Business name help

[miketxgm]

I have decided to come up with a business name, or name that I can use to add to my photos for identification. I would like to use my name, except that my last name is very boring and plain "Michael Howard." My middle name "Keaton" is not as boring and maybe even a little ring to it. The worry I have though is when I combine my first and middle name 'Michael Keaton" followed by photography, may give the impression that I am the famous actor Michael Keaton. Since this has been my legal name for more than 49 years, can I use it without fear of the actors attourney coming after me? I like the name Michael Keaton and I have played with combined fonts and font sizes and have some that look good and in my opinion would look nice on a business card or a sign in front of my studio (future wish). Any advice, opinions, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Michael from Texas USA

[ErikTaubman]

As far as your concerns go, I seriously doubt that they would come after you for using you name. However, if they do, the old adage of "Any publicity is good publicity" comes into play.

More importantly, how will using that name (your name) help or hurt in your branding efforts? I think you should be concern about your (potential) customer's reaction to the name. Is it something that they will remember and equate to superior photography?

Personally, as I read through the forum posts, I am amazed at how emphasis people put into the name of their new business. (Almost) any name will work for a business - it is all in how you brand the name.

Just my 2 cents....

[Dodgeinart]

Google and research. There are many great sites that tell of the importance of the name of your business. If you want your business to stand apart you have a different name, easy to remember, but one that says what you do. "John Doe" Photography is how most people go, and that is how I remember them, as "John Doe" unless their site really grabs my attention I won't remember their name. If they have a catchy easy to remember name I will probably check them out.
Good luck on that decision. Believe it or not they say naming a car is one of the hardest decisions an auto maker faces.

[arsifferlen]

I like Keaton by itself. Keaton photography, Keaton Imaging, just sounds better than Family Ties...I mean Michael Keaton. See?

[Raoul Isidro]

You could research the top 10 competitors of your business within you jurisdiction or area of operation and list down their names from top big time to 10th placer...
See if there is a pattern on those business names. How many used their own name? How many used modern new age language? How many used classical language?
That will give you an indicator of how you will form your business name.
Cheers!