PPC - Writing a Caption Lesson

A caption is a title, short explanation, or description accompanying an illustration or a photograph. It provides the reader with information that explains the image's relevance to the story. A poorly written caption can mislead the reader and undermine the credibility of the story.

When writing a caption, avoid stating the obvious. Identify the people in the picture that can be seen clearly. Don't start a caption with a person's name. Change up the sentence structure. Remember captions are written in third person. Don't offer an opinion. Don't try to be funny if the image isn't meant to be interpreted as humorous. Don't use clichés.

Captions are typically 3 to 4 sentences. Here is a sample citation format that you can follow:

• Sentence 1-Tell the reader what is happening the moment the photo was taken—the people and place. This sentence is usually written in present tense.
• Sentence 2-Provide background information that the reader can't get from simply looking at the photo. This sentence is usually written in past tense.
• Sentence 3-Use a quote (direct or indirect) that provided more details. Both sentence 2 and 3 provide contextual information.
• Sentence 4-Wrap-up the caption by including unused bits of information about the event or activity.

***Captions are typically 3 to 4 sentences.

Look at the following caption example:

Sample Caption :   In honor of Fire Safety Week, students at J. Field Preschool were invited to the local fire station. During Fire Safety Week, students had the opportunity to try on firefighter uniforms, hear the sirens, and discuss plans for evacuating their houses in case of an emergency. The J. Field Preschool participates in these types of events each month, under the guidance of Mr. Gallon, the J. Field Preschool Director.

Here are a few more examples provided by John Smock, Knight Fellow International Center for Journalists:

• New York City Police Officers check subway cars at Columbus Circle on Friday, Oct. 7, 2005. Security in the city's mass transit system has been increased following yesterday's announcement of a threat to the subway system.
• A school bus is towed following a collision with a car on the Major Deagan Expressway (I-87)in the Bronx on Friday, Sept. 30, 2005. There were no major injuries reported among the 42 students and eight adults on board from St. Joseph School in the Bronx.
• (L-R) New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein and Deputy Mayor for Education Denis Wolcott at PS 40 in Brooklyn on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005, announce the highest scores for New York City public school 4th graders on state math exams since standards-based testing began four years ago.
• Musician Phil Stewart uses software by Ejamming Inc. to play online with musicians (pictured on the screen) in other parts of New York City at the DigitalLife Expo on Friday, Oct. 14, 2005. The three-day DigitalLIfe Expo features cutting-edge technology for work, home and play.

[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.