I think some people are convinced that I had kids only so I could justify a top-of-the-line camera, but it's not true -- I also needed someone to take pictures of. Taking pictures of people -- especially kids -- can be challenging, however. Making them look better than the standard kid-in-a-frame shot is even more difficult.

To help with this, the Digital Photography School has put together ten ways to kick your photos up a notch. Some of these techniques we see a lot in the Images of the Day here on ParentDish, but I know I don't always stop and think about what makes these images so special. Now DPS has spelled it out for you, with stunning examples of each.

One tip I can offer -- hold your camera sideways next to your knee, with your finger on the trigger. Pretend to be looking straight ahead, even though the camera is actually pointed at your subject on your right. Make sure you're far enough away that your subject will be in the picture even if your aim is off. For kids, this not only catches them off guard, it also puts the camera down at their level.

So there you go -- ten tips plus a bonus one (don't ever say we don't go the extra mile -- or extra tip, anyway -- for you here at ParentDish!) Now, go forth and photograph!