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.