I had a great question come in today from a photographer that’s starting up a new business, and contemplating name choices. “What should I name my photography business?” As I was typing up the answer, I began thinking about how many of you may also be thinking of similar things, and thought I would post about it here as well.
The first question I would have to you is, “How do you want to grow?”
For some people, it’s all about the art. They have dreams of becoming a household name with their photography. Think Denis Reggie, Anne Geddes or Annie Leibovitz.
For some people, it’s all about the business. They have dreams of building a large studio in which they can hire multiple photographers, and offer a variety of services using multiple talented people.
Both are great business models. However, both should be named differently.
If it’s all about the art form, and you’re goal is to have your art recognized instantly, your name should be incorporated into your business name. Jane Smith Photography or Smith International would work well. The key is to build the business with you as its leader. You are the heart and soul of the business.
If it’s all about the business, your goal should be to have a recognizable name that talks about your specialty as opposed to the art form of one individual. Creative Weddings International or Children’s Portraits tell people what to expect as an outcome, and speak to the business side as opposed to an individual. (Yes, these names aren’t the most creative by any means, just using the names to show you how to think.)
Let me give you another idea.
When Andrew and I first started our photography studio a long 
time ago, we chose the name Eyes On Photography without thinking much about it. We used it for almost ten years before we decided to take our business international. So we added a tagline to our name – two little words.
Worldwide Imagery
With this one change, our business changed 180 degrees. When people called us they would ask where our other offices were in the world. They would ask how many people worked for us. They expected our fees to be high – wouldn’t you pay more for artists that worked anywhere in the world?
About Virtual Photography
just to created name for my business
I am new in photography and I know how important an Image for a business is.
I have only recently changed my flikr name to Nicspicandmix. I like this because its different and not too formal. I would also like to convey fun and not have a fixed style of photography media such as just weddings or just portraits. What do any of you think of the name. I would love some feedback to see If I have the right feel for what I want to do.
The important thing with Flickr, and with any social site for that matter, is to have fun with it and help convey your branding. I’m not sure what your overall branding is, but let’s say you have a newsletter that you put out, and you want to keep it light and fun. So you call it Nic’s Pics and Mix – that would help you convey your brand from your business, to your site, to your Flickr and social sites. It should always tie in together, and you should always have it convey the message you’re trying to create with your customers.
Hope that helps – what are your thoughts?
I’m involved with photography and want to make it my full time career. I want to publish a website but just having a difficult time coming up with a name. I can use my name & put photography as the end of it but I want something more catching & more different & as I come up with a name I search it on google & there’s tons of photography business with that same name. But I do like the name nicpicsandmix it’s clever but did you think about using the spelling of nixpixandmix?
In any instance like this, you have to make sure you can gather all the domain names for it, just in case people type in the wrong way. So you could have nicspicsandmix.com and nixpixandmix.com – and of course this leads to many other combinations as well. Since domain names are cheap, buy them all and point them to whatever your “real” domain name is.
Our photography studio was Eyes On Photography. But many people mistook what we said when we said it fast and came up with Izon Photography. Another example of how you need to capture any way your client hears your name.
Well, I’m “new” to photography. I’ve been using cameras for well over 3 years, and for my 16th birthday, I got a Canon SC20IS. Well, I know how hard it can be to get your name out into the photography world, especially as a 16 year old kid.
I’m doing Wildlife Photography as a career choice. Over the last year, my fascination has been dragonflies/damselflies. One of my favorites that I’ve seen in other pictures, but have yet to see in real life is the Common Sanddragon. So, I’ve been thinking about the name “Sanddragon Photography”.
Thoughts, ideas, comments, etc?
This is a very informative article, but I’m in a bit of a dilemma. My best friend and I are going to be starting a photography business and we can’t decide on a name. In your opinion should we have a name with both of our first names or our last names? Or should we come up with a unique name? We’re both unsure of what to do.
With two or more people involved, I would tend to go with something more generic that allows you to be flexible in what you do. What’s your specialty? Try for something that says more about that. That will allow you to grow more over time.
