I am thinking that I am beginning to move towards the beginnings of my own photography business. Because I am still in college it won't be a full time business, but I want to start building a website, portfolio, blog, etc. for people to see. Everythijng seems to be revolving around the name, Does anyone have any good guidelines for a name? Not so much suggestions of a name, but just some good advice about picking a name.
So far I have
JacobPaulPhotography (First and Middle Name)
JacobWillisPhotography (First and Last Name, but I don't think they flow very well)
JPPhotographs (Initials)
Anyways...I am brainstorming and just looking for some adivce from all you experienced pros out there.
Full Version: What's in a business name??
I wouldn't consider myself an experienced pro but I have a lot of opinions LOL! I think if you're using your name for the business it should be what you want to be called by your clients. If you go by your middle name then use that but if you don't then use your last.
When deciding on my business name I found that my name (Shannon Hodson) certainly didn't have the flow I was looking for and there's an actress with the same name so if I were googled it might get confusing. Then there's the issue of finding a domain that's available. That might determine your name for you depending on what's already taken. I've heard that when you search for a domain on some registration sites they will take it then if you come back later to buy it it will suddenly be taken but you can pay a premium for it. The go around on that is to use GoDaddy.com to do your research because they don't snipe them as you're looking. Plug in all your options there then do some googling to cross reference.
Personally, I think having P and P next to each other in the name (as in JPPhotography) there might be trouble with leaving out the extra P or misspelling. Keep it simple and good luck!
When deciding on my business name I found that my name (Shannon Hodson) certainly didn't have the flow I was looking for and there's an actress with the same name so if I were googled it might get confusing. Then there's the issue of finding a domain that's available. That might determine your name for you depending on what's already taken. I've heard that when you search for a domain on some registration sites they will take it then if you come back later to buy it it will suddenly be taken but you can pay a premium for it. The go around on that is to use GoDaddy.com to do your research because they don't snipe them as you're looking. Plug in all your options there then do some googling to cross reference.
Personally, I think having P and P next to each other in the name (as in JPPhotography) there might be trouble with leaving out the extra P or misspelling. Keep it simple and good luck!
I don't think there's any "flow" problem with Jacob Willis Photography.
I also think you should think about keeping some spacing in there. It's tempting to throw it all together as one word, and it *can* work, but with Photography in there, spacing makes it easier on the eyes. Just a thought on that (so you'd have Jacob Willis Photography, instead of JacobWillisPhotography).
I think there are a lot of options for names...you could do your own name, or you could come up with a "studio" name. It depends on what you're going for. You could also have Jacob Willis Photographics, or any number of variations on the last part.
If you use your middle name, it *may* confuse people, and you're going to explain that Paul isn't your last name, but your middle name...."and no I don't go by Jacob Paul"
I also think you should think about keeping some spacing in there. It's tempting to throw it all together as one word, and it *can* work, but with Photography in there, spacing makes it easier on the eyes. Just a thought on that (so you'd have Jacob Willis Photography, instead of JacobWillisPhotography).
I think there are a lot of options for names...you could do your own name, or you could come up with a "studio" name. It depends on what you're going for. You could also have Jacob Willis Photographics, or any number of variations on the last part.
If you use your middle name, it *may* confuse people, and you're going to explain that Paul isn't your last name, but your middle name...."and no I don't go by Jacob Paul"
All really excellent points, thanks so much!
Just a couple of thoughts...
I have a very odd business name. But, it suits my personality and style. Also, it spurs conversation and interest. People want to know about why I chose the name I did. And when we talk, they remember it!
It's also beneficial when choosing a domain name. No offense to anyone on this board, but the last thing I wanted was a super long domain name. It's a pain to type. Sometimes I see photographers with domains like maryjoannealexanderphotography.com, or jimmybrownpanarellinophotostudio.com. (These are NOT real address, just examples). Those long domain names are just too much for me.
So... my name is Masen Larsen. Rather than choosing "Masen Larsen Photography", or "masenlarsenphotography.com", I went a little odd and chose to go "techy" and call my business MA5EN Photography (yes, a "5" instead of an "S"), and my domain is a short 5 characters. www.ma5en.com. I admit it's a little out of the norm, but it's been a great choice. Plus, when you do a google search for "ma5en", or Masen Larsen, my site comes up first on the list.
All I'm trying to say is, make sure your business name suits your personality and your style. I prefer to do things a little different in order to spark interest, make some noise, encourage conversation, and set myself apart. Now I just need to make sure I keep my photo skills up to par with how cool I've made myself out to be.
I know that was a bit of a rant, but I hope it somehow helps.
-ma5en
I have a very odd business name. But, it suits my personality and style. Also, it spurs conversation and interest. People want to know about why I chose the name I did. And when we talk, they remember it!
It's also beneficial when choosing a domain name. No offense to anyone on this board, but the last thing I wanted was a super long domain name. It's a pain to type. Sometimes I see photographers with domains like maryjoannealexanderphotography.com, or jimmybrownpanarellinophotostudio.com. (These are NOT real address, just examples). Those long domain names are just too much for me.
So... my name is Masen Larsen. Rather than choosing "Masen Larsen Photography", or "masenlarsenphotography.com", I went a little odd and chose to go "techy" and call my business MA5EN Photography (yes, a "5" instead of an "S"), and my domain is a short 5 characters. www.ma5en.com. I admit it's a little out of the norm, but it's been a great choice. Plus, when you do a google search for "ma5en", or Masen Larsen, my site comes up first on the list.
All I'm trying to say is, make sure your business name suits your personality and your style. I prefer to do things a little different in order to spark interest, make some noise, encourage conversation, and set myself apart. Now I just need to make sure I keep my photo skills up to par with how cool I've made myself out to be.
I know that was a bit of a rant, but I hope it somehow helps.
-ma5en
Many people have gone the firstname + middle name route. To great success, I may add. I think it gives a unique sound that doesn't sound like the typical name. That would be a cool one.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Great advice, I want it to be something that a friend could mention to another and they would remember it without writing it down...I'm gonna pull out my creative genes....but still keep the Jacob Paul in mind too....
I don't really have a business name, but people seem to like the simple "ebojo" I used for my domain. Just FYI.
-Eddie (BOJOrquez)
P.S. Is that bad that I don't?
-Eddie (BOJOrquez)
P.S. Is that bad that I don't?
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