Photo tips from Hallmark designers

Put your photos to good use by serving up a slice of life to the birthday boy or girl. Find your muse in these thought-starters from Hallmark designers.

Now and then
Who doesn't love before & after snapshot combo? Show a photo of the birthday boy or girl from younger days (maybe one from their I'm-a-baby-and-I'm-naked phase). Then place it next to a recent picture with a funny caption saying, "Hope you remembered your party pants this time."

The writing is on the wall
Or maybe just in a photo of you holding a sign reading, "Make a Wish," "Blow Out the Candles" or "How Old Are You Now?" It puts a twist on a traditional photo card or personalized plate.

It was the best of times
Create a collage of photos through the years, highlighting favorite moments and fond memories. Not only is this a welcome stroll down memory lane, it's a birthday blast from the past that will be kept for years on end.

Any way you slice it
Baby's first birthday is a time for fun and celebration. It also calls for the obligatory messy cake-eating photo. So go ahead and smudge some fudgy goodness all over the little one's happy cheeks. It's a crowd-pleaser no matter how you slice it.

Yearbook Pictures
Line up the birthday boy or girl's photo with celebrities who were born on the same day. Pair it with a playful caption saying, "You look the best of all." Talk about your birthday smiles.