Caption Writing 101

1. Caption Writing 101 Quick Study

2. Captions • Identify • Describe • Detail • Give readers information they can’t tell by just looking at the photo

3. Types of Captions • ident: name and very brief description • summary: who, what, when, where, why, how • quote: first-person, word-for-word commentary • expanded: in-depth, 5Ws & H and direct quote • collection: describe a photo package, can be idents • group: idents by row

4. Caption Content Each caption should include these components: • lead-in: captures the attention of the audience and serves as a photo mini-headline • first sentence: describes action in present tense • second sentence: background in past tense • quote: relevant human interest commentary • supporting facts: additional information

5. Caption Review… What are the 5 Ws & H again? The first sentence of your caption is in what tense? Second sentence?

6. Ready to write? Once you have the info you need, you’re ready to write. Decide what type of caption you need to write and jump in!

7. Writing a caption in a nutshell: Start with the 5 Ws/H & include a Quote • who: senior Kyle Smith • when: October 30 • where: Central High School; State Track Meet • what: long jump; school and state record 25 feet, 8 inches • why: 1 of 10 who qualified for state competition • how: won district and regional conference meets • quote: “Since he was our first team member to go to state in school history, we were really excited for Kyle to do well and kick it in,” said senior captain John Herman.

8. Ident or ‘Id’ Caption • Kyle Smith, state long jump champion. • Kyle Smith sets school, state long jump record. • At Central H.S.: Kyle Smith attempts long jump.

9. Summary Caption • Jammin’ Jump. Setting a school and state long jump record at 25 feet, 8 inches, senior Kyle Smith stretches the distance in his first attempt of the meet.

10. Quote • “I couldn’t believe the distance I got that day -- it was awesome to hang in the air that long,” said senior Kyle Smith. • “Since he was our first team member to go to state in school history, we were really excited for Kyle [Smith] to do well and kick it in,” said senior captain John Herman.

11. Expanded Caption • Jammin’ Jump. Posting his personal best performance and setting new school and state long jump records, senior Kyle Smith makes his first attempt for the long jump title at the state competition at Central High School on Oct. 30. Smith was one of 10 qualifiers for state competition. “Since he was our first team member to go to state in school history, we were really excited for Kyle to do well and kick it in,” said senior captain John Herman.

12. Collection John Lawerence: Celebrates the state trophy. Kyle Smith: Attempts the long jump. Marci Johnson: defends opponent Mark Asner: makes the championship play State or Bust. With a total of four varsity squads going to state competitions, players show anxiety and excitement at their state finishes. This set a record for the most number of teams in school history to advance to state finals. “It’s been an amazing year for our athletic teams -- we never recognized so much support from the school community and other team members. The loyalty our fans have displayed has really added to our teams’ successes,” said Athletic Director Bernie Smith.

13. Review Lead-in Attention-getting word or phrase relating to the action/reaction of the photo Primary sentence Reports the most important 5Ws & H, showcases the most important aspect in first 5-7 words & is in present tense Secondary sentence(s) Provides details not obvious in the photo (when/why/how) & written in past tense

14. Now, you try it! Write your own caption for the following two photos. Be prepared to share them with the class