The Do's and Don'ts of Caption Writing

Directions: After reviewing the following do's and don'ts of caption writing. Write (on the computer) a 3 paragraph essay about what you have learned. Print and turn in.

Do...

  • Include first and last names whenever possible.

  • Remember, 20 years from now people will not remember names.

  • Try to use 2-3 sentences per caption.

  • Keep captions in the outside corners.

  • Captions should describe what is going on in the picture. Who is doing what?

  • You may use a "catch phrase" as your first sentences as long as it's not negative.

  • Keep humor to a minimum.

  • Make the captions the same width as the picture.

Don't...

  • Don't use just one sentence.

  • Don't write anything negative, derogatory, etc. (Remember; what's funny to you can be hurtful to someone else).

  • Do not make the caption talk to the people in the picture (ie: "Hey Joe, look at the camera.")

  • Do not write the caption as if the people in the picture are talking (ie: "Hey, don't take my picture.")

  • Don't overuse the exclamation mark ! (when in doubt, don't use it).

Christensen - rev - 9/03