mario garcia
30
Photograph captionsAfter headlines and photographs, photo captions capture the most
attention on a newspaper or magazine page. Editors with insight
realize that these small text blocks represent a powerful tool in the
storytelling process. In fact, research shows that readers seldom
move into story texts, that just scanning the other page elements
(including captions) satisfies their appetite. Knowing this, what can
one do to make photo captions more effective?
Always make caption type at least one point size bigger than the
story text.
Increase the leading, or interline spacing, of caption text. Doing so
enhances legibility.
Start each caption with a bold element. A good device is to start
with one or two words in bold written like a miniheadline.
Avoid using the caption to describe what is obvious from the photo
or what is already stated in any accompanying story's headlines.
Instead, provide additional information and enhance storytelling.
Stand-alone photos, without accompanying stories but with fully
informative captions, are particularly effective. Readers love them;
good editors use them whenever possible.
pure design
31
Powerful story enhancers: Photo captions prove to be the storyteller’sbest ally in guaranteeing that infor-mation is read by lots of readers.