diff --git a/scripts/generate-assets.mjs b/scripts/generate-assets.mjs
index a0ca84d..282ea0c 100644
--- a/scripts/generate-assets.mjs
+++ b/scripts/generate-assets.mjs
@@ -107,6 +107,7 @@ const renderThumbnail = (photo, isCurrent) => {
   const dataAttributes = [
     `data-photo-id="${photo.id}"`,
     `data-order="${photo.order}"`,
+    `data-caption="${escapeHtml(photo.caption)}"`,
     `data-frame-src="${photo.fallback.src}"`,
     `data-frame-sizes="${escapeHtml(frameSizes(photo))}"`,
   ].join(' ');
@@ -122,6 +123,7 @@ const renderFrame = (photo) => `<figure class="frame-figure">
       frameSizes(photo),
       'id="frame-image" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high"'
     )}
+    <figcaption id="frame-caption">${escapeHtml(photo.caption)}</figcaption>
   </figure>`;
 
 const validateCatalog = (catalog) => {
@@ -261,6 +263,7 @@ const generate = async () => {
       file: entry.file,
       order: entry.order,
       alt: entry.alt,
+      caption: entry.caption,
       orientation: metadata.width >= metadata.height ? 'landscape' : 'portrait',
       width: metadata.width,
       height: metadata.height,
diff --git a/src/index.scss b/src/index.scss
index 18a1066..626ee3e 100644
--- a/src/index.scss
+++ b/src/index.scss
@@ -152,6 +152,7 @@ img {
   margin: 0;
   display: grid;
   justify-items: center;
+  gap: var(--space-s);
 }
 
 .frame-figure picture {
@@ -170,6 +171,14 @@ img {
   box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px rgb(32 33 36 / 16%);
 }
 
+.frame-figure figcaption {
+  max-inline-size: min(42rem, 100%);
+  color: var(--color-ink);
+  font-size: 0.95rem;
+  line-height: 1.35;
+  text-align: center;
+}
+
 .slideshow-toggle {
   display: none;
   position: absolute;
@@ -202,14 +211,17 @@ img {
   }
 
   .site-header {
+    grid-template-columns: auto minmax(0, 1fr);
+    column-gap: var(--space-s);
     padding: var(--space-s);
   }
 
   .slideshow-toggle {
-    inset-inline: auto var(--space-s);
+    position: static;
   }
 
