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jdl1527
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p.1 #1 · What's in a name?

Hey all. I'm looking into starting the paperwork for an LLC, opening a studio, etc and now I figure it's time to name this whole thing. Any suggestions? How did you guys come up with your studio/business names? I don't want to use my initials (some people have cool ones, I don't

). Also, a friend suggested a name that I rather liked, and I Googled it. There are four other photographers (that I saw) using that name, but none in my state. Are there rules/guidelines for this? Thanks in advance!

Sep 04, 2008 at 07:36 PM

Scott Sewell
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p.1 #2 · What's in a name?

jdl1527...what better way for people to remember your name than to use...well...your name. Seriously, jdl1527, I'm not sure why one would buy their own name as a domain and go from there. I think sometimes people make this more complicated than it needs to be. Ya know what I mean, jdl1527? Of course, if www.jdl1527.com is already taken as a domain, it can be a little more trickly. But I would recommend using your actual birth name in the business name somewhere. Afterall, would you really expect people to remember something generic like www.jdl1527.com?

And when it comes to the internet, one either totally hides behind screen names, goofy IDs or weird domains, or they come right out and are up front about who they, what they do and why they do what they do. Not trying to slam anyone who doesn't use their actual name in their business or on internet forums like this, just offering my own perspective.

Good luck.

Edited on Sep 04, 2008 at 11:32 PM

Sep 04, 2008 at 11:28 PM

jjlphoto
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p.1 #3 · What's in a name?

Avedon. Karsch. Leibovitz.

Need I say more?

But seriously, depends on what type of business you intend to set up. If you are setting up an event or school portrait business, a catchy name seems to work better there. Companies like Lifetime or Glamour Shots seem to have strong brand recognition. (I'm making no comments on the quality of their work)

But if you are going to be a sole photographer business, then by all means, your name is your brand.

Edited on Sep 05, 2008 at 01:37 PM

Sep 05, 2008 at 01:32 PM

nathanlake
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p.1 #4 · What's in a name?

I am of the camp that your name is only a good choice if you expect to be a one man show for the foreseeable future. If you ever grow beyond that, it is nice to have a more memorable name. This is especially important if you have a hard to remember name.

Suggestion - grab two domains...one for your name and one for a good company name. You can point both to the same website.

Edited on Sep 05, 2008 at 08:12 PM

Sep 05, 2008 at 08:10 PM

mkweaver
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p.1 #5 · What's in a name?

I have incorporated my name into a creative name: Memory Weaver Photography. But for years it was simply Weaver Photography. And for commercial work it's still Weaver Photography.

Sep 05, 2008 at 09:21 PM

MSC
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p.1 #6 · What's in a name?

Generally your personal name is good...but not always. There are quite a few reasons why you may not want to do that...I'll be changing my website soon and have changed my name here on FM for example to initials, these changes are legal in nature and not trivial. I'd say it just depends on your circumstances. My situation changed in a way I did not foresee.

And John and Nathan both make good points too. But company names in all industries are all over the board so I'm not seeing a compelling reason to use your actual name. In fact, it may well hurt the resale value of the business if you ever want to sell it.

We have a studio down the street, a well known one, and the guy who bought it kept the name...and it was an individual's name. I think it is weird as original owner/photographer now has nothing at all to do with the business and the new owner is not a relative. It was a big deal with the name attached...and in the end, they kept the name of a guy who is not in anyway associated with the business for fear of losing clients. But it lost some of its value because of that.

Edited on Sep 05, 2008 at 09:48 PM

Sep 05, 2008 at 09:35 PM

Soenda
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p.1 #7 · What's in a name?

From a marketing standpoint, it's hard to beat a name that identifies the business. General Electric, U.S.Steel, Standard Oil, U Save on Gas, Crab house Restaurant...there are examples at both ends of the spectrum. It means that any time your business is mentioned, people will know what kind of business it is. You get to take advantage of someone realizing she needs a photographer and remembers, "Hey, that guy from the Rotary Club is a professional photographer."

An age old consideration is a name that begins with a low letter of the alphabet. People who don't know anyone in the business for services they need generally look at yellow pages or a local listing of businesses on the Internet.

My last piece of advice is to get a lawyer who is familiar with the business end of photography. That's the person to ask about the legality of good names from other states. Lawyers don't have to be terribly expensive, you just have to get a fee established up front. I had a contract that needed signing when I was in a particular situation. I called several attorneys asking how much they each would want for reviewing the contract for me. Ended up with a legal opinion including recommended improvements for the document and explanations about some of the terms for about $100. Most importantly, I knew the person would accompany me to court regarding the contract if it ever became necessary.

Good luck to you. I hope it becomes a wonderfully successful business for you.

Sep 06, 2008 at 12:59 AM


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