--- title: "The Essentials: Captions" description: Captions, a critical component of coverage. image: https://blog.balfour.com/hubfs/Tuesday%20Tips/2019_Feb%2012/021219_TT_Essentials_captions_thumb.jpg --- ** [![balfour](https://blog.balfour.com/hubfs/balfour.png) ](https://www.balfour.com/) ** - ** - [** ](https://www.balfour.com/shop/customer/account/login/referer/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmFsZm91ci5jb20vc2hvcC9tYXN0ZXItdGVtcGxhdGU%2C/) - # The Essentials: Captions Feb 12, 2019 [Back to Blogs](https://blog.balfour.com) [ Writing ](https://blog.balfour.com/topic/writing) , [ New & Noteworthy ](https://blog.balfour.com/topic/new-noteworthy) *![021219_TT_Essentials_captions_thumb](https://blog.balfour.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tuesday%20Tips/2019/2019_Feb%2012/021219_TT_Essentials_captions_thumb.jpg?width=1200&name=021219_TT_Essentials_captions_thumb.jpg) As part of our series, “The Essentials,” today’s focus is captions, a critical component of coverage.* After headlines, captions are the most read copy in the yearbook. And yet, they tend to be a neglected part of reporting. Because captions provide the story behind the photos, they are vital readers’ aids and resources. Whenever possible, write an expanded caption for dominant and secondary photos. A simple **ABCD** approach guides students to write storytelling captions: **A – Action Lead-in**—a miniature headline for the caption that draws the reader in; often just two or three words. **B – Basic Information**—the who, what, when and where information to let the reader know what's happening in the photo (without stating the obvious); written in present tense. **C****– Complementary information**—a second sentence providing new and interesting information about the photograph; includes facts, statistics or other details about the game, event or subject; written in past tense. **D – Direct quote**—additional sentence(s) completes the caption by providing insight about the moment captured; focuses on emotions, thoughts, opinions, reflections or reactions; paraphrase facts and include with the complementary information (C). Over time memories fade, but a yearbook with great captions will bring the year into focus for your readers by identifying people, describing action, recording reactions and providing details. ![Essentials_captions_ABCD](https://blog.balfour.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tuesday%20Tips/2019_Feb%2012/Essentials_captions_ABCD.jpg?width=860&name=Essentials_captions_ABCD.jpg) ### Sign up to get yearbook tips and best practices straight to your inbox! ![Balfour horizontal with tag White-01](https://blog.balfour.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Balfour%20horizontal%20with%20tag%20White-01.png?width=247&height=191&name=Balfour%20horizontal%20with%20tag%20White-01.png)   Get News and Discounts on Balfour Products! ### Get News and Discounts on Balfour Products! 2024 Commemorative Brands, Inc. Balfour is a Registered Trademark of Commemorative Brands, Inc. [Privacy](https://www.balfour.com/HelpCenter/Legal/Privacy%20Security) | [Terms Of Use](https://www.balfour.com/HelpCenter/Legal/Terms%20of%20Use) | [Legal Notice](https://www.balfour.com/HelpCenter/Legal/Terms%20of%20Use)