Don’t print an incorrect caption if you have trouble checking your facts, either because you can’t find an appropriate source, or because you’re on a deadline. It’s better to leave the information out if you aren’t sure it’s accurate.
For example, if you have a photo of a sunset you might want to caption it as: “Pacific coast sunset, March2016, from Long Beach, Vancouver Island. " Also avoid using terms like: “is shown,” “is pictured,” “and looks on,” or “above. "
Also, do not start a caption with the name of someone, start the caption with a description first and then include the name. For example, don’t say: “Stan Theman near Sunshine Meadow Park. ” Instead say: “Jogger Stan Theman near Sunshine Meadow Park. " When identifying where someone is in a photo, you can say “from left. ” You do not have to say “from left to right. "
While it shouldn’t need to be said, make sure any and all names you use are spelled correctly and have the proper title. If the photo includes a group of people, or some people who are not relevant to the story (i. e. their names are not required to tell the story), you do not have to name each of them in the caption. [1] X Research source
If you were working with another journalist for the story, contact them for more information if needed. If you are trying to identify a specific person in the photo, describing where in the photo they are is very useful. For example, if Bob Smith is the only one in a hat, you can say: “Bob Smith, back row in hat. " While specific is good, you can also phrase your caption so that is starts general and becomes more specific, or starts specific and ends more generally. Either method ensures specificity, but creates easy-to-ready statements.
The nice thing about using the present tense is that it portrays a sense of immediacy and increases the impact of the photo on the reader.
When writing the credits, you don’t have to use the term “credited to” or “photo by” if the information is presented in a consistent and understandable format. For example, maybe the credits are always italicized or are a smaller font size.
Captions should intrigue a reader to investigate the story further and look for more information. Captions should also refrain from repeating aspects of the story itself. The caption and the story should complement each other and not be repetitive.
Journalism is intended to be objective and informative for the reader. Journalists are suppose to present the facts in an unbiased way and allow the reader to form an opinion.
If the photo is accompanied by a story, try to use the same tone in the caption that was used in the story. [5] X Research source
This doesn’t mean that captions are only used for unimportant items of the story, but rather items that are not essential to the telling of the story. A caption can be a free-standing mini-story that can include items not used within the story itself. Again, remember that the caption and story should complement each other. Not repeat each other.
An example of a caption without punctuation might be: “Toyota 345X Transmission" An example of the difference between a complete and incomplete caption: Complete — “Actress Ann Levy takes the Acura 325 for a spin on the British test drive course in London. ” Incomplete — “Taking the Acura 325 for a spin. "
It is okay to assume that someone viewing and reading one photo have viewed and read the captions of the previous photos since they likely are in a specific order that tells a story. You can also skip being too detailed in the caption if the story itself provides a lot of details. For example, if the story tells the details of the event, you do not have to repeat those details in the captions.
The caption doesn’t have to explicitly say what you’ve changed, but should at least state “photo illustration. " This rule also goes for unique photography methods like time-lapse, etc.
One such formula is: [noun] [verb] [direct object] during [proper event name] at [proper noun location] in [city] on [day of the week], [month] [date], [year]. [Why or how. ] An example written using this formula: “Dallas firefighters (noun) battle (present-tense verb) a fire (direct object) at the Fitzhugh Apartments (proper noun location) near the intersection of Fitzhugh Avenue and Monarch Street in Dallas (city) on Thursday (day of the week), July (month) 1 (date), 2004 (year). ”[10] X Research source Mark Hancock, Freelance Photojournalist, Dallas, Texas. Written on July 10th, 2004.
This can also happen when a writer is trying to be ‘fancy’ and try something new or clever. There is no need to get complicated. Keep things simple, clear, and accurate.
This also goes for style and format. If you aren’t sure if the publication has a specific format for captions, ask. Don’t use a format you like that may need to be completely revised later because you didn’t ask.
This can also happen when someone tries to use another language in the caption, but doesn’t check if it has been written properly. Google Translate is not the same as double-checking if the language is correct!
Also remember that once information gets “out there,” it can be hard to correct. Especially if that information is related to an event that was tragic, stressful or still ongoing.
