pandoc-shortcaption is a pandoc filter for adding short captions to images in LaTeX output, i.e. \caption[Short caption]{Long caption}.
pip install pandoc-shortcaption
or
python setup.py install
Compile with
pandoc -f markdown -t latex --filter pandoc-shortcaption test.md
If you would like to use with pandoc-crossref, then add that filter afterwards.
{#fig:myfig2}
Here is a reference to @fig:myfig2.
You can also add a width in percent (no other units supported as of now).
{#fig:myfig2 width=60%}
Compile with
pandoc -f markdown -t latex --filter pandoc-shortcaption --filter pandoc-crossref test.md
Inspired by Template for writing a PhD thesis in Markdown.