   .site-header h1 {
+    justify-self: center;
     writing-mode: horizontal-tb;
     transform: none;
     font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 7vw, 2rem);
diff --git a/src/photo-catalog.json b/src/photo-catalog.json
index c2f5cd9..759fab0 100644
--- a/src/photo-catalog.json
+++ b/src/photo-catalog.json
@@ -1,218 +1,272 @@
 [
   {
     "file": "_DSC1190-Edit.jpg",
-    "alt": "Portrait of a man in a burgundy sleeveless shirt standing with folded arms above a city view."
+    "alt": "Portrait of a man in a burgundy sleeveless shirt standing with folded arms above a city view.",
+    "caption": "Portrait above the city"
   },
   {
     "file": "_DSC1484.jpg",
-    "alt": "A man smiling while drying a plate in a kitchen."
+    "alt": "A man smiling while drying a plate in a kitchen.",
+    "caption": "Kitchen portrait"
   },
   {
     "file": "_DSC1834.jpg",
-    "alt": "A person sitting near dark rocks while waves crash into a sea cave."
+    "alt": "A person sitting near dark rocks while waves crash into a sea cave.",
+    "caption": "Watching the surf"
   },
   {
     "file": "_DSC2313.jpg",
-    "alt": "Portrait of a man in a teal coat standing among autumn leaves."
+    "alt": "Portrait of a man in a teal coat standing among autumn leaves.",
+    "caption": "Autumn portrait"
   },
   {
     "file": "_DSC2362.jpg",
-    "alt": "Portrait of a man with glasses leaning on a railing in a park."
+    "alt": "Portrait of a man with glasses leaning on a railing in a park.",
+    "caption": "Park portrait"
   },
   {
     "file": "_DSC2674.jpg",
-    "alt": "A person in a hooded jacket walking down a narrow city street."
+    "alt": "A person in a hooded jacket walking down a narrow city street.",
+    "caption": "City walk"
   },
   {
     "file": "_DSC8718-Edit.jpg",
-    "alt": "Defocused city lights glowing across a dark night skyline."
+    "alt": "Defocused city lights glowing across a dark night skyline.",
+    "caption": "Night lights"
   },
   {
     "file": "adam.jpg",
-    "alt": "A man standing against a dark background in a black graphic T-shirt."
+    "alt": "A man standing against a dark background in a black graphic T-shirt.",
+    "caption": "Adam"
   },
   {
     "file": "dorka-1.jpg",
-    "alt": "A woman in a white knit hat sitting outdoors on an autumn day."
+    "alt": "A woman in a white knit hat sitting outdoors on an autumn day.",
+    "caption": "Dorka"
   },
   {
     "file": "kezdetazarovonalbol.jpg",
-    "alt": "A small plant stem silhouetted against warm yellow and orange light."
+    "alt": "A small plant stem silhouetted against warm yellow and orange light.",
+    "caption": "Small stem in warm light"
   },
   {
     "file": "nap-2.jpg",
-    "alt": "The sun setting behind a mountain ridge over a field."
+    "alt": "The sun setting behind a mountain ridge over a field.",
+    "caption": "Sunset field"
   },
   {
     "file": "nyomtatas-8.jpg",
-    "alt": "Close-up of ice crystals and frozen texture in blue light."
+    "alt": "Close-up of ice crystals and frozen texture in blue light.",
+    "caption": "Ice crystals"
   },
   {
     "file": "nyomtatas-10.jpg",
-    "alt": "Warm abstract light passing through dried plants."
+    "alt": "Warm abstract light passing through dried plants.",
+    "caption": "Dried plants in light"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-1-2.jpg",
-    "alt": "A city panorama seen through a coin-operated viewing telescope."
+    "alt": "A city panorama seen through a coin-operated viewing telescope.",
+    "caption": "City lookout"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-1.jpg",
-    "alt": "Black and white stage scene with dancers performing before an audience."
+    "alt": "Black and white stage scene with dancers performing before an audience.",
+    "caption": "Stage performance"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-2-2.jpg",
-    "alt": "Two zebras walking across a black and white landscape."
+    "alt": "Two zebras walking across a black and white landscape.",
+    "caption": "Zebras"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-2.jpg",
-    "alt": "Coastal town and hillside beside a blue sea under a bright sky."
+    "alt": "Coastal town and hillside beside a blue sea under a bright sky.",
+    "caption": "Coastal town"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-3-2.jpg",
-    "alt": "A woman walking away on a beach while carrying a bag."
+    "alt": "A woman walking away on a beach while carrying a bag.",
+    "caption": "Beach walk"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-3.jpg",
-    "alt": "Black and white lake scene with a small boat under a bright sun."
+    "alt": "Black and white lake scene with a small boat under a bright sun.",
+    "caption": "Boat on the lake"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-4-2.jpg",
-    "alt": "Black and white seascape with waves rolling toward weathered posts."
+    "alt": "Black and white seascape with waves rolling toward weathered posts.",
+    "caption": "Sea posts"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-5.jpg",
-    "alt": "Candles glowing in the foreground with soft golden lights behind them."
+    "alt": "Candles glowing in the foreground with soft golden lights behind them.",
+    "caption": "Candles"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-6.jpg",
-    "alt": "Aerial view over a city and river beneath broken clouds."
