Authoritative Explanation for Managing Photos on iPhone, iPad, iPhoto & iCloud?

[planewryter]

Apple Photo Mavens...hear our plea--

Because comprehending photo management in the Apple ecology now exceeds the mental grasp of mere mortals...

...would you help?

Is there an authoritative explanation (somewhere) that clarifies how the Apple photo ecology works?

For example: Between my iPhone 5s (iOS 8.1.2), my two iPads (a 2, and an original Mini) and iPhoto on my Mac (27" with OS X 10.10.1)...there is a bewildering array of "Albums" and storage options (what's on each device? what's on iCloud?)...also, it seems that some photos are in an album one day, then gone the next (does this have anything to do with the recent complaints regarding photo storage on iCloud)?

A Guide to the Apple (Photo) Perplexed would be greatly valued & much appreciated.

Suggestions? Ideas? References?

Thank you in advance from this befuddled photo n00b.

Best,
Plane Wryter

 

[kch50428]

It's in flux as Apple is expected to release a new Photos app for Mac soon... hold on until that happens and see how things shake out.