Quick Caption Writing Checklist

Staffers can use this checklist as a quick and easy way to be sure captions are complete and have variety on each spread.

  The caption has some sort of starter — introductory phrase, bold face, color, all caps.

  The first sentence is written in present tense.

  Subsequent sentences are written in past tense.

  The caption has at least two sentences.

  There is variety in the way captions start. Not every caption begins with a name.

  The caption tells more than what is obvious in the photograph.

  The writer’s opinion is avoided in the caption.

  The caption uses picture-painting verbs.

  The caption gives information not already included in the story.

  Sports opponents are identified by jersey number and name.

Want more? Check out our top 10 list for writing detailed captions.