Anatomy of a Yearbook
The outside of the book and the very first thing the reader sees, where the theme is introduced directly or indirectly.
What is the Cover?
A single story and picture grouping within a page or spread that focuses on one specific topic.
What is a Module?
A shot taken with the camera held at the same eye height as the subject, reflecting our normal perspective.
What is Eye-Level View?
A composition method that divides an image into thirds horizontally and vertically so the main subject sits off-center on an intersection point.
What is the Rule of Thirds?
The simplest type of caption that strictly provides the subject's first and last name and sometimes a short description.
What is an Ident Caption?
The paper placed between the cover and the first page, often used for student signatures and introducing the table of contents.
What is an Endsheet?
A repeating design, graphic, image, or text on every page that helps emphasize the theme and includes the page number.
What is a Folio?
Positioning the camera lower than the subject looking up to make the subject appear powerful or intimidating.
What is Low Angle View?
Distracting background elements that awkwardly compete with or attach themselves to the main subject.
(Daily Double)
What are Mergers?
In the "A-B-C-D" expanded caption formula, the letter "A" stands for this clever mini-headline that connects words to the photo.
What is an Action Lead-In?
Located at the end of the book, this statement acts as "end credits" listing staff names, printer info, printing quantity, and technical specifications.
What is the Colophon?
A paper or electronic planning tool used by yearbook staff to map out pages, sections, and content order.
What is a Ladder?
A shot taken directly overhead from a distance to establish the scene, set a mood, or draw in the viewer.
What is Bird’s Eye View?
Using curated or environmental lines in an image to lead the viewer’s eyes directly toward the subject.
What are Leading Lines?
While secondary sentences in a caption are written in past tense, the first sentence describing the main photo action must be written in this tense.
What is Present Tense?
When the book is closed, this edge binds the pages together and displays information like the volume number, school name, and book title.
What is the Spine?
A 16-page grouping made up of two 8-page flats that yearbooks are printed in before being folded, stitched, and bound.
(Daily Double)
What is a Signature?
Shooting directly below the subject so the viewer assumes the perspective of a tiny creature looking straight up.
What is Worm’s Eye View?
Achieved with a wide aperture, this setting puts the main subject in sharp focus while softly blurring the background or foreground.
What is Shallow Depth of Field?
The required direction and order for identifying group photo members across rows.
What is Left to Right, Front Row to Back Row?
The very first page inside the yearbook containing essential details like the theme, school address, phone number, volume number, and table of contents.
What is the Title Page?
Organizing the yearbook in chronological order where all categories (sports, academics, events) are mixed together by date.
What is Topical Coverage?
A photograph taken directly from the subject's viewpoint, allowing the viewer to feel like a participant in the action
What is Becoming the Subject?
Creating visual harmony by arranging objects of similar visual weight on opposite sides without making both halves identical.
What is Informal (or Asymmetrical) Balance?
In the "A-B-C-D" expanded caption formula, the letter "D" stands for this element that brings the caption to life by providing first-person student insight.
What is a Detailed Quote?