I am a student at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh online and I am starting up my own photography website to susidize the costs of equipment. I love photography and I do a lot of portraits and nature photography. I am hoping of drawing in portrait clients and selling my nature photographs on the website. I was thinking about using Phrazier Fotography as my business name. I think its unique and does not limit me to one type of photograhy. Do you have any suggestions for this type of endeavor?
I like the play on words. But I would be careful as most people that hear your name Frazier Photography will type it in correctly. If you can get both .com’s, it would be okay. But if FrazierPhotography.com goes to a competitor, you could be in for trouble.
Lori
I’m trying to build my photography business, and am questioning whether I want to use my last name for my business name (Karcz Photography). For one, it’s hard to spell, two: it’s my married last name (which is great, but I didn’t grow up with it), three: it’s just kind of boring to go with something that most photo businesses do (although, it sounds sophisticated — I like that).
However, I just can’t come up with anything else. My first thought is to do something with the nickname my husband has for me “Sweetpea.” Maybe “Sweetpea Photos” or “Sweetpea-Charm Photography.” The only questions I have on that is does it only focus on child photography and is it lame?
I love child photography, but I really want a wide variety of clients (families, pets, senior portraits, engagements, etc.) before I figure out which one to really focus on.
What are your thoughts on this dilemma? I need some help on this!
Jessica
I agree – Sweetpea sounds childlike, and perfect for a baby/child portrait artist. But if you want to branch out into seniors, engagements etc, I’m not sure if that’s the best choice. I can “see” lots of branding and logos with Sweetpea and it would be very memorable – but again from the baby or child perspective. If you’re not sure what you want to do at this point, your name might be best, even to the point of adding Jessica Karcz Photography. That could follow you into anything you decide. If down the road you go into one area – baby – then you might add a division to your business, and go with something like the Sweetpea Portraits.
Good luck!
Lori
Hello Lori! Thank you for such informative articles!! I was hoping you may be able to give me a bit of advice… I have a photography business currently named “Momentology Photography” but have been wondering if my name would sound more professional (Brittany Preston Photography). I mainly shoot newborns, babies, and children…but also do Seniors and occasionally families. I am contemplating a rebrand/redesign, and so I thought I would get your opinion on the name (as now would be the time to change it if I’m going to). Thank you so much for your valuable help and insights!!
You can go either way – with your name, it will always be about you, so it will be harder to bring on other photographers or sell your business down the road. Momentology is interesting and you could do a lot with that to brand it. Mainly its about commitment and what your goals are for the future. If you want to build up you as an artist, I would change it. If you are designing a business where others could come into it in the future, I would stick with Momentology.
Thank you for the wonderful work you are doing, i’m trying to build my photographic business as a life long career but i’m faced with the issue of chasing a name that is not common but attractive, so i choose ‘simple concept digital xposures’ the issue with this name is that my clients complain that it is too long. faced with this issue i’m thinking either to choose IMAGE EXPOSURE or IMAGE CONCEPT….Please what what do you think?
Emmanuel – Yes you had multiple issues with that name – length and a word not spelled how everyone expects. I would definitely shorten it up to make it easier to remember and brand. Both can be good, it just depends on how you brand it and use it.
Lori
Hi, I’d love your help with my photography business name… I’m really enjoying the fun and colourful side of photography, especially child photography, but at this stage I’m really new to photography (only had a couple of ‘shoots’ for family and friends outside of my personal sessions…) and so I’m trying to fix on a name for the future. I have three ideas I’m toying with, could you help me?
ShortAndSnappy – Up until now I’ve been using this (for Deviant Art, etc..) – I think this is really fun and cute (and I’m a shot photographer), but I suspect very common.
Sophie Andrews Photography – My name, but I’m not sure if it really stands out.
Ruth Andrews Photography – My middle name and my surname… a little bit more unusual than ‘Sophie’ and as I’m Australian, but planning to move to the UK at some point in the future, I have an idea about marketing involving something along the lines of Ruth/Roo (kangaroo) and playing around with that a little more… not quite sure how it would be done, but I think it’s cute.
Hi Sophie
I would go with one of your names – either Sophie or Ruth – and that would be totally optional to you. I know you’re in child photography now, but if you decide to change at some point in the future, it would be as simple as changing the look of your logo, not your entire name. I do like the concept of the “kangaroo” and that could be a fun branding technique. Just make sure its well transferable in case you do more to the UK.
