A photograph without context can mislead. A caption is the short text that accompanies an image, identifying the people, place, time, and significance of what the viewer sees.

Good captions answer the essential questions the picture itself cannot. They avoid stating the obvious and instead supply information that deepens understanding. Wire services and newsrooms maintain strict caption styles so that photos can travel across platforms without confusion.

Inaccurate captions have caused serious journalistic failures, especially when images are reused or archived. Photo editors and caption writers therefore verify names and circumstances with the same care given to body text. A precise caption turns an image into reliable evidence rather than decoration.

• Explanatory text accompanying a news photograph
• Identifies subjects, location, and context
• Follows house or wire-service style
• Essential for accurate visual journalism