Currently I am DBA "Keeling Classic Photography", however, I have been thinking that the "classic" is very dating. Some have expressed that it makes me sound old and outdated...which wasn't my intention when I selected it three years ago obviously!
I am having a new website designed and this seems like as good a time as any to rethink my name and branding.
I do not only weddings, but also seniors, families and hope to do more newborn and maternity soon.
If you have the time please give reasons for your choices! I appreciate the help!
I vote you use your name. To me, in this biz especially, name recognition is very important. Also much less hassle than all the legal mumbo jumbo of nailing down a fictitious name for your business.
I vote your own name. I've learned that it's how bride identify you... my site registers search engine results that people use to reach me, and it's RARELY my studio name. It's almost always "Melanie Mansfield".
I went with Keeling Images, but I was actually torn between that and your name. I've decided recently to go with my full name, Deborah Cull Photography, instead of "Cull Images" - but that's because "cull" isn't a word I want associated alone with my images.
You have a beautiful name, so use it!
When someone is looking for a photographer and sees a business card or hears an ad, 'images' isn't going to stick with them as much as the word 'photography'. People are on information overload. Make it as easy for them as you can.
I agree with Linda and Melanie, brides are interested and remember the PERSON who takes the images. So nam recognition is a very god thing, And Linda is right, you have a great name.
Mel's name is good with the alliteration, yours just rolls off the tongue in an appealing way. And using your first name with it overcomes the literal work "keeling" which was pointed out.
JON in addition to what was mentioned about (which I had not thought of actually ) Keeling Photography is already taken, and for branding and such I would like the business name and website all to match.
Thanks to everyone who gave advice and voted. Carisa Keeling Photography it will be!
My DH also voted for that one, he said that as a lay person Images makes it sound like I could be a printing place or something...not definitively a photography business.
And thanks for the compliments on my name. Maybe it is just because it is my name...but it just doesn't have a melodic ring to it to me...probably because I have been hearing it my whole life!
I think that's a great choice. Dude, and I thought "cull" could be a bad last name. I didn't even consider the definition of keeling! Good luck with the business! I think the name is great!
