Photography Tips for Sharper & Brighter Interior Photos

I contributed to a multi-blogger guest post over at Kate’s today…

It’s about photography, and it includes a lot of helpful tips!
So if you’re interested in learning about this kinda stuff…

And how we used them to create these three shots within seconds of each other yesterday…

And why using one of these little guys…

…to attach your camera to the top of one of these bad boys…

…is the first super-important step towards taking sharper, brighter and better photos of your home- head on over to Kate’s!

PS- Mr. Palmer’s got an exciting photography website in the works where he’ll be sharing TONS of tips, tricks, and tutorials on how to shoot those pesky, uh, I mean inspiring interior photos we bloggers love lookin’ at so much. More details to come sometime next Spring!

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41 Responses to Photography Tips for Sharper & Brighter Interior Photos

1. kelly says:

   Dec 28, 2010 at 8:47 am

   Wow! I can’t wait! Layla, you and Kevin do amazing stuff. So thanks for sharing your brilliance! I tried taking photos of the boys’ room last night…night is NOT a good time to do photography…got lots to learn here.

   

   Reply
   • Layla says:

     Dec 28, 2010 at 8:52 am

     Hey Kelly!
     You’d be surprised. With a tripod, and the right settings, we’ve shot rooms when it was pitch black outside and they look as bright as can be!
     Kev looks forward to sharing all the tip & tricks on his website next year!

     Layla

     

     Reply
     • Sarah says:

       Dec 30, 2010 at 10:26 am

       Am I a total dork for being overly excited about Kevin’s photography website? Hurry up, Spring!

       

       Reply
2. tinajo says:

   Dec 28, 2010 at 8:48 am

   Will absolutely go there – thanks!

   

   Reply
3. Amanda K. says:

   Dec 28, 2010 at 8:52 am

   So glad you posted a little tip because your photos are always amazing!

   

   Reply
4. Kiki says:

   Dec 28, 2010 at 8:53 am

   Just wanted to comment about the food poisoning. The last time I thought I had food poisoning, I was actually pregnant. I could not eat pizza, raisin bran or any kind of seafood without a violent reaction throughout my pregnancy. I am just saying, sometimes, when you are least expecting it, it happens. I don’t know your circumstances, but I have read where you were talking about adopting…I didn’t think I could get pregnant and was actually 38 years old when I did get pregnant. We tried for eight years. I took medication, and I won’t bore you with the details. But, anyway, when I decided I wasn’t meant to have children, I was pregnant. Wishing you the best of everything in whatever you do. Kiki

   

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   • Nickie says:

     Dec 28, 2010 at 11:17 am

     This crossed my mind too. I’m glad Kiki was brave enough to respond. (I’m still fuzzy on crossing blogger lines.) This is how one of my friends came into the world. Adoption on the way, baby girl arrives…mom is glowing and excited and…is…now…pregnant. No kidding.

     If not, then boo on the Papa J’s!!

     

     Reply
     • Kiki says:

       Dec 29, 2010 at 8:41 am

       I actually thought I was sending an email…LOL.

       

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       • Nickie says:

         Jan 2, 2011 at 7:13 pm

         Oh crud. Sorry:)

         

         Reply
5. Kendra {house of Ficek} says:

   Dec 28, 2010 at 9:09 am

   Thanks for doing this! A lightbulb went off {pun intended} I am very grateful for all of the advice and tips.

   

   Reply
6. Lisa says:

   Dec 28, 2010 at 9:18 am

   Layla, I’m so excited about this! I need to figure out how to take better photos with the nice camera I’ve had for years and years. Thank you so much. Heading over to Kate’s right now!

   

   Reply
7. Mandy says:

   Dec 28, 2010 at 9:19 am

   I really enjoyed reading the photo tips today! I got two new lenses for Christmas and I’m excited to learn how to use them in the best way! Can’t wait to see the hubs new photography site!

   

   Reply
8. MIss Mustard Seed says:

   Dec 28, 2010 at 9:21 am

   I love manual mode. You can make a shot look light-filled on a gray day…and of course a tripod. Mine broke over Thanksgiving and I was so out of sorts until my new one arrived in the mail. I know this will be useful for lots of people!

