Business naming question...

[shutternut]

I'm trying to figure out a strategy for making a small business with my photography. I'm wondering who thinks it better to name a photography business after your personal name, vs. coming up with something creative like "shutterbug" and so on. I'm aware shutterbug is already a name in use - it's just an example. If you have an opinion on this please share your reasoning.

If any of you know of any useful sites as well to search names that are already in use, so that copyright/trademark problems can be avoided later on I'd really appreciate that too!

[shutternut]

Really ? Nobody has an opinion on this? Maybe I worded the question poorly so here is a reformat...

Is it better to name a photography business after your personal name or a fictitious name? Any takers?

[kelticsol]

Depends on targeted demographic. For example my church uses "SonShine Studios" exclusively for their sports photography needs.

Naming is such a personal decision.

I personally think using your name seems more classy but their are exceptions. Obviously if your name is a guttural sounding name it might not flow off the tongue so easily and therefore be easily forgotten.

But this is just my opinion. I hope it helps you decide.

Also see this thread.

[prince]

Here are some of my thoughts.

• Doesn't matter whether it's personal or a creative one.
• Select something that your clients can relate to your work
• Select something that is easy to remember. You don't want people to spend hours to remember your company's name when they want to mention your name to their family & friends
• Something that is not too long
• This one is a whole different subject but also thinking about your logos and what you can easily come up with which flows with your theme of business

These are just a few pointers.

[AnneWynne]

Originally Posted by prince

Here are some of my thoughts.

• Doesn't matter whether it's personal or a creative one.
• Select something that your clients can relate to your work
• Select something that is easy to remember. You don't want people to spend hours to remember your company's name when they want to mention your name to their family & friends
• Something that is not too long
• This one is a whole different subject but also thinking about your logos and what you can easily come up with which flows with your theme of business

These are just a few pointers.

Also, keep it fairly short (20 characters or less) and easy to spell. This will help in your potential clients remembering you.

Regards,
Anne

[candleman]

the name i'm going with for my work is not my personal name.

EG. SnappyDude Photography

if you name it after yourself, there is no room for growth.
EG hiring other shooters if the business grows, because everyone is asking for you in person.

[OsmosisStudios]

Mine is not personal: Osmosis Studios. I just liked the ring of it

[private]

I think NOT your personal name b/c you will have no one to fake defer to...

[candleman]

i'm actually kind of ticked off.. the name i'm going to use has now become a TV show.. and theres also a uswer on here with a very similar name.
lucky the business registry has no listings of the name i want.. phew

check the name isnt already "legally" taken before going too far down the branding/marketing track.

[private]

Thats a good point - how do you find out if its legally taken