Information or Experience in extended captions ?

[QT Luong]

I've been asked to provide extended caption for an exhibit of National Parks photos.

I've written one set that describe the park, and one set that emphasizes my experience.

See a few here http://www.terragalleria.com/social/np-captions.html

Which ones do you prefer ?

[Heroique]

I think your personal experiences in Caption B are far more engaging than the impersonal descriptions in Caption A.

But each type of caption, I think, serves an important role for the viewer.

For example, your beautiful, snow-sprinkled shot of Delicate Arch looks cold – but what makes it “feel” even colder is your personal experience in Caption B: “My car battery had died, but my expedition-grade sleeping bag kept me warm for the night.”

It might take some clever editing, but integrating the two would be worth the challenge.

[Matt Ellison]

I always look for the scientific/technical data (mostly like the 'A' captions), but in this context I enjoy the more personal captions (B). Perhaps, you could try to combine them.

[Renato Tonelli]

I always look for the scientific/technical data (mostly like the 'A' captions), but in this context I enjoy the more personal captions (B). Perhaps, you could try to combine them.

I totally agree with this statement as well as the suggestion to combine the captions. If this is not possible or desirable, I would prefer the "A" caption.

[David Karp]

I guess it depends on the purpose for which the photos will be used.

Are the photos worth more for stock purposes if they have a caption? If yes, probably the A type of caption would be useful.

Is the exhibition a solo exhibition? If yes, then I would combine the two types. Although the artwork speaks for itself, I always enjoy learning a bit more about the artist's experience or feelings while making the piece. AA was very good at this, and I think that the extra information adds to the overall experience for the viewer.

If the exhibition is not solo, and you have the option, I would still go for a combination. I suppose they might want more uniformity, and if that is the case, A would be more the standard.

[Heroique]

BTW, I think this question is quite unique to the LF forum, and helpful for exhibition-makers and photo viewers alike.

David’s observation that “the artwork speaks for itself” wins a lot of sympathy from me, and suggests one more option: Why not forego the captions altogether?

(I see you’ve been asked for them, so this may not be an option.)

In any case, many viewers of superior photography must share my dissatisfaction when placards and explanations “get in the way.” Some argue they always get in the way. “Art means itself” is the justification. But of course, whether or not to include captions depends on many factors, such as coordinating your individual aims with a firm understanding of the audience. And in this show, perhaps your audience would at least want to know which park they're looking at; maybe an optional handout would work.

I’ve also seen effective landscape exhibitions with Spartan captions: Park name, date.

[Peter York]

I think A and B should be merged, perhaps with a more spartan edit of A. I think that the story behind the photograph, or art in general, is illuminating, captivating, and complementary. I have learned this lesson many times - Mark Rothko and Galen Rowell immediately come to mind.

Peter

[Dan Fromm]

QT, in general "A", but for the third shot "A" and "B" edited to "A: Entrada and Navajo sandstone has been sculpted by erosion into a whimsical rock garden that includes the largest collection of natural arches on earth, as well as windows, pinnacles, spires, fins, balanced rocks, and pedestals. What distinguishes Delicate Arch, chosen by the state of Utah to be its symbol, among the more than two thousand arches in the park is its graceful shape and location above a curving slickrock basin with the La Sal Mountains as a backdrop."

In other words, tell us about the site, not about yourself and your feelings.

[QT Luong]

Thanks for the comments. I've moved the thread out of the Lounge per request.

I used A in an exhibit before, but I then I had a second thought about those reinforcing the notion that the exhibit is less about the art and more about the parks. In talking with viewers during openings, I've also noticed that they are interested in knowing the story behind images.

I should probably have added an option "A+B", but the software doesn't let me add options to an existing poll.

[iamjanco]

Hi QT,

One thing that none of the others have mentioned yet that I figured I better mention: always spell check any text you're going to display. I'm an Information Architect by trade, and immediately spotted at least one spelling error in your poll. You may already run spell such spell checks when you're getting ready to post final copy, but of course, I wouldn't know.

In response to your original question, my preference is a combination of A+B. A provides details, while B provides context. I tend to think of context being important in instances like these, as it helps the viewer see what you saw.

Hope that helps,

Jan C.