Photo galleries are an essential feature for almost all types of websites. Businesses, non-profits, and bloggers alike can use them to inform and entertain visitors.
It is also an element that encourages a high level of creativity. That makes perfect sense, as the ability to present images uniquely helps you stand out.
Web designers are taking advantage of it. They are using the latest CSS and JavaScript techniques to create abstract layouts and powerful special effects. Everything is under development from improving the basic layout of the grid to other user interfaces in the world.
With that in mind, here are eight unique photo galleries to help inspire your next project.
CSS Animated Mini Photo Gallery by Alvaro Montoro
Size is the fixed feature of this photo gallery piece. Traditionally, galleries tend to take up large parts of our screens. This “miniature” gallery turns that practice on its head, with animated transitions packed into a tiny space. And it requires zero JavaScript!
View the Pen Animated Mini Photo Gallery by Alvaro Montoro
Slide Image Track with CSS & JavaScript at Hyperplexed
This gallery makes efficient use of space and adds interactivity to the mix. Swipe the gallery horizontally to reveal images and experience a cool parallax effect. The overall presentation is attractive but subtle.
View the Pen Slide Image Track at Hyperplexed
CSS Image Gallery Box by Stefan C.
Accordion’s UI is extremely flexible. Sure, they can keep plain text content – but where’s the fun in that? We are starting to see them being used more for multimedia, as is the case with the silky-smooth gallery.
See Stefan C’s Pen Box Image Gallery.
Hexagon Gallery in CSS by Gabriela Johnson
How about going beyond basic squares and rectangles? Thanks to features like CSS -clip-path, all kinds of interesting shapes are possible. Here we have a beautiful hexagonal grid with some slick hover effects thrown in for good measure.
View the Hexagon Pen Gallery by Gabriela Johnson
CSS Responsive Photo Gallery Grid with Lightbox by Majed
Adding a lightbox to a gallery traditionally required JavaScript. That’s no longer the case, as this responsive section displays full-size images via CSS. Additionally, the use of CSS grid and flexbox creates a gorgeous masonry layout. There’s a lot to like here.
View Photo Gallery Grid Responsive Pen with Lightbox and – No Script by Majed
Horizontal Scrolling Gallery Layers with CSS by Ivan Bogachev
Check out the amazing level of detail in this horizontal gallery. Each image is carefully layered, with varying levels of opacity creating a seamless look. Hovering over an image reveals a full-color view, while scrolling unlocks animated transitions.
View Gallery Horizontal Scroll Pen (Scroll Engine) by Ivan Bogachev
Flex Image Gallery with Hover Effect by Cynthia Costa
Perfect for a portfolio, this gallery uses Flexbox to power a full-width masonry layout. Captions are revealed while hovering, along with the true color of the image. And all images can be hyperlinked so visitors can learn more. It also adjusts beautifully to smaller screens.
See Pen Flex image gallery with hover effect by Cynthia Costa
Puzzle Grid Gallery by Goran Rakic
Here is another example of a gallery that takes the idea of shape to another level. Hover over an area of this puzzle to reveal the full image. Given the level of visual complexity, it’s great to see that this item still works well on mobile devices.
View Goran Rakic’s Pen Puzzle Grid Gallery
Photo Galleries as Works of Art
There is nothing wrong with a basic photo gallery. But there are also times when things are worth kicking. The clips above are perfect examples.
By presenting images artistically users are encouraged to interact. And it doesn’t have to come at the cost of performance, thanks to modern CSS and JavaScript. It doesn’t mean that the mobile experience is clunky. Galleries can maintain their appearance and functionality across screens.
We hope you found inspiration in these incredible galleries! And if you’re looking for more examples, check out our CodePen collection.
