To caption or not to caption that is the question

          Some pictures do not need a caption because the image it says all. However, not all images have that power.

          All pictures in a newspaper or magazine require captions because they need explanation. Images need the five w’s and the h answered. Whois in the photo? What is happening in the photo? When was the photo taken, or the event take place? Where did the event take place? Why is this important, or why was it taken? How did the people do something, or how did this event happen? 

          All good captions depend on these questions being answered correctly so the image and the photojournalist maintain credibility,  and the readers understanding of the photos intent. 

          The AP Stylebook and good research are the primary tools used in making sure captions are thorough, factual, and done correctly.

Starting over and moving forward

            I started this blog last fall as part of my Photojournalism class at Owens Community College, but unfortunately I was unable to finish the class due to a car accident. 
          I have fully recovered from that accident and I am retaking the class this semester. I will be using this blog not only for class assignments, but also for professional use in journalism, photojournalism, and documentary work.

          I am excited and honored to be the new News Editor for the Owens Outlook online student newspaper this semester. I feel that I have a lot to learn from this position, and hope to contribute to it.

          I am a communications major at Owens and will graduate in December. After graduation I plan to attend BGSU to obtain a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
          My passions are writing and photography. In an effort to inspire positive change in our country and around the world, I hope to one day do documentary work that spotlights both the best and worst of humanity.

          Follow me on twitter @JanelleSmith1 and you can also follow the Outlook on twitter @OwensOutlook.

Love of Photography and Need for Knowledge

          I am a journalism student at Owens Community College. I created this blog for my Intro to Photojournalism class.

          I have lived in Toledo for most of my life. I have been married 14 years and we have three boys and one girl.

          My goal after completing my degree at Owens is to get my bachelor’s degree in photojournalism. I chose this path because it combines my love of photography with my constant need to know more about everything.