How did you settle on a name?

[mightymarce]

Trying to decide on a business name and am having a hard time. I know with photography people usually just go with their own name, but I'm not really feeling that for some reason. So I'm debating other options, going with a name that has some sort of meaning to me, or just something that I like the sound of... what different names imply or would make people think of? Etc.

How did you think of and settle on your photography name?

[dakwegmo]

Originally Posted by dakwegmo

My website name, which may become my business name soon, came from a quote from one of my favorite authors, Henry David Thoreau. Before settling on this name for my website, it seemed like every time I listened to a song, or was reading a book, every catchy phrase became a potential website name. Many were dismissed quickly, some only after I did some research and realized, dozens of other people had the same idea that I had.

My story for a recent thread on the same subject.

[mightymarce]

Thanks for the link, I tried to search back as I'm sure this has been discussed many times, but hadn't found anything.

[MWerner]

I simply went with my own name for the simplicity of it (and I couldn't think of a name for the business that didn't sound super lame or cheezy). It's easier on the business and finance end if your name is in the name of the business. Also, it's easier for people to remember the name of it and be able to look you up if they want to give you some business.

[Envision]

I did place a post in the link above. It seemed more in depth and appropriate for that thread. In honor of not double posting here is a direct link.

Troy

[MatthewGx]

Good question. I couldn't name it after myself either. What I did was put together various word combinations that I felt represented, in some way or another, my work. I used dictionary.com for definitions, the thesaurus there, etc. I spent countless hours (dozen+) over the course of several weeks. I generated several different lists with potential names. I'd ask myself these questions at the end:

Is the name intuitive?
Does it represent what I do?
Is it catchy/rememberable?
Does someone else have it? (I googled)
Do I like it?

I applied these questions to dozens and dozens of names. Very few passed all of the questions. Eventually, I came up with a name. I consider the time I spent thinking of a name worth it for the final result. I also asked a few close friends/clients which names they liked out of a few to get some input from others (although, I didn't ask more than 7 people... I didn't want to create gridlock... a name is subjective). I know it's not easy. Usually great things take time Good luck!

[windrider86]

I chose my name for a number of reasons. A Lock in Time, because taking a photograph locks that moment in time and becasue it starts with an A,so it comes up at the tops of lists when doing a search

[Marmalade]

windrider86 - what a great idea to start with "a"

I just used my last name backwards as mine. It's original and nobody has it. So I have a name yet I don't have a business license yet. It's next on my list. Also if you go with a name that is not your own (at least here in the U. S. ) you have to file a fictitious business statement.

[mad editor]

I used to have a gift basket business and went through all the names of licensed businesses in my state to come up with one that nobody else had. I also checked the Internet because if you want to set up a website, it would be a nightmare if you established the business name, paid all licensing fees, etc. and then discovered you couldn't get the domain name you need. It is easier to use your name!

[rpaladino]

Originally Posted by MWerner

I simply went with my own name for the simplicity of it (and I couldn't think of a name for the business that didn't sound super lame or cheezy). It's easier on the business and finance end if your name is in the name of the business. Also, it's easier for people to remember the name of it and be able to look you up if they want to give you some business.

Hi,
I agree with the above and in addition if your tastes change or the focus of your photography changes it may not coincide with your business name. Just some things to consider.
Good Luck!