When you think of taking birthday party pictures, you think of taking pictures of the party, right? Sure! Makes sense. Absolutely.
But what about adding some different angles to shake things up a bit? What else is there at the party? The cake, dirty dishes, wrapping paper thrown about. (Of course this goes beyond birthday parties.) Think outside the box with your angles behind the lens.
Here’s the tip: Take your “normal” picture of … whatever you’re taking a picture of. And then … step back. And maybe step back even farther. Take a picture of surroundings. What would be the traditional “subject” is now in the background and slightly out of focus. Bam!
Absolutely get a traditional shot of the bride and groom at the wedding. But also try backing up and see what else is going on, like a dozen other friends and family members trying to get a picture too.
Capture kids doing whatever it is that they do, but try capturing it from the kids’ perspective instead of just standing in the corner of the room.
Love the birthday cake shot! Great perspective!
This is always fun, I love shots with different points of view; they can turn into amazing layouts.
You have such a great eye. Love these shots. I could have used these tips a few days ago at my daughter’s birthday. I guess I’ll just have to remember them for next year.
BTW, I hit The Home Depot and am now armed with some spray paint. Can’t wait to get started. Thanks for all your inspiration!
I love the new look of your blog!! The colors are so fun! But I am a little confused about where I should go for ‘good living’ tips now, you or Martha Stewart! lol.
Great tip, Becky! I plan to put your tip into practice this weekend!
Funny that you posted about that. I just took pictures of my kids playing at Lake Havasu that way. I was taking a picture of my oldest child when the other two started playing in the background and it was to cute to pass up.
Hi Becky , I do really like how you can focus in on your subject. What settings do you use in your camera so that the subject is clear and all other is blurred?? I cant seem to achieve that
Thanks for your help,
Vikki Mabee
Hi Becky,
I just wanted to say hello and let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I was introduced to it through my good friend, Brenda Reed. We’ve been friends since we worked together some 13-14 years ago in Columbus, OH, and now, since she’s in AZ and I’m in Virginia, we stay connected through the cyber-world… oh what a wonderful thing.
Like Brenda’s, your blog is very inspirational to me, and gives me all kinds of ideas. I would be honored if you might visit my blog sometime. It’s mostly all about my kids, but there’s a little creativity thrown in there now and again.
Hope your day is going along splendidly.
Kristol
I especially love the birthday cake shot. My son’s party is on Saturday so I hope to recreate it!! But, he’s 6 so I expect a stampede when the cake comes out
This is a really good idea and I’m going to give it a try.
Great suggestions Becky! I love how it tells a different angle of the story.
Hi Becky,
I second Vikki’s request for more information on settings. I also have a Cannon SD1300, love it but I am clueless on settings. I use the auto feature but have trouble with getting it to focus on th subject and not the whole view.
♥ the blog, more recipes
One of my favorite photos from my son’s first high school Homecoming was of all of the moms taking photos of all of the kids. I took a photo of all the kids together (there were about 20 of them in the shot) then turned around and took a photo of about 20 moms taking the same picture. It definitely added another perspective!
Oh my goodness. Sometimes I wish I could clone you and bring you to live with me. Your creative ideas never cease to inspire me!
Keep em coming! Love the photos.
Love your tips Becky!! I am a photography junkie. To answer the question on the blurred background. It can be achieved by putting you camera on manual setting (M). Then set your aperture (F-stop) to the lowest number which opens up your lens completely. When you are about to take your pic make sure to focus on the object that you want to be clear. Everything behind that object will be blurred. Also make sure that your shutter speed is at correct setting also. Hope this helps!!!
Becky, great tips and it’s good to stand back and get an outsiders perspective looking in so to speak. I was wondering if you could let me know what FONT you used for that beauiful PAIGE birth notice. It was the fancy yellow writing. Would love to know what it is. Ta
Hi Becky,
Wondering if you would be willing to open up a question and answer session. I’m sure there are many like me who have a question or two for you. My big question – any new recipes to add to the recipe section?
Thanks for all the wonderful inspiration!
Great tip! Loved the picture of the wedding ! Something totally different! THANK YOU! Lovely Blog!
Fantastic suggestions Becky, really great photos. thank you for continually inspiring us creative-types and keep up the great work.
Hi Becky, Im sure yove probably answered this question before, but I was wondering what type of lens do you use these shots. Ive read up on apeture but ive seen that many people have lens’ that go very low. Just wondering what you took these beautiful shots with! Thanks for your creative inspiration!!