Story Summary and Caption Writing Tips

David Rees’ Notes on the

10 Elements of Photo Editing

What’s the lede? Often it is the one picture that you would use if you could use *only* one picture. It is the way into the story and a summary of the story. It has information; it is visually compelling.
Is there a sense of place? The *soup bowl* is as important as the soup in it; tell us where we are. If this works on an emotional level, too, with a big MOMENT, then Bravo!
Do you have relevant details - either as the primary subject of a photograph OR as a significant component? Details add information and deepen our understanding.
Do you have visual variety? Varying camera angles, different focal length lens approaches, distance to subject, are all ways to aid pacing and rhythm, helping to maintain reader interest.
Do you have transitions? Pictures that move us from one idea to another within a story are invaluable for providing continuity
Is there a series or sequence? Sometimes multiple pictures from a situation can provide a sense of motion, an explanation of *what happened* or contrast in expression or mood.
Do you have a portrait? Usually candid portraits work best within a documentary story framework. A tight portrait, with eyes “blazing” imprints our minds and makes it less necessary that other pictures show the eyes or full face. Would you recognize this person if they stepped onto an elevator with you?
Is there a surprise? Oooooo. Wow. Yikes. Yes! A picture you never imagined.
Do you portray relationships? We often learn the most about our subject by how they interact with other people, or by showing what other people think of them.
What’s your closer? How will you end the story - provide emotional closure or make us uncomfortable with another question?

Writing Your Story Summary

The story summary stems from what you have learned since you wrote your declarative statement. Why do we care about the story subjects? What is the theme or challenge in life this week? You don’t have to conclude your story here, allow your photographs to do that for you. Estimate using 100 to 175 words.

Here’s a 98-word example from Morgan Timms’ story from MPW.71, "Growing Up Early":

Boonville High School junior Jordan Brackman is reminded of her father every day in the school hallways. He was the Assistant Superintendent of Boonville’s School District. Four years after his death, Jordan, her mother and her younger brother draw strength from their love for one another. Jordan navigates adolescence and becoming a young woman in the wake of the family’s loss, using the memory of her father to motivate her.

“I do believe that his spirit is with me every day and he’s watching over me,” Jordan said. “I know I’m making him proud.”

Writing Your Captions

Make sure to include the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY & HOW. If you’re missing any of these elements, contact the story subjects for more information as time allows.

Who?

This is one of the most important pieces of information in the caption. Accurately identify everyone in the photo. Identify people from left to right. Add ages and titles, especially if this information is important to the narrative.

What?

Don’t state what is obvious in the photograph. Make sure to explain the reasons behind the actions in the photograph. What effects will these actions have on the people or the community?

When?

If it is pertinent to the story, include the exact time and date. If the farmer wakes at 4:00 a.m. to milk the cows, the time is important.

Where?

You can vary the specific or general location according to the event. You can simply write the town’s name, or you can tell us the person is” under the stairs in the basement.”

Why?

Let the reader know why they should care. Why is the particular event or subject interesting enough to photograph and how does it affect the community? Help the readers’ understanding of what is going on in the photograph.

Other Good Tips

Quotes are helpful when appropriate.
Specific caption styles may vary from publication to publication.
Sports captions are difficult. Learn the terminology of the sport you are photographing and use it — know the position of the player possibly what kind of play was captured.
Don’t editorialize your caption.
Be short and to the point.
Let the reader know if any special effects were used in the making of the photograph.
Don’t explain to the reader how the person in the photograph feels, unless you have a direct quote or are able to paraphrase their state of mind.
Readers will read the caption before looking at the story, so answer questions or set the stage.

Brian Kratzer, Co-Director

Jim Curley, Co-Director Emeritus

David Rees, Co-Director Emeritus

Hany Hawasly, Operations Director

http://www.mophotoworkshop.org