how to make node data available in the page.tpl.php I want to be able to print the contents of my node tpl up into the outer page region, accessible via the page.tpl.php (or an override). How exactly can I do this? 

I originally thought about doing a variable_set in the node.tpl and then getting it in the page.tpl. However, if this would work, I would need to be able to create a template. I tried page--node--gallery-photo.tpl.php, but it doesn't seem to be the correct override.

What this the best way to do what I need to do here?
If you are on Drupal 7 you can edit your theme's template.php and add (or edit) the function

function &lt;YOUR_THEME_NAME&gt;_preprocess_page(&amp;$vars) { 
  if (isset($vars['node']-&gt;type)) { 
    $vars['theme_hook_suggestions'][] = 'page__' . $vars['node']-&gt;type; 
  } 
}


The same task in Drupal 6 is accomplished by adding/editing in template.php

function &lt;YOUR_THEME_NAME&gt;_preprocess_page(&amp;$variables) {
  if (isset($variables['node']-&gt;type)) {
    $variables['template_files'][] = "page-" . $variables['node']-&gt;type;
  }
}


Then you can add page--&lt;YOUR_CONTENT_TYPE_MACHINE_NAME&gt;.tpl.php (or page-&lt;YOUR_CONTENT_TYPE_MACHINE_NAME&gt;.tpl.php in Drupal 6)  to your theme. Remember to clear the theme cache.