Lori
I am trying to possibly start a dance photography business. i’m torn between picking a name for my business with my name in it or one that has to do with Dance. I love the idea of picking something to do with dancing but then i risk the chance of ever being able to do other kinds of photography in the future or people confusing my name with dance studios’ names. I’m at a loss because my other problem is that i don’t really like my last name, it’s hard to pronounce and doesnt sound great with most “name” names. Any suggestions?
Ally
I think you said a lot in your paragraph – you love the idea of Dance in the name but you may want to change and do other types of photography in the future. I would say start there. Really take a look at your goals and where you want to be in 5 to 10. Dance is one “sport” but how about ice skating? Or gymnastics? There are many ways to branch out from there and yet stick with a “sports” theme. Then you could make you name closer to the movement concept and do very well.
But if you can see yourself doing babies or weddings or commercial work in the future, a more generic name would probably suit you best.
One other thought – you could build up “dance photography” to a large dollar amount by being very specific and niched. Then in the future if you decide to do something else, you could always sell that business and start over with your name – or a new niche.
So to answer your question, a lot of it boils down to soul searching and really looking 5 to 10 years in the future to decide what you want.
Lori
Thank you so much for your input! I have been thinking i’m liking the name Soul Exposures Photography, it’s at least a good start. and I agree with what you said about being a good market, there’s not too many dance photographers.. and i really can branch out from there with sports as well. If that’s the case i may change it, but i’d probably start doing children and family portraits first before i do those other things so i think this name will be good for now. And i never thought like you said that in the future i could always sell that, or rename and start anew. Thanks again!
Ally – You’re welcome. Good luck!
Lori
I am trying to make what seems to be the most difficult decision I have ever made! I am starting up a small photography business on the side to get me through school while I also have another job. I have been trying to come up with a name for so long and my aunt, who is in the marketing field, helped me out with some names. However, I can’t decide what I want to do… go with a name with my name in it or go with another name just to be different since so many go with their name. I don’t want to narrow down any options becuase I’d like to do all different kinds of shoots from weddings to families to maternity, etc.
Here are a few names that I am having trouble deciding… If you could give me your opinion I would DEEPLY appreciate it!!
Farrah’s Focus..
TreasureSnap..
Flashbacks..
icMemories..
Any that you like and would pick if it were your own business name??
Farrah Walton
Farrah
You mention its a part time business while you get through school. Will you be keeping this and going full time after school? Is this a long term goal for you?
If not, I would keep it simple and go with your name. Its easy to do and easy to brand in a variety of ways while you work at it part time.
If you want this to be full time from this point forward, then it depends on your goals. Do you want to add other photographers down the road? Or are you going to be the creative artist all the way through? If its you, I would brand your name with it. If you want to grow it into something more, look towards a more brandable name.
I know you have several thoughts listed here – are the domain names available? That’s always my first check when I come up with a name. If not, choose again. You don’t want someone hearing your name – Flashbacks Photography – and typing it in only to find another studio.
Good luck
Lori
This information has been helpful and confusing. I do prefer to use my name. I had something simple Kimmies Photography, but unfortunately someone else is using it…Also there are lots of Kim Figueroa’s. I don’t want to limit myself to anything. Can you make any other suggestions please? Thank you
Kim
If you prefer to use your name, how can you make it a bit more unique? You state there are a lot of Kim Figueroa’s – how about Kimberly Figueroa? Or what about your middle name? I’ve seen people use first and middle as well – Kimberly Ann Photography – or whatever your middle name is. Change it up until you find something you like – and something you can get the domain name for as well.
Lori
I do two types of photography that are quite separated in my mind, but have until now shared the same business name (my first name + photography) and the same website. That’s because I’ve been just getting started. One is portraits (children, maternity, etc) and the other is of fine art nature photography. Would it be wise to separate them? Based on your article, I’m thinking of using my name as the “fine art prints” business and coming up with something more generic for the “service photography” business (portraits, etc). I can separate websites no problem (already own my name) – but does that mean two separate legal business entities as well?
