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Features

Shadow of the Titanic

On the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, a spellbinding new book focuses on the dark tales of the survivors—and our endless fascination with history's most glorious shipwreck
By Andrew Wilson

Optical Illusion

A New Explanation For The Disaster
By Tim Maltin

They Missed the Boat

The notable people planning to sail on the Titanic included a world-famous novelist, a radio pioneer and America's biggest tycoons
By Greg Daugherty

One-Step Wonder

Edwin Land's camera perfected the art of instant gratification
By Owen Edwards

The New Stars of Photography

Thirteen renowned photographers introduce up-and-coming artists whose work break new ground
By Smithsonian magazine

The Unfortunate Traveler by Billy Collins

Smithsonian's poetry consultant writes a poem specially for the photography issue
By Billy Collins

Shooting Stars: William Coupon presents Delphine Diaw Diallo

Diallo's photos combine pop culture and African roots with an American vernacular
By William Coupon

Shooting Stars: David Burnett presents Sirio Magnabosco

According to the acclaimed photojournalist, Magnabosco’s work reminds you why you liked photography in the first place
By David Burnett

Shooting Stars: Donna Ferrato presents Tomeu Coll

The young photographer makes far-flung expeditions to capture life at the outer reaches of the world
By Donna Ferrato

Shooting Stars: Martin Parr presents Robin Maddock

Maddock’s views and snatches of life are both surreal and individual
By Martin Parr

Shooting Stars: Mary Ellen Mark presents José Antonio Martínez

At first just an amateur, Martinez devoted his life to mastering the art of photography
By Mary Ellen Mark

Shooting Stars: Joel Meyerowitz presents Jonathan Smith

The landscape work of Jonathan Smith embraces the art of photographic masters of the past
By Joel Meyerowitz

Shooting Stars: Sylvia Plachy presents Pilar Belmonte

Belmonte found her personal voice as a photographer during a time of family crisis
By Sylvia Plachy

Shooting Stars: Bruce Weber presents Jeremy Everett

The famed fashion photographer shares one artist’s work with the world
By Bruce Weber

Shooting Stars: Cindy Sherman presents Lisa K. Blatt

There is a simple majestic beauty to Blatt’s nature photography, says the heralded portraitist
By Cindy Sherman

Shooting Stars: Reza presents Farzana Wahidy

The 27-year-old photographer is telling the story of her native Afghanistan from the inside
By Reza

Shooting Stars: Albert Watson presents Keith Coleman

Coleman’s photographs unveil the fruits that come from being obsessed with one’s work
By Albert Watson

Shooting Stars: Steve Winter presents Chris Linder

Linder’s science photography is a throwback to the age of expeditions and adventure
By Steve Winter

Departments

Visualize This

By Laura Helmuth and Sarah Zielinski

Speaking American

Hey, snollygosters: After half a century of studying jib-jabbing, linguists have just finished the nation's most ambitious dictionary of regional dialects
By Abigail Tucker

Sweat and Tears

Yes, scientists say, your airborne compounds send signals about your moods, your sexual orientation and even your genetic makeup
By Sarah Everts

Why So Blue?

New research into a long-puzzling feature of avian life shows there's more to color than meets the eye
By Helen Fields

Truth and Beauty

The discovery of a 40,000-year old figurine reignites debate among archaeologists about the origins—and true purpose—of art
By Andrew Curry

Trick of the Eye

Ladies and gentlemen, step right up! The smaller, quieter half of the magician duo Penn & Teller reveals his secrets for manipulating the human mind!
By Teller