+    "alt": "Aerial view over a city and river beneath broken clouds.",
+    "caption": "City and river"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-7.jpg",
-    "alt": "The Eiffel Tower lit at night against a dark sky."
+    "alt": "The Eiffel Tower lit at night against a dark sky.",
+    "caption": "Eiffel Tower at night"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-8.jpg",
-    "alt": "Bare winter trees fading into a pale snowy background."
+    "alt": "Bare winter trees fading into a pale snowy background.",
+    "caption": "Winter trees"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-10.jpg",
-    "alt": "A person in a dark jacket sitting on a bench and looking over water."
+    "alt": "A person in a dark jacket sitting on a bench and looking over water.",
+    "caption": "Looking across the water"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-11.jpg",
-    "alt": "Black and white close-up portrait of a dog looking into the camera."
+    "alt": "Black and white close-up portrait of a dog looking into the camera.",
+    "caption": "Dog portrait"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-12.jpg",
-    "alt": "Two people sitting by water under a vivid orange sunset."
+    "alt": "Two people sitting by water under a vivid orange sunset.",
+    "caption": "Sunset by the water"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-13.jpg",
-    "alt": "Portrait of a woman standing beside a tree in green summer light."
+    "alt": "Portrait of a woman standing beside a tree in green summer light.",
+    "caption": "Tree portrait"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-14.jpg",
-    "alt": "Golden sunlight reflecting on rippled water."
+    "alt": "Golden sunlight reflecting on rippled water.",
+    "caption": "Sunlit ripples"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-17.jpg",
-    "alt": "A small green plant shoot backlit by bright sunlight."
+    "alt": "A small green plant shoot backlit by bright sunlight.",
+    "caption": "Backlit sprout"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-18.jpg",
-    "alt": "Birds flying around pale stone sculpture details."
+    "alt": "Birds flying around pale stone sculpture details.",
+    "caption": "Birds and stone"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-19.jpg",
-    "alt": "A bridge at night with blue lights and long yellow light trails."
+    "alt": "A bridge at night with blue lights and long yellow light trails.",
+    "caption": "Bridge light trails"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-20.jpg",
-    "alt": "A seated man in a dark coat photographed at night with city lights behind him."
+    "alt": "A seated man in a dark coat photographed at night with city lights behind him.",
+    "caption": "Night portrait"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-22.jpg",
-    "alt": "Silhouettes seen through large windows during a pink and blue sunset."
+    "alt": "Silhouettes seen through large windows during a pink and blue sunset.",
+    "caption": "Window silhouettes"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-23.jpg",
-    "alt": "Tall clock tower and stone architecture with a bird flying nearby."
+    "alt": "Tall clock tower and stone architecture with a bird flying nearby.",
+    "caption": "Clock tower"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-24.jpg",
-    "alt": "Portrait of a woman at night with bridge lights behind her."
+    "alt": "Portrait of a woman at night with bridge lights behind her.",
+    "caption": "Bridge portrait"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-25.jpg",
-    "alt": "Portrait of a smiling man at night with blurred city lights behind him."
+    "alt": "Portrait of a smiling man at night with blurred city lights behind him.",
+    "caption": "Smiling night portrait"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-26.jpg",
-    "alt": "Tall bridge lamps receding into a pale sky."
+    "alt": "Tall bridge lamps receding into a pale sky.",
+    "caption": "Bridge lamps"
   },
   {
     "file": "web-42.jpg",
-    "alt": "Warm sunset over a grassy field with low hills in the distance."
+    "alt": "Warm sunset over a grassy field with low hills in the distance.",
+    "caption": "Sunset hills"
   },
   {
     "file": "_DSC2636-sterling.jpg",
-    "alt": "A leaf-strewn forest path winding between autumn trees into misty green woodland under soft grey light."
+    "alt": "A leaf-strewn forest path winding between autumn trees into misty green woodland under soft grey light.",
+    "caption": "Autumn forest path"
   },
   {
     "file": "_DSC2675-sterling.jpg",
-    "alt": "Tall conifer trees rising into pale morning mist beneath a soft grey sky."
+    "alt": "Tall conifer trees rising into pale morning mist beneath a soft grey sky.",
+    "caption": "Misty conifers"
   },
   {
     "file": "_DSC2701-sterling.jpg",
-    "alt": "A winding earthen path through a misty evergreen forest with bare branches holding a few orange autumn leaves."
+    "alt": "A winding earthen path through a misty evergreen forest with bare branches holding a few orange autumn leaves.",
+    "caption": "Misty forest path"
   },
   {
     "file": "20230703_211416_F9DA2848.jpg",
-    "alt": "Black-and-white view of a bicycle's handlebars before a city skyline of tall office towers."