Hi Lisa
Yes, I would definitely recommend doing two separate websites, as those are very unique. You can connect them in a variety of ways too. A corporate name and DBA’s for the two separate niches. You should check with your lawyer/accountant about how to set it all up, but that’s how we’ve done it for years. Then you should use websites for both because you’ll keyword them differently and attract a different clientele. It may take time, but it will be worth it down the road when they are each achieving their own success.
Lori
Thank you so much for organizing the TONS of photography business info that is out there. Now, instead of spending hours looking at a bunch of different sites and books, I spend hours in one place. : )
I’ve been dreaming of owning a photography business for some time now and have been doing all the training and practicing I can manage to fit into the day while still holding down a full time job. (I like money, so quitting to pursue this full time is not an option until I have a solid plan and customer base.) I’ve been having the hardest time coming up with a name and spend quite a bit of time thinking about it. It seems like names are like men – all the good ones are taken. I could use my name – it’s unique enough that no one has used it and all domain names are available. The trouble is I find it to be kind of boring, plus it’s my married name so who knows if it will always be my name. I hope so, but one never knows. I could go with my first and middle name – that wouldn’t be bad but sounds a little cutesy – Charissa Marie. My focus will most likely be either pet/animal photography, travel/documentary or wedding/engagement. Petography and LIttle Friends are both taken, so I was thinking about Crooked Whisker Imaging or Jamylu – Pet Photography (combo of my cat’s names) with a logo of a camera with dogs/cats kind of hanging out in the lens. One of my cats has the cutest crooked whisker, so that’s where the crooked idea comes from but others might think it’s a bit odd and shy away from it. I could even go with Crooked Camera Creations and have two lines of business – Crooked Whisker and Crooked Veil. Any thoughts?
Hi Charissa
Thanks for your comments! With what you’ve listed here, I would shy away from the “crooked” concept. Crooked means something to you, but crooked + photography just doesn’t seem right. Crooked pictures? People won’t understand that just from looking at your logo and branding. However the Jamylu is unique and interesting. I think you could do a lot with that. Or of course your name is unique enough as well and would always work for you.
Good luck!
Lori
I have always had a love for photography from the age I can remember I think I use to annoy my parents with it when i was a lot younger. Iv started to become very real when it comes to weddings and boudoir photos as I am female and lot of females in my area are more comfy at seeing me for boudoirs. Anyways, seeing I have always had a Passion for photography I have name my studio “Passion Photography”
My husband and I are starting our photography business and are thinking of names. He is Latin American and wants to cater to both the Spanish Community and English Speaking Community and would like a name that is catchy for both. His first instinct is “Camera Flashes” as both words are very similar in English and Spanish, but i am not sure if that is catchy enough. He has also considered “Unforgettable Moments” and “Forever Images”. Those don’t seem very unique in my opinion, but I am new to branding and am trying to weigh the domain name factor as well. Your opinion would be much appreciated.
I missed my chance of getting the domain name that correlates with my company name….victoriabphotography
What are your thoughts on using victoriabphotos as my domain name?
I am not sure if the word ‘photos’ sounds less professional or if it is good because it creates a shorter domain name and still has my profession (all be it a shortened version) in the name.
I would love to just use my first and last name, most of the greats out there seem to do that. What a wonderful status to hope to attain one day. But my last name is Boccoleri… it isn’t short and sweet, or easy to spell. I fear it will be a bigger headache in the long run.
One thing I do know, is that I really like the name Victoria as part of it. And the B is the focal point of my logo.
I would greatly appreciate any and all advice you can give me. I’m just crushed that I didn’t buy victoriabphotography last year when it was available.
Hi Victoria
I know its hard when you saw it there and now its gone! I’ve done that myself a time or two.
I personally would avoid the photos and try for photography if at all possible. Can you switch it around – photographybyvictoria or photographybyvictoriab? That might be one option. I agree, your last name may be hard to spell. But you might get it anyway for the future – even just victoriaboccoleri – when you’re “famous” everyone will know how to spell your name anyway! 😉
Lori
Im new to photgraphy. Ive been doing alot of research and watching alot of tutorials on it and all and I plan to get some kinda of degree or at least some classes. The question about this topic is though is how do you make your business name legit its more than just typing it out on your images and all that right? You have to register it to make it a legit company with the us goverment IRS or something. Or can you just get a website and does that make it legit.