   

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9. Penny Muten says:

   Dec 28, 2010 at 9:26 am

   I prefer to shoot on Av (you choose the aperture & camera automatically choose the time) & bracket. For those who don’t know bracketing means you take 3 shots. One is the “correct” exposure, one is slightly over exposed, and one is slightly underexposed. Then chose the best of the 3.

   

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10. Michelle says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 9:55 am

    I love your website!! I love all the photos, tip and stories that you share. I try to act like I can take photos, but unfortunately that isn’t an area that I’m gifted in. So I’ll just stick to admiring everyone elses photos.

    

    Reply
11. Fairfield House says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 10:32 am

    Layla,

    On my way over to read your guest post! Thomas got me a Canon for my birthday (in June) and a new lens for Christmas. Looking forward to learning as much as I can from you and Kevin.

    Your Friend,
    Deborah

    

    Reply
12. geri says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 10:43 am

    Hi Layla.
    You & Kevin do take beautiful pics.
    I am thinking though it is the staging and the decor that make them sing.
    I think it is the way you see life too that makes them come alive for us.
    ( the lighting and tripod and setting are good to know too.)
    Eat something fun that you have been dying for now that you are feeling
    back on top.
    geri.

    

    Reply
13. flip flops & pearls says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 10:48 am

    I just found your blog via blog hopping & clicking:)
    I love it!!! It’s filled with such inspriration- I can’t wait to learn/see more.
    Blessings to you and yours for a happy New Year!
    Daphne

    

    Reply
14. Julie says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 10:58 am

    Merry Christmas Layla, hope you are feeling all better!
    My hubby gave me a new camera for Christmas and I have lots to learn!!
    I have always loved taking pictures but now I want to take “good” pictures : )
    Thank you for the tips, I will definitely check out centsational girl!

    

    Reply
15. Melbourne Road says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 11:17 am

    Thanks for this Layla! I don’t have the quality of a camera as you, but will sift through to what I can use with my level right now )
    Lori

    

    Reply
16. pam says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 11:36 am

    Thanks so much for the tips and the link to Censational Girl’s blog, with even more tips! I can’t wait for Mr Palmer’s photography lesson. I am going to play around with Manual Mode TODAY! I have always been envious of your wonderful photos, hopefully now I can create some too!

    *******Thank you********

    

    Reply
17. Joye says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 11:37 am

    Is there anyone that has/or is going to start some type of campaign for Edie from Life in Grace??? Would love to help replace things or give money to a fund towards her rebuilding process. That’s what this season is all about….and Lord knows she’s given so much to all of her readers! I don’t have a blog so don’t know where to start, but you are all very powerful ladies with big voices. Let us know and let’s spread the word!

    

    Reply
18. Ricki Jill Treleaven says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 11:46 am

    Thanks for posting this, Layla. Unfortunately, I have about given-up on photography. My pictures on my blog are so pitiful! Maybe when the kids are older I can take a photography class at UAB or something because I need it!

    Your pictures are always so pretty on your blog, Layla. You do an amazing job!

    xoxoxo
    Ricki Jill

    

    Reply
19. Carla Z says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    Thanks for sharing this, I really need help when it comes to taking photos (or maybe a whole new camera anyway?). Our photos are so dark and terrible! I look forward to getting more tips from Kevin too!

    

    Reply
20. Ada in Coastal Cali says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    I thought this was a great bit of tips
    thanks for all the advice-and I too am a firm believer in no flash!

    

    Reply
21. Denise says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 1:05 pm

    I wish so much I could afford a nice camera like that. I even looked on ebay but it’s still outta my league. Still taking the tips anywho for my lil digital. Someday…..

    

    Reply
22. Lemonade Makin Mama says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    Layla and Kevin are my heros. Can I get a shirt that says that? Bwahaahaha!

    But seriously, I really loved seeing the difference. I have been telling my man I need a tripod for months, and now I have proof! Awesome.

