A New Career? | interior photography tips!

I’m only half-joking about the new career! However, I must say that I love taking my photos. What I like even more is “developing them.” That being said, I would love to share some interior photography tips I found helpful! Last night, I showed you just one photo of that gorgeous dining room, and when I was looking at the thumbnail on Pinterest, I thought to myself… “hey… that ceiling looks bowed.” However, I know that it’s not. Great. Distortion. That is just no good. So, I went online and found a tutorial about removing camera lens distortion.  Here it is. The dude’s voice is a bit creepy IMO, but his advice was sound.

He doesn’t tell you how to open your photo in Gimp, though…

WAIT… LAUREL… STOP!!!

What the hell is gimp?

Oh sorry. Gimp is a lot like Photoshop, only its FREE. It is a bit tricky, but definitely not insurmountable, and there are tutorials all over YouTube. There are also other editing programs that help me make the photos look their very best. On Windows Live Photo gallery, I can brighten, sharpen, improve contrast, and color correct very easily, which also does simple editing like straightening and cropping. Also, XN View is great for editing.

For example:

Raw photo (but reduced)

Please note the lovely boarded-up door. That is to the kitchen, which should be done sometime in January, and it’s going to be killer! Obviously, I couldn’t have the boarded-up door in my final photo.

After manipulating the photo to get the desired effect, here is what you saw yesterday:

raw photo of a classic dining room
raw photo

Here is the picture after I edited it:

edited photo of a classic dining room
edited photo

Yes, folks. They are the same photograph. Notice the light coming through the left-side window.

Below is the finished product after the lens distortion was removed. The difference is that the coffered ceiling beams and windows are much straighter.

finished photo with lens distortion corrected in GIMP
final edit

Well, there it is…Some interior photography tips: It’s fun and it’s free! Also, if you’re looking for inspiration for a beautiful dining room, check out my favorite dining room items here.

 

xo,

6 Responses

  1. Gorgeous work and gorgeous photo, Laurel! I’m so impressed. I wish I could photograph my own projects like this. You’ve done a remarkable job. Love the color and furnishings here, just beautiful!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome To Laurel Home!

laurel-aarons-18th-e1456449963926

Hi, I’m Laurel, and Laurel Home is the website and blog for Laurel Bern Interiors.
I’ve been creating new-traditional interiors since 1988. The blog is where I share all.

New Edition, November 2024! Get The Indispensable Guide For 100s of Home Furnishings And Interior Design Sources That Everyone Is Raving About

laurels-rolodex-final-book-cover-master 11th edition 24-2025

laurel home archives

Categories:

Please click the image below for more info about my rockin’ Interior Design Guides for 2025!

Laurel Home Interior Design Guides 2025
Amazon ad

please click below to check out my favorite decorating & design books

Laurel Bern's Favorite Interior Design and Decorating Books