Okay, for the past week, I've been trying–diligently–to make something work that seems very simple–at least in concept.

And that thing is…(drum roll please)…

Photo galleries.

Specifically, how to make photo galleries work in WordPress.

Here are the requirements:

• WordPress native functionality or plugins (I'm okay with plural, though I don't know why somebody hasn't already made ONE plugin that does it all).
• NO CODE MODIFICATIONS (you'll see why in a minute why this shouldn't be that big of a deal).
• Display: Forward and backward buttons, a close button, and title, alt tag, or even filename on the overlay.
• Lightbox effect.
• Ability to place more than one gallery on a page or post.

I think that's it. Basically, I want to be able to put 3 (or 10) galleries on one page. For example, "Summer 2011," "Wedding 2001," and "Dog and Pony Show." Each should be displayed on the page on its own "row," like so:

Summer 2011
Pictures

Wedding 2001
Pictures

Dog and Pony Show
Pictures

Now, when you click on any of the Pictures in the Dog and Pony Show, for example, a lightbox appears with the aforementioned requirements built in (forward, backward, and close buttons, as well as some sort of description).

Here's what I've tried:

NextGen. Works for getting multiple collections of photos on a single page. But the lightbox effect is crummy. You literally have to click Escape or on the picture itself to CLOSE the lightbox and return to the page.

Native WordPress. Offers nearly ZERO of the requirements. You can use something like WP PrettyPhoto to add the lightbox effect, but native WordPress only works with one "gallery" per page. Not good.

A ton of other WordPress plugins. You name it, I've tried it.

I am looking for some help here! If you know of a WordPress plugin that does all of the above (but wait, there's more!!!), then please let me know.

Either submit a comment or use the Contact Us link at the top of any page on this site.

Thanks!