photography

Cameras have come a long way since the black-and-white heliographs and daguerreotypes of the 1800s. The photo gadgets of today, with advanced resolution, dynamic range, and shutter-speed technology, were absolutely unthinkable in the 19th century. And yet, there's still something beautiful about the gauzy, slightly blurred look of low-tech cameras.

Black-and-white photographers on Instagram are bringing the art form back to its colorless origins with striking images that put the focus on composition, subject, and portraiture. We scoured the photo-sharing social network for the best shutterbugs and found amazing artists from all ends of the spectrum. In the gallery, feast your eyes on black-and-white beauties of urban life, abstractions, and more — then follow these Instagrammers ASAP.

We're all guilty of it; we let our real (often pricey) cameras collect dust while snapping away hundreds of lesser-quality photos of our kids with our phones. But no longer! We found the remedy: chic camera cases from Loeffler Randall, Rebecca Minkoff, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and more, all stylish enough to inspire you to take that camera out on the town, to the park, and to all the other places where your kids do cute, photo-worthy things (that's everywhere, right?). Your children's future photo albums will thank you.

We've got font fever! Beautiful typography adds that little extra sumpin' to photography, and there are plenty of mobile apps with fonts readily awaiting your clever captions.

We found 10 of the best apps for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad to add photo captions on your snaps. From design elements to filters to fun badges, these text-on-photo apps have much more than type editing tools, too. Continue on to find out how to create pictures worth a thousand words.

Flash drives don't have the flyest reputation around (although some really cute ones do exist). But that's probably because you aren't used to seeing ones as unique as this set. When it comes to weddings, we like to think of these as a way to say "thanks" to your guests or wedding party members because you can preupload them with photos of the big day and send them out as a sentimental gift. They're fun, they're functional — what else could you ask for? Go ahead, take a look.

If there's one thing photographers can't get enough of, it's photo accessories to make them better shooters. Whether it's a new set of lenses or a camera bag that will get them excited about taking pictures, no small gift will go unused. For the photographer in your life who is fresh off the school boat, gift her with one of these photog essentials and consider your "thank you" all the awesome shots she'll soon be posting.

Walk into any run-of-the-mill electronics store to outfit your DSLR or mirrorless camera with a bag, and you'll be met with a whole lot of drab nylon options. Put down the bulky cases covered with inexplicable plastic clips and opt for one of these chic finds that can easily double as your everyday bag. From perfect-for-Spring leather crossovers to timeless quilted purses, these camera bags will keep equipment safe and require no sartorial excuses.

— Additional reporting by Lisette Mejia

That baby ought to be in pictures — lots of pictures! Baby's first day will seem like a blur to everyone involved in the lil one's birth. For some moms, it takes looking back at photos of the day to actually recall some of the events. Before handing your camera over to a friend or relative who's promised to capture it all, make a list of the pictures you want to ensure they are recorded before everyone falls off to sleep. Here are our top 10 must-take photos on baby's first day.

You spend months planning your wedding, and then just like that, it's passed you by in a flash. Thankfully, great photos can capture every aspect of the big day — even the tiny details you may have forgotten to notice. Without a doubt, there are certain shots no wedding should go without (like a bridesmaid powwow before sending the bride off). Here, we've broken down those must-snap moments so that even years from now, you can take a look at the pictures and feel like it happened just yesterday.

If you're anything like me, the Photo Library on your iPhone is overflowing with images of your kids. Sure, you send a few of them to grandma and you vow to sync them with your computer so you can "do something with them," but chances are they pretty much just sit there.

In a matter of just a few minutes, your mobile images can do more than just sit as photos on your phone. They can create a storybook, fill a scrapbook, or become a journal that your tot will look back on for years to come. All it takes is a quick download of one of our favorite apps, and you're ready to go. Here, eight apps that help you do more with your photos than ever before!