Should I use my own name for my photography business?
Image by: @andrzejgdula
Naming our business can become a roadblock. The main reasons we might shy away from our personal name?
You have a very common name and don’t want clients to be confused as to who you are
You have a very difficult name to pronounce or to remember
If we choose to go with a business name, there are a few more things to consider:
What if you grow out of it?
What if you shift to a different photography genre and the name doesn’t fit?
What if you rebrand and it doesn’t fit?
Pros of keeping your name as your photography business:
Your name one of the easiest ways to differentiate in saturated markets.
It represents an artist and visionary behind the business and expresses a confidence to attach your name to the work.
It helps people to remember even though we may perceive our name to be odd or hard to remember. It could be more memorable than business names that sound generic and can be easily forgotten.
From a psychological perspective, we are wired to be specially attuned to hearing our own name. That’s why in gift shops we always try to find our name in the fridge magnets or holiday ornaments! Our own name is music to our ears and can provide a sense of pride and accomplishment, which can engage you more fully in your own business.
The business doesn’t feel anonymous. Being personable is an important component of the services we offer and people like to see the one they will be dealing with. If you are Love & Apples Photography, you have created a layer between you and your potential clients.
Cons of keeping your name as your photography business:
You have a name change (by marriage or reverting to maiden name in divorce)
You want to expand your business into a team studio and your name wouldn’t feel inclusive
You might pass on or sell the business in the future
Your personal name doesn’t convey what you stand for in business. For some this might be important to their brand. If your name has harsh and hard sounds in it for example, and your brand is soft and romantic, you may decide that the name isn’t aligned with the energy of the brand.
What to do if you prefer your name but it’s common or difficult to pronounce
Use a variation of your first name or last name only: For me, it could be Photography by Lucy, or Baum Imagery.
Use a first and middle name: Monica Jane Photography
Use initials: L.B Photography
Use first initial/ last name or inverse with first name last initial: L. Baum Photography, Lucy B. Photography
Use a nickname/ shortened name: Angie instead of Angela
I operate my photography business under my shortened first name and my married name. I have not used my full given name since I was young and everyone knows me as Lucy. In this marketing business, I created the name ShineSparkL Marketing, but will often add my name as well: ShineSparkL by Lucy Baum to add that personal touch and to show that it’s not an agency of many people but a singular educator. That’s another variation to consider: a hybrid.
This marketing business is a different animal from my personal photography. I felt that a name other than my own was more appropriate. I wanted to immediately feel a fun, lighthearted energy because marketing is often perceived as difficult or intimidating and be approached with negative energy. Thus, the naming was intentional on my end. Also, the name is relevant to the mission of helping photographers in creating a sparkling business presence where you can shine as the business owner. My name simply wouldn’t have the same effect.
What’s your take? Are you personal name or business name, or both?
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