    Happy almost New Year sweet Layla!!

    

    Reply
23. Condo Blues says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 2:57 pm

    I finally made the jump from a film SLR to a DSLR. I was going to make due with the auto and program settings until I got my sea legs with the DSLR. You convinced me otherwise. Thanks!

    

    Reply
24. kristin says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 4:14 pm

    Thanks Layla, the last month I’ve been putting my setting in M and it’s a little scary
    On my way to Kate’s
    Happy New Year, can’t wait to see what you have in store for 2011!
    XO
    Kristin

    

    Reply
25. Mary Ann says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 4:32 pm

    OK. I want a better camera. What is the difference between macro and micro…big and little I know…but still?
    Thanks so much!
    Mary Ann

    

    Reply
26. Liz C. says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 4:40 pm

    I once took a photography course at the local junior college that was being taught by a scientist. I never understood a thing he said and didn’t learn a single thing. Of course, this was before digital cameras and I was using a a huge Nikon with large zoom lens at the time. And although I now only have a little Olympus digital, I still cannot seem to take decent pictures.

    So, it looks as if I’ll be jumping all over this band wagon. Thanks so much for all you teach us out here in blogland.

    

    Reply
27. chris from Midwest Cottage and Finds says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 6:36 pm

    Cant wait for Kev’s photo tips! I love to play with the different settings on my cannon–self taught–but think i will invest in some classes to help with my blog photos…off to texas for some southern antiquing!!
    chris

    

    Reply
28. Robyn (Out Of Ours) says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 8:02 pm

    I was looking forward to her “getting back-up” about her original post on the subject!

    I’ve only started blogging and my husband is kindly letting me use his Pentax K10D and tripod to take better pics. I’m still learning though so these posts have come at a perfect time! Hopefully there’ll be a massive improvement on my pics after reading these and messing about on the camera.

    Thanks for the great tips!! I’m still finding the manual somewhat intimidating

    

    Reply
29. Nicole says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 8:31 pm

    Great examples. What kind of dishes are those? Love em. Thanks!

    

    Reply
30. Tracy says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 8:32 pm

    My tripod just broke. What kind do you use? There are so many at all different prices.

    

    Reply
31. Danielle says:

    Dec 28, 2010 at 10:35 pm

    This is much appreciated!!! A big Thank You from me! Also what camera do you recommend? I’m having the hardest time with my super simple digital and am in the market for a serious upgrade. Thanks again, Danielle

    

    Reply
32. Kristen @ More Than Mulberries says:

    Dec 29, 2010 at 12:48 am

    Ohhh…Santa brought me a Canon T2i….and I have no clue what to do with it yet. I NEED help! Looking forward to some tips!

    (But I am feeling pretty dang cool with my new camera….)

    

    Reply
33. si says:

    Dec 29, 2010 at 9:57 am

    Thanks for the tripod tip…Ive never used one, think I’ll try.
    Anxious to see your closet door project!

    

    Reply
34. Kara says:

    Dec 29, 2010 at 12:55 pm

    Thanks for the tip about the tripod! I’ve been trying all kinds of setting I’ve seen in blogland, and my photos were always blurry. I’m guessing it was just because I wasn’t holding the camera steady. I had no idea.
    What type of tripod do you recommend? I’ve tried shopping for one, but I’m overwhelmed with all the choices. Thanks for your help!!! I love your beautiful website.

    

    Reply
35. Crafty shell says:

    Dec 29, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    One of these days I would love to get a dig slr I still have my cannon rebel 35 mm which I love but you dont know if the photos your taking will turn out. I need to sell it and put that money to a dig…lol I use a kodak right now it is a little more advanced than a simple camera but I still want my dream cannon. Thanks for the photos tips will have to try them on my kodak to see if that will help. Took photos this year of the tree to post on my blog and did not really care for how they come out but better than no photos at all…lol

    

    Reply
36. Laura says:

    Dec 29, 2010 at 8:14 pm

    Woohoo! Can’t wait for the photography website!!

    

    Reply