How to Write a Caption
For Mrs. Strattner's Class by Jonah's Dad
We’ve been told that a picture is worth a thousand words but that’s not necessarily true. Often a picture alone doesn’t tell the entire story. That’s where a caption comes in. A caption is a brief explanation added to a photo for an article in a magazine, newspaper or online information site. The caption completes the story and adds detailed information the photo doesn’t contain.
A key principle in journalism is to include what is called the Five Ws – Who, What, When, Where and Why.
In this lesson, you will be provided with a photo and the Five Ws. Your job is to write a complete caption with the information you’ve been given. Feel free to copy and paste but please remember to write complete sentences with proper capitalization and punctuation.
Storme, a Dogue de Bordeaux, and Michelle Paulin, of California, who look a bit alike, wait for their turn during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York.
Here’s an example of a photo, its Five Ws and a complete caption to get you started
Who:
Storme, a Dogue de Bordeaux, and Michelle Paulin, of California,
What:
waiting at the136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show
When:
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Where:
Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York
Why:
They look alike
(Photo by Robert Sabo)
Now You Try
Who:
New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner #11
What:
New York Yankees played the Washington Nationals
When:
Sunday, May 9, 2021
Where:
Yankee Stadium in Bronx
Why:
scores at the plate
(Photo by Robert Sabo)
Who:
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham #13
What:
New York Giants played the Dallas Cowboys
When:
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Where:
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Why:
stunning touchdown catch
(Photo by Robert Sabo)
Who:
Michael Bloomberg and Donald Trump
What:
Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation Golf Classic
When:
July 30, 2007
Where:
Trump National Golf Course, Briarcliff Manor, NY
Why:
Bloomberg rubs his temples as he and Donald Trump wait to tee off
(Photo by Robert Sabo)
Who:
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge #99
What:
broken tooth
When:
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Where:
Yankee Stadium in the Bronx
Why:
batting helmet bounced off the ground and hit him in the mouth when New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner #11 celebrated the game-winning home run
(Photos by Robert Sabo)
Who:
UPS delivery worker
What:
naps in his truck
When:
July 11, 2015
Where:
East 79th Street in Manhattan
Why:
hot day in the city
(Photo by Robert Sabo)
