ABCDs of Writing Captions & Tips

Front

Action lead in

Back

a miniature headline for the caption that draws the reader in; often just two or three words.

Front

Basic information

Back

the who, what, when and where information to let the reader know what's happening in the photo (without stating the obvious); written in present tense.

Front

Complementary information

Back

a second sentence providing new and interesting information about the photograph; includes facts, statistics or other details about the game, event or subject; written in past tense.

Front

Direct quote

Back

additional sentence(s) completes the caption by providing insight about the moment captured; focuses on emotions, thoughts, opinions, reflections or reactions; paraphrase facts and include with the complementary information (C).

Front

Part One of Writing a Caption

Back

Write a sentence in present tense describing what is happening in the picture.

Front

Part Two of Writing a Caption

Back

Write the backstory in past tense, describing what happened before or after the picture.

Front

Part Three of Writing a Caption

Back

Include a direct quote from someone in the picture related to the event.

Front

Action Verbs

Back

Avoid non-action verbs such as 'is,' 'seems,' or 'appears.' Use meaningful actions instead.

Front

Verb Tense

Back

Use present tense instead of present perfect tense.

Front

Use the Third Person

Back

Avoid using the second person (you). Don't say 'You can see' or 'You would have.'