+    "alt": "Black-and-white view of a bicycle's handlebars before a city skyline of tall office towers.",
+    "caption": "Bicycle and skyline"
   },
   {
     "file": "20230703_211419_C25C2367.jpg",
-    "alt": "Sunlit dirt path winding through silhouetted pine trees in soft black-and-white woodland light."
+    "alt": "Sunlit dirt path winding through silhouetted pine trees in soft black-and-white woodland light.",
+    "caption": "Woodland path"
   },
   {
     "file": "20230703_211420_C19E401F.jpg",
-    "alt": "Silhouetted pine trees in a misty forest with soft light filtering through their leaning trunks."
+    "alt": "Silhouetted pine trees in a misty forest with soft light filtering through their leaning trunks.",
+    "caption": "Pine silhouettes"
   },
   {
     "file": "IMG_3907.JPG",
-    "alt": "White chalk cliffs topped with green grass descend to a pebble beach beside a pale grey sea."
+    "alt": "White chalk cliffs topped with green grass descend to a pebble beach beside a pale grey sea.",
+    "caption": "White chalk cliffs"
   },
   {
     "file": "IMG_5297.JPG",
-    "alt": "The Berlin TV Tower seen from below, its sphere catching a sunburst against blue sky and clouds."
+    "alt": "The Berlin TV Tower seen from below, its sphere catching a sunburst against blue sky and clouds.",
+    "caption": "Tower sunburst"
   },
   {
     "file": "IMG_5299.JPG",
-    "alt": "A bouquet of pink and cream roses in paper, with a dark cat ornament glowing behind in warm light."
+    "alt": "A bouquet of pink and cream roses in paper, with a dark cat ornament glowing behind in warm light.",
+    "caption": "Roses and cat"
   },
   {
     "file": "colour-20.jpg",
-    "alt": "Empty chain swings in a fenced playground, lit by warm low sun with bright lens flare."
+    "alt": "Empty chain swings in a fenced playground, lit by warm low sun with bright lens flare.",
+    "caption": "Empty swings"
   },
   {
     "file": "colour-7.jpg",
-    "alt": "Metal fire-escape stairs zigzag across a brick building beneath bare branches and a pale dusk sky."
+    "alt": "Metal fire-escape stairs zigzag across a brick building beneath bare branches and a pale dusk sky.",
+    "caption": "Fire escape"
   },
   {
     "file": "colour-8.jpg",
-    "alt": "The BT Tower fades into mist above a pale building, framed by bare branches under grey sky."
+    "alt": "The BT Tower fades into mist above a pale building, framed by bare branches under grey sky.",
+    "caption": "Tower in mist"
   },
   {
     "file": "colour-25.jpg",
-    "alt": "A red road-closed sign and yellow barriers before a bright orange perforated building facade under grey sky."
+    "alt": "A red road-closed sign and yellow barriers before a bright orange perforated building facade under grey sky.",
+    "caption": "Road closed"
   },
   {
     "file": "colour-40.jpg",
-    "alt": "Aerial view over a hazy city with railway lines stretching toward the horizon beside a river."
+    "alt": "Aerial view over a hazy city with railway lines stretching toward the horizon beside a river.",
+    "caption": "Railways from above"
   },
   {
     "file": "colour-41.jpg",
-    "alt": "Aerial view of a hazy city skyline at sunset, with golden light rays piercing through dark clouds."
+    "alt": "Aerial view of a hazy city skyline at sunset, with golden light rays piercing through dark clouds.",
+    "caption": "Sunset rays"
   }
 ]
diff --git a/src/photos.test.ts b/src/photos.test.ts
index febfe97..695ebe9 100644
--- a/src/photos.test.ts
+++ b/src/photos.test.ts
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ const thumbnail = (id: string, order: number, alt: string): string => `
     href="static/photos/${id}-2400.jpg"
     data-photo-id="${id}"
     data-order="${order}"
+    data-caption="${alt}"
     data-frame-src="static/photos/${id}-2400.jpg"
     data-frame-sizes="100vw"
   >
@@ -88,6 +89,7 @@ describe('PhotoGallery', () => {
     expect(image?.alt).toBe('Second photo');
     expect(image?.id).toBe('frame-image');
     expect(image?.getAttribute('src')).toBe('static/photos/two-2400.jpg');
+    expect(frame.querySelector('figcaption')?.textContent).toBe('Second photo');
     expect(
       gallery
         .querySelector('[data-photo-id="two"]')
diff --git a/src/photos.ts b/src/photos.ts
index c7c3115..b528c99 100644
--- a/src/photos.ts
+++ b/src/photos.ts
@@ -37,8 +37,8 @@ export const wrapIndex = (value: number, count: number): number => {
 
 // Build the frame figure by cloning the thumbnail's own <picture>. The variant
 // files are identical to the frame's, so the only differences are the larger
-// fallback src and the frame-appropriate `sizes` — both carried on the
-// thumbnail's data-* attributes by the asset generator.
+// fallback src, the frame-appropriate `sizes`, and the caption — all carried on
+// the thumbnail's data-* attributes by the asset generator.
 const createFrameFigure = (thumbnail: HTMLAnchorElement): HTMLElement => {
   const figure = document.createElement('figure');
   figure.className = 'frame-figure';
@@ -70,7 +70,11 @@ const createFrameFigure = (thumbnail: HTMLAnchorElement): HTMLElement => {
   image.removeAttribute('loading');
   image.decoding = 'async';
 
-  figure.append(picture);
+  const caption = document.createElement('figcaption');
+  caption.id = 'frame-caption';
+  caption.textContent = thumbnail.dataset.caption ?? '';
+
+  figure.append(picture, caption);
 
   return figure;
 };