Writers: sharpen your observational skills
And (wow! bonus!) improve accessibility online.
Alt Text Challenge (series 2) is about to start
I was reading something the other day about Joan Didion, the late journalist, essayist and author.
The thing I was reading described how she honed her prose by writing photo captions at glossy magazines.
I wish I could remember where I read it, but that doesn't matter enormously. The point is: if it worked for Didion, perhaps it could help the rest of us?
Which brings me to...
[ Drum roll please! ]
Alt Text Challenge, Series 2
How would you describe this picture, in approx 30 words, to make it “visible” to somebody who can’t see it?
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Purpose of the exercise: To practice your observational and verbal skills.
Additional purpose: Make the internet more accessible to unsighted people.
Tip: Give a sense of what is shown, and the “feel” of the picture, but remember that you are only trying to deliver a textual alternative to the picture.
Here’s an example (relating to the picture above):
“Bright, warm-grey pavement. Human shadow nearing faded utility covers (left), leans and twists to photograph own shadow with shadow of dog on tight lead (right), plus one white paw. Red brick paving in corners.”
Your turn now: The winning submission will be decided by the judge (me, almighty and wise).
To take part, reply to this email with your 30 words.
Reading it online, after the email has gone out? Paid subscribers can leave a comment below.
I'm going to send one Alt Text Challenge every day for the next two weeks.
Compete as often as you like, or just look at the photos and get on with your day.
Till next time.
JPF