly felt like royalty.”

20. 5-Part Caption: LEAD-IN • Lead-ins are like a mini headline for a caption. Much like headlines they should capture the reader’s attention and provide information about the photo. Usually 2-3 words. • Example:  High School Royalty After the Homecoming crowning, seniors Liz Smith and Cade Snowden take a ceremonial walk across the field. Smith and Snowden are both members of the Escadrille. “I can’t believe I was the first Homecoming King in the new stadium,” Snowden said. “I truly felt like royalty.”