Chad
Nope, you’re right. You do need to register your name first. If you head to your Secretary of State website for your state, they will have a business section with all the forms you need to make your business legit – register to do business, tax ID, etc. They should have a “list” to help you through the process, or you can go down in person and they will answer all your questions. Then you need to decide it you want to go the next level and do the same for Federal – you can copyright your name and protect it both in the US and worldwide if that’s something you think you’ll need – usually more for the Googles of the world, but still keep it in mind.
Lori
I would love to use just my name…but it is very difficult for people to say. It’s pronounced SHREE. Kushaney also gets people messed up too. Schriee Kushaney Photography seems really long to me as well. I do only portrait photography. In talking w/ friends they think I should come up with a catchy name; but I fear that it will sound ”cheesy”. I want the thought to be elegant and sophisticated associated with my style. Would it be unreasonable to use one of those words in the name? Thanks for the great info and articles!
Hi Schriee
It can be difficult when you’re name isn’t the norm, but it can still work. When people know you, they will type in the correct spelling. And if they are finding you via Google, it doesn’t matter as they won’t be looking for Schriee – they’ll be typing in keywords. I think either would work, and Schriee Photography definitely has a ring to it. You can also get all the domain names that people would type in (how do people spell Schriee now). For instance, I have a client who uses her name – Kathie – but she also incorporated Kathy into her domain name and purchased multiple, pointing them to her “real” site. So you could get SchrieePhotography.com and ShreePhotography.com for example, pointing the second over to your real site on the first. Hope that makes sense 😉
Lori
I’m fairly new to photography and would like to start my own business. I want to use my name but it’s a very common name and others have photography businesses with the same names. I’ve tried my first/last name and first/middle name. Lisa Murray, Lisa Marie. My maiden name is also common. I thought about using my mom’s maiden name but it’s not really my name. What do you suggest?
I just found your website and love that all of the information is on a single site! Thank you for that!! I am looking into starting a photography business and am having trouble coming up with a name. I’ve been doing architecture and fine art shots for years, but only for school and for fun. I would like to be able to sell my prints, as well. Also, I have started doing engagement and save the date photos, but only as favors and to help friends and family out. Turns out I am pretty good and would like to that as well! I want to be able to do both and only have one business and business name and website, but i don’t know if the 2 different “services” correlate together. In the future I would also like to start designing invitations and save the date cards as well. I have come up with Brooke Elizabeth Photography and BE Photography, but when I google there are several of both. I would prefer not to use my last name in the business, although i know its more professional (Personal Issues with it). I also thought about Brooke Elizabeth Photograpies and Design. Any thoughts or suggestions or play on words with photography?
Hi Brooke
I always try and avoid play on words because your target audience won’t remember it. So if you use Brooke Photografy for instance, they won’t type in BrookePhotografy.com – they will type in BrookePhotography.com – its just the way the brain works, even if they know its an “f” instead of a “ph”. Its okay if you have both domain names, but if the “correct” one goes to your competitor, you just lost a customer and/or added to their frustration of not being able to find you.
Lori
Hi Lisa
I understand your problem – with a name like Lori, I have similar issues. You can just go with your name and what you prefer – that always works for the clients you work with. But you still have the online issue. In that case, I would keep stretching to find something that you can use that says who you are – maybe adding all three – Lisa Marie Murray Photography or Lisa Marie Murray Portrait Studio. You can even use initials if that helps – LMM and have a graphic designer create something great with your logo using your initials. I know it seems difficult now, but keep playing with all the words in both your name and for the photography niche.
Lori
I have had a studio for years using my first name, but I have also gone by my middle name as well; and it seems I have used my middle name more and more in the last few years. My middle name is Anna. I have gone back to school, and finally graduated from an ultrasound program but want to start my studio back up but really don’t want to use my first name as the “main” name but was told I should at least keep it and add a main so people will find me easier.
