Caption variation

Captions Should do more than state the obvious Captions do not help when they tell the audience exactly what the eye can see. The caption needs to tell the audience more than the obvious. Should identify the subject(s) Always state the subject(s) name and title if five or less. Should include several of the ws and h Either include information about what when on before the photo was taken or include information about what will happen next. Should be specific Do not use vague words such as “students”, “some”, “a lot.” A photographer needs to find out specific information about the event – a photojournalist is a reporter.

Band director Kevin Ford leads practice Tuesday before the band heads to Tan-Tar-A for the Sudler Shield Award Competition. Last year, the band placed 6 th in the competition. Students prepare for their competition in the band room during lab. Students practice many hours before going to the competition.

Captions Should be factual. Be accurate! Always double check the information. Don’t assume. Should be unbiased Avoid making judgments. Use adjectives carefully. Should be written in present tense A photograph captures a moment in time. Present tense creates a sense of immediacy and impact. If a second sentence is included (it usually should be), it should be in past or future tense. Should use complete sentences Conversational language works best. Don't use clichés. Write the caption as if you're telling a family member a story.

Freshman Katie Bosch and senior Ellie Storer help collect food for the canned food drive during lunch on Thursday. All food will be delivered to The St. Patrick Center on Friday, Dec. 10. Katie Bosch (left) and Ellie Storer (right) at the canned food drive table during lunch. The food drive was very successful.

VARY TYPES OF CAPTIONS 1. A Causation caption: Example: Because money is scarce and buses are expensive, band members sold 4,200 boxes of M&Ms to finance their February trip to Mardi Gras. Contributing to the cause, junior Julie Jones buys her seventh box of chocolate-covered peanuts from top salesman John Marsh. 2. A Description caption: Example: With M&Ms in hand and New Orleans in mind, sophomore John Marsh, first chair trumpet player, sells a sweet treat to Julie Jones, a junior in his trigonometry class. Candy sales financed $3,000 of the band’s February trip to Mardi Gras.

VARY TYPES OF CAPTIONS 3. An Outcome caption: Example: While some band members work hard to sell their M&Ms, top salesman sophomore John Marsh makes it look easy with over 300 sold to finance the band’s trip to march in the Mardi Gras parade. 4. A Quotation caption: Example: Sophomore John Marsh, high salesman in the campaign and first chair trumpet player, sells M&Ms to junior Julie Jones. A favorite customer, Jones, who bought seven boxes, said, “I may get zits and a stomach ache before I go, but the trip to New Orleans will be worth it.”