I have lurked here for quite some time. Just a little background as to me and what I do. I have been involved with photography for others for about 3.5 years or so and was doing mainly children and family shoots. About a year ago I began second shooting as a wedding photographer and feel in love with it! I continue to second shoot with an amazing photographer. I have also done a handful of weddings where I am the lead photographer and have hired an assistan/second shooter.

I am currently working on my new website that will be a dual site (one for portraits and one for weddings). I have always had Beauty of Life Photography as my business name. My actual first name gets confussing for everyone: Tawnya (it is ALWAYS mispelled- even if they are responding to an email where my name is right there.) So my question is this.....

I am trying to create an image and or brand for myself. ( My budget is limited) but I was wondering should I keep my current business name or just go to my name or something with my name in is Tawnya Hood. (Maiden name is Meredith)?

When I was thinking of a name bak in the begining days 4 years ago..I had come up with SoleiRay this is the middle names of my two children. (I have since had a third and her middle name is McCall)

So what to do what to do. I would like to be one of those photographers where in time, my name will just flow and be easily recognizable.

I am also starting to work on a logo and was wondering if anyone here might have a suggestion for someone that is awesome and affordable....

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this!

Hi Tawnya & welcome to OSP!

I am not usually one for a "generic" business name (I prefer for it to be the photographer's name 85% of the time), but I actually REALLY like "Beauty of Life". I also feel your pain with the name - my last name is always hacked! Heck, even my first name gets hacked and it's a season for crying out loud! I chose to go with just my first name for my business name, but my name is a bit different than most! If you feel that name branding is the way to go - GO FOR IT - even though your name will certainly be some trouble at times (and I know it's annoying), it's YOU and people will figure it out (but maybe add Tanya in the meta tags just in case!).

I LOVE your name... and LOVE the spelling! It's what makes the name of your business unique! I'd go with it... and as Autumn said... spell your name wrong in your Meta Tags. I'd take it a step further and register the domains of any versions of the spelling of your name. For example... my main site is http://www.bybobbi.com but I also own http://www.bybobbie.com Just my 2¢ HAPPY BRANDING TO YOU!

Tawnya,

I'm no expert when it comes to branding, or naming your business. But, I can recommend a graphic designer. She is currently designing my logo and business stationary; and she was referred by fellow OSPer Jill Higgins.

I've communicated with her solely through e-mail, and I am very pleased with the results. I must also mention that she is incredibly affordable. I can't imagine that lasting long with her talent.

Here's the link: Marie Steiert

P.S.

Welcome, by the way.... Aaaaaand, ok, I just have to ask this: Do you ever get comments about resembling Reese Witherspoon?

Thank you for the 2 cents from each of you....I am thinking for now, I may keep Beauty of Life. And slowly work my name into it..I think

Thanks for the compliments on my first name (I have never really LOVED it) glad to hear someone does.

I did check out the link...I really like her stuff, but I do not see prices there. I will probably have to email her for that.

And just recently, yes I have gotten a ton of comments about looking like Reese ( that is actually my youngest daughter's name.) I just turned 30 and had a "makeover" from super plain jane to one spiced up girl...I love the look, but it is definately a little more work to "glam" up!

Thanks for the responses and, please if anyone else has any comments or thoughts let me know!