I need help with a new main name. I do mostly studio work with children and high school seniors. I was thinking either Keepsake Studio or Born Memories Studio? Any other suggestions?
Anna
When choosing a business name that isn’t your name, keep in mind it should fit all of your clientele, both now and what you may switch to in the future. “born” equates to “baby”, so it would be harder to use for seniors, families, weddings etc if you decide to move that way down the road.
As far as using your name, I wouldn’t worry so much about where you came from, more towards where you want to go to. If you continually market to your “old” clients, if you switch to just Anna, they will get it. And from that point forward it will all be about “Anna” anyway. I would use what you’re most comfortable with and move forward with that.
Lori
Hi! I, too, am having a little difficulty with a name. I’ve come up with Misty’s Moments, as my first name is Misty but after doing some thought, they are not *MY* moments, they are the clients moments. I also tried Misty’s Memories but, again, they are not *my* memories (to a degree), they are the clients.
I could use a play on words with my last name being Farmer But I don’t want to take a risky chance of people things its only “farm” type photography and/or the catchy little misspellings I could place on it, like Farmers Fotography….
Oh! Shoot is also *cute* but I don’t want others thinking that I’m going to *shoot* them *big smiles*
As an added help, i LOVE the color pink…
Any ideas? I sure do appreciate your feedback!
Misty
Instead of focusing in on the “cute” side of things, you can always keep it simple and incorporate your name with “Photography” – Misty Farmer Photography. If you love pink, I would definitely hire a graphic designer to add in that color, and stick with that throughout your branding.
With the word “shoot”, I’ve always tried to avoid that word in every type of marketing since shootings really started growing throughout the world. I’m overly sensitive living so near Columbine and now also by the Aurora theater, but at the same time you never want to rub someone the wrong way because you are going to “shoot” them. Just a personal thing for me, but I know it is an issue for many people.
Hope that helps
Lori
Right now I am beginning to want to become a full-time photographer. I understand that I am starting out and of course in time I will build to the business and person gratification I want in the photography business. I am only 23 years old and have my life ahead of me, but my passion is always and is photography. I have thought of using my name, but I don’t want to have that as my photography name because if I am to get married, I don’t want to have a totally different name and everything different than my business name. I am trying to decide on what to do exactly and how to get started. If you could e-mail me and give me advice, that would be greatly appreciated. I hope you guys still check this site as I can see this was posted back in 2010.
I hope to hear from you soon and hope you can give me advice from a photographer to another on how to get my dream into a reality. This blog is amazing. Keep up the amazing work!! 😀
Hi Stacey – Yes, we’re still here and have hundreds and hundreds of pages of information on this site – just haven’t posted on “naming a business” in awhile 😉
Your name is definitely a personal choice. And while I understand you may want to change your name in the future, I wouldn’t let that hold you back now. If you want to use your name, go for it. Build up your business as you. And if you decide to change it in the future, you can always use that as a branding move and do something new and creative to regenerate new business.
Lori
HI Lori, I have found your site and comments really interesting. Like a lot of people here I am also struggling with my name. I already have one business Métier Ltd but that specialises in recruitment for the advertising and design industry. My husband had the idea that I should use that name for my photography ie. Métier Photography but I disagree. I sat with a brand consultant year ago who came up with that name and while it’s great, people do struggle with it sometimes – in that you can’t say it too quickly. My first name is Nicola (boring and common) and most people call me Nikki (also very common). But, my last name McILvenny is long and people often say it and spell it incorrectly. I want to focus my business on portrait – families, adults, teens, children – so across the board. I thought of: Your Photographic Memories by Nikki, but that doesn’t sound right at all. Nikki’s Photography and Nicola’s Photography are just too common. And even using my initials NM – said together it can be difficult. My middle name is Eleanor and I am definitely not wanting to use that. Do you have any advice?
Hi Nikki
It sounds like you want to become a portrait photographer, so that might be the place to start. Again, think long term. Will you ever do weddings? Or corporate? If you can’t rule that out, stay as generic as possible. What about Photographic Art – something like Nicola’s Photographic Art? Or focusing in on portraiture – Portraiture by Nicola? Sometimes just a little tweaking on the words can create something a little out of the ordinary. Hope that helps.
Lori