photograph to the cutline by the action it describes. It should contain a
verb written in the present tense. The reason for this is that the moment
in time captured in the photograph immediately becomes the past. The use of
a present tense verb gives the reader a sense of immediacy, as though the
reader is actually witnessing the event taking place.
For example, a
cutline that reads, "SGT John Hero swims through the swirling waters of the
Colorado River to rescue six-year old Ruth Gray..." has more impact and
immediacy than one which reads "SGT John Hero swam through ......".
(b) Identification of persons or things in the picture.
Everyone or
thing that is identifiable and pertinent to the story-telling function of
the photograph should be identified. By identifiable, we mean anyone who is
not blurred, obscured, or too far away for recognition.
By pertinent, we
mean involved to the central action of the picture.
The best way to
identify subjects is by action.
If all persons are engaged in the same
action, then you can use left to right.
(c) Additional details of background information. They are facts that
need to clarify the photograph. The amount of information included in this
section depends on two factors:
where and how you will use the photograph.
The amount of background information needed to explain a photograph of
bayonet practice is obviously greater for a civilian audience than to a
basic trainee who is participating in such practice.
b. Credit Lines.
Credit lines for photographers are used in most
military newspapers and publications.
The usual method is to credit both
the photographer and the service directly after the last word of the
cutline. The credit line is in capital letters and enclosed in parenthesis
as shown in the following example:
(U.S. ARMY PHOTO by SGT JOHN SHUMAN).
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