How To Find The Perfect Photography Business Name
Deciding on the perfect name for your photography name is something everyone often spends lots of time thinking about. There are so many directions you could go and it's hard to decide on what would be the perfect name for you now and long term. To get started I'll tell you how I decided on my own photography and business name.
HOW I PICKED MY PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS NAME
When I first started my photography business, I automatically ruled out the traditional 'first, last - photography' name. Why? My last name is Ringeisen, and although I love my last time, it was a difficult name to pronounce. (for those who are curious...it's RING - "I" - SEN).
A lot of people ask me where I got Modern Baby Photography from. The truth is that that a few years into shooting that I just knew I wanted to specialize in babies, and wanted a name that was more specific on what I loved to photograph. I was sitting in my office one night and it jus popped in my head. I didn't think such a simple name would be available still, but there it was!
The domain name available and no trademarks on the name!
I snatched it up that night, created a Facebook page for it, and that was where it all started for me.
A few years later I decided to start shooting weddings as well and thought, Modern Bride would be a good fit. It would allow me to keep the brand the same, but branch off into something new. I then opened up a little online store; I had NO idea what to call it. I just referred to it as the 'modern baby photoshop shop' for quite some time before thinking to myself; Modern Market would be perfect!
HOW CAN YOU GO ABOUT CHOOSING THE PERFECT NAME FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS?
There are 2 important things you always want to make sure to do before picking an official business name.
1. ALWAYS CHECK AND SEE IF THE NAME IS ALREADY BEING USED
Before officially getting your name, always check to see if the name is already in use by another photographer. Do a search on google to see if it comes up and check to see if the yournameidea.com is being used. (usually, people get the .com if it's still available) If someone else has it, then do your best to choose another name to avoid any future confusion. If nothing comes up with the .com go to Blue host to do another search on availability. (Sometimes people will buy domain names and not use them for anything, or try to resell it for a large amount of money).
2. CHECK TO SEE IF THERE IS A TRADEMARK ON THE NAME
If your domain name is available, also check to see if there are any live or pending trademarks on the name. You can do trademark searches directly through the USPTO.
After determining that there are no live or pending trademarks on the name, no one with the same name which could cause confusion, you can purchase the domain name and it will be yours.
CHOOSING TO GO WITH YOUR NAME OR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
This is often a big question for photographers and I'll tell you right now, there is no right or wrong when choosing your photography business name. One is not more professional than the other and it all comes down to what YOU want your business to be known as.
Do keep in mind that a business name will be with you for a very long time. Think about the name and imagine years down the road, will this name still feel like the right fit?
I thought it would be fun to list some great photographers that have picked to go with their personal name, and those who came up with something completely different. At the bottom of this post, I'll make a list of photographers who decided to choose their name, and those who came up with something different. You'll see that there are incredible photographers on both sides and hopefully this will show you that either way, your work will be what speaks for your business the most.
READY TO GET YOUR OWN DOMAIN NAME
FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS?
Now that we have covered deciding on a name for your photography business, we can jump into how to get that name officially! The process is a lot easier than you might thing but starts with securing your official online home, your own personal business domain name. Your domain name will be how people find your business and will be where you keep all your important information, portfolio and create a brand. In order to have a strong business, you'll want your domain name to be the number one site people go to find out about your business.
Ready?
First, you'll need to go to BLUE HOST where you will see this:
(When you purchase a domain name, someone has to host it. Blue host is at the top of the list for that and will basically be the 'home' for your future domain. Blue Host makes the whole process so easy and convenient which is why I part of their affiliate program)
Click the "get started now" which will bring you to this page:
Simply choose the right package. (if you're only getting one domain name, with one website the basic will be fine, if you need something extra then go for the plus or prime option). After choosing your package it will bring you to this page:
This is where you type in YOUR business name idea. Once you click next it will either tell you that the domain name is already taken, or that it's available. Fingers crossed that the one you want is available!
When you're ready to purchase your business name. (if it's available I would get it right away, even if you have no idea how to get your website linked to it). I'll show you how to do that in another article.
CONGRATULATIONS! If you completed all those steps, you officially own your own domain name and you are one step closer in starting your business officially!
Bonus: here's a list of photographers who use their own name, and those who picked something different. Click on their names if you'd like to see more of their work.
PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO USE THEIR NAME
PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO USE A UNIQUE NAME
I hope this helps some of you who are currently trying to find the perfect name for your business. Remember that the most important part of your business is you. Choose a name that you love.