Pixiq

If you're on a client or self-imposed documentary assignment, one of the most challenging tasks on your list of priorities is to capture and retain detailed information about your subject matter to craft thoughtful captions. There’s no question that captions add value to our images, but how can you master the art of capturing source material for captions when all you really want to do is shoot?

Here are five tips to guide you:

1. Learn as much as you can about the story, your subjects, and the location before you arrive. Ask your client to provide you with written details about the project or conduct your own research to build a knowledge base to guide image making. Ask questions. The more information you understand before you arrive, the better questions you will ask during the assignment.

2. Curb your curiosity enough to ask questions focused on your assignment. We photographers are curious beings. I could easily explore many aspects of a situation when I'm embedded within it, but it's important to focus on the assignment and to ask questions that relate to your telling of the story. The more information you capture, the more time you'll need to sort and filter information following the shoot. Ask yourself, "Will the answer to this question enhance the story portrayed in the images?" If the answer is "yes," ask. If not, hold back and save the question for later, if time allows.

3. Don’t rely on your memory, record the conversations. I travel with a handheld Marantz professional audio recorder (and an ample supply of AA batteries) to capture my conversations with client contacts and my subjects throughout the assignment. Always ask permission to record the conversation, and start the recording before you ask the first question. I often record notes about the setting and the subject preceding each conversation to help connect voices with individuals I’m shooting. I typically record the entire conversation on the highest audio quality setting in the event I want to edit and integrate portions of the audio in a multimedia presentation. While this does produce a hefty audio file, it ensures that you won't forget to turn the device on and off between questions. Often, the best bits of information are conveyed after your subject's pause.

4. Type names of your subjects and location details into a portable device. I've used the "Notes" app on my iPhone for this. In the throws of a documentary assignment, you are often pressed for time. This time crunch can lead to less-than-legible handwriting. I've made the mistake of having someone write down names for me while I'm shooting, only to find that I had difficulty reading their handwriting long after the shoot. If you must obtain handwritten names (i.e., print photo release forms), print the names in your own handwriting or ensure you can read the handwriting of your assistant. Beside each name, write a physical description (e.g., clothing details) to help connect the names with your images.

5. Transcribe the audio to make it easy to copy and paste details into your captions and/or written story. Historically, I've transcribed my own audio recordings, but having invested enough time in this arduous task, I'll invest in a transcription service to perform this task for me in the future. Plan for this time and expense in your budget.

What tips work best for you? Please share your experiences in the comments. For further support with captions, read Michael Freeman's post "How to Write a Professional Photo Caption"