What makes a good caption?

Good captions are more than just the subject's name and what's going on in the photo. In fact, if all you do in your caption is explain the activity in the photo it has little or no value to the reader. Good captions incorporate the five W's: Who, What, Where, When and Why. You can occasionally throw in "How" if the photo is so technically complicated and interesting that the reader might wonder how it was made.Good captions are spelled correctly. Good captions are factually accurate. Good captions leave the copy editors with few questions. Good captions not only enhance your standing in the newsroom but also the photo department's standing. Good captions are essential to the credibility of the newspaper and its standing in the community.

1. Spelling:
   Absolutely critical. If you are a spotty speller have a dictionary at your side and don't be afraid to use it. There is no shame in referring to a dictionary. There is no shame in asking someone else how to spell a word. Overall, spelling is essential but maybe the most important to our credibility is making sure your subject's name (and business or organization) is spelled perfectly. CQ ALL names. CQ ALL names. CQ All names. I'm repeating myself but this is important. CQing means you get your own Ids even if the reporter is standing there. I can't tell you how many times a reporter has been surprised when a subject is spelling their name differently than the reporter's ASSUMED spelling. Get phone numbers of subjects in your photos in case questions arise later. You don't need to put the number in the caption but have it in your notebook so that your can refer to it if necessary.
2. The five W's:
   Basic information about you subject is another bedrock essential for good captions. If you can use each of the W's you're on your way to a very solid caption. A Tip: Often you can get many of the W's from your photo request. If the information is not there call the reporter BEFORE you go out to shoot and get as much information as you can. It will help shoot the assignment more confidently and give you the basis for complete captions.
3. How:
   Every now and then you'll make a photo that is just so cool to look at that explaining to the reader How you made it is not only appropriate but fun.
4. Accuracy:
   Make sure the facts you have in your caption are accurate or that you can quote a source or the subject. If you do get a call from the copy desk about a conflict with the reporter's information it always feels good to be able to say that you quoted the subject or that the name has been CQed. Get to the point where the copy desk has real faith in the information you provide in captions. It's great to have them question the reporter's accuracy instead of yours.
5. Copy Edit Your Own Captions:
   Always reread your captions. Identify your subjects from left to right and by a physical description whenever possible. A physical description can be of their clothing or expression.
6. But what about writing GREAT captions?
   Great captions have added value and are well written! Be a reporter. Get quotes, descriptions and additional information to enrich your caption. Be a writer. Don't be afraid to use the language. Buy a thesaurus so that you don't repeat the same descriptive words. A little alliteration is all right too. The ultimate goal for all of us is to write great captions. Great captions must be accurate, have useful information for added value and be a good read.