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I've got some ideas for Birchtree Photography's fanpage...but I need more fans!

So, if you'd like to get instant updates and more (but wait, there's more!), become a fan today (and if you call in the next 10 minutes...).

Birchtree Photography by Mary Schwarz on Facebook

A Couple of Changes

As a photographer, I don't actually get many photos of myself. That's not such a bad thing (you won't find too many embarrassing pictures of me online!). However, I desperately needed a professional photo of myself for my website and blog.

Enter Milla Chappell--a newly found friend and another great photographer. Last Monday she agreed to take some photos of me--and I finally got a taste of my own medicine!

I must admit I was a bit nervous in front of the camera. Nevertheless, Milla got some great shots, and I've now updated my website bio and created a header for my blog.

Thanks Milla!

Flashback Friday, Or FAQ #1.

I have a tendency to get into a "reminiscent" mood on rainy days, which today made me think of a question I'm often asked.

"How did you choose Birchtree Photography as your studio name?" Or some variation of that question.

The short answer is that I fell in love with birch trees while living in Moscow, Russia when I was a child. Yes, I lived there for 5 years when I was growing up--and no, my parents weren't spies--at least, I don't think they were. Since I thought "Mary Schwarz Photography" sounded boring (and was difficult to spell!), I decided on Birchtree Photography because I think birch trees are beautiful.

Four years ago this summer, I actually spent 10 weeks in Moscow as part of a study abroad program in college. Much had changed since I had been there in 1998, but surprisingly, much had remained the same.

At that time, I only had a point and shoot camera, but here are a couple of photos anyway.

Moscow has a number of great forests/parks located in the city. Birch trees are a common sight:


I've circled the apartment where I lived for several years. Note the drab concrete-slab architecture.


And a famous tourist spot--Red Square--with my twist on it.



You can actually find some more photos from that trip--and other places--here on my website.

Some Blog Changes and a Preview

I've spent much of this morning trying to work on a new format for my blog that will allow me to post BIG photos and allow for easier blog navigation. Also, I wasn't sure if the old style really fit well with my website. So, it's still very much a work in progress, but you'll hopefully notice a few changes. What do you think? Comments are always appreciated.

And because it's no fun to have a post without a picture, here's a preview from Crystal and Martin's wedding this past Friday. See how big the photo is?

I heart Google

It's true. Google has so many great ideas and tools to help you do everything from managing your email to running your business.

But, one of their most useful tools is one that I've only recently begun using. That's Google Reader. I know, I know. For some of you regular bloggers, this is nothing new. My dear Sister told me about Google Reader a while back, but I guess I had just forgotten about it until a month or so ago.

Basically, instead of just "bookmarking" the blogs that you like to read and having to check back periodically to see if there's any updates, you "subscribe" to the blogs you want. Google then brings you all the updates from your subscribed blogs to one central location. No more having to check blogs mindlessly for updates.

Example (from my friend Heather's blog):





So how do you get this great service? All you need is a Google account--just sign up for free at Google.com. Then you'll see Reader is a service connected with your account. Hop on over to Reader and search for the blogs you want to read regularly. (ahem, Birchtree Photography):





My blog is the one with only 4(!!) subscribers. Now, I know there's more than four people who read my blog regularly (the stats tell me so). So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for Google Reader and subscribe to my blog. And thanks for reading!

Wedding Album Choices

So, I've done a lot of research over the last few months, and I've settled on an album company that I really like--both for their quality and their customer service. As I mentioned back in March, the company is Finao. I love, love, love their options. They've got a great selection of materials for covers, including many different colors and textures. And, they offer a wide variety of album types. Did I mention they are also made in the good ol' USA?

I've already told you about the Guest Book, so now I'd like to introduce the Flush Mount Wedding Album. And by flush--I mean the photo is "flush" with the album page (maybe I need to come up with a better name?).

This is the crème de la crème of albums. It is custom designed to tell the entire story of your wedding day in a way that is uniquely yours. After the book is designed and approved by you, I have it printed by Finao on professional photo paper and bound in a hand-made album. Now, this isn't magazine type paper--it is much sturdier, as you will see in the photos. All in all, I think this choice allows for the most freedom to artistically display your photos. I created this sample album from Mallory and Jord's wedding.


















I love the texture:

My Best Idea Yet?

Ever since I started shooting weddings and events I've struggled to find a good way to let everyone know where to find the photos once they're uploaded. In the past, I would usually email the bride and groom or the main event planner, hoping they would share the link. At one time I did try printing up business-sized cards on plain card stock with the website link, but I often wondered how many of those slips of paper ended up in the garbage. I've seen other photographers distribute a sign-up list for people to write in the email addresses, but that just seems like a nightmare to me. Do I really have time to input a 100+ email addresses every wedding??

So, I had kind of given up, but was still frustrated when guests would ask me how they could see the photos. Well, a couple of weeks ago I stumbled across a printing company when researching business card ideas--Moo. Yes, like a cow, and yet so much better. That's when I saw their "mini moo" cards and was inspired with possibly my best idea yet...drum roll please...introducing my Share the Link Cards:






They're the perfect size and thickness:





And on the back is the website link with password:



To top it off, they come in a sweet box:




So what do you think? As you can see, these are made with Ali and Andrew's Engagement Photos. Just one more reason I encourage you to take advantage of the engagement session I include with every wedding package.

All that to say, I'm really pleased with Moo's product, and I can't wait to use these cards tomorrow at the wedding.

Now, I want to hear your thoughts!

Old is good

Well, I thought I was going to change my logo, but, as you can see, it's the same. After looking at the new logo on my site for a day or so, I realized it just wasn't me. It didn't communicate what I think my photography represents. Classy yet sophisticated. So, if I do make any changes, they will be small...

However, I am still in the process of revamping my site...so, stay tuned.

Revised Logo

If you've visited my site before, you may notice something's a bit different. Yes, I've revised my logo--new look, same great quality, as they say.

So what do you think?

Here's a before image:





And of course, you can see the after image posted above.

I'm also going to be revamping various web pages to coordinate with my "new look." Stay tuned...