DPC Mentorship - The Business of Photography

11/04/2005 09:07:20 PM · #126

Yes, that's the lab we are using now and have liked their stuff better than any of the rest so far (ezprints, Richmond Camera, and two local places)

11/04/2005 09:11:35 PM · #127

We haven't heard from several of you in a few days - I will be moving past this either tonight or tomorrow and onto the logo, business card, etc.

Everyone still with us?

M

oOWonderBreadOo

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

11/05/2005 02:08:40 AM · #128

here! :0)
(just awaiting the business card critique part!!!)

LKMote

Canon EOS-7D

11/05/2005 04:00:41 PM · #129

I'm here. Just in the process of moving. Will be moved middle of next week.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

11/05/2005 04:15:32 PM · #130

I'm here. But will be finishing the website later. Photoreflect will also have to wait until I get my PC back up.

Apple iPhone

11/05/2005 04:25:03 PM · #131

here... (gotta photoshoot tomorrow that i'm nervous about)

pgatt

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM II

11/05/2005 04:44:29 PM · #132

Here. Looking forward to logo and business card. The website I will work on in my own time. Had lack of time since getting used to the new camera, will definitely try and be as on board as possible.

11/05/2005 04:46:58 PM · #133

Ok, I think the next thing we should think about is our business name. I say this because we should have actually done that before the domain and photoreflect (woops).

I had chosen Syracuse Weddings because hey, that's what I want to do! But, it so happens (and this one was on purpose for illustration) there's a company called Syracuse Weddings. SOOOO I need to change to Syracuse Wedding Photographers. (Note: I bought the right domain.)

In choosing your name, there are two choices, really:
1) Your Real Name Photography
2) Fictitions Name

If you choose your real name, people associate this with more credibility. You are putting yourself out there and this is YOUR work. YOU stand behind this and you are a real person.

If you choose a fictitious name, it sounds more like a big company. If you want to hire people, grow, and be more than yourself, this isn't a bad option. In the real world, we chose Picture Infinity Studios to sound like it could be many people in more than 1 studio. Now that we have an associate photographer and another in the works as well as the theoretical idea to open a couple other studios, the name seems perfect. If it was just me, on my own, I probably would not have chosen something so expansive.

In our fictitions example, I went simple. I wanted something that said what I do and that was easy for people to remember. I picked Syracuse Wedding Photographers because as soon as there are two of us, it's accurate, it's easy to remember, and it tells people who we are and what we do and where we do it.

I think in most cases, a fictitious name is more fun. If you like Mandy Turner Photographer, Turner Photography, Pochard Photography or whatnot, go with it. If you want to create something and play with it, go ahead. I honestly don't think it will kill your fledgling company unless you call yourself Sycophant Photography in which case 90% of the world won't understand it and the other 10% will laugh A LOT at you.

Once you have your name chosen, we can create a logo. (Nexxxxt post)

pgatt

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM II

11/05/2005 04:53:47 PM · #134

Does Paul Gatt Photography (gee that was hard to come up with)have a ring to it? Previously I've watermarked some prints with "pdg" (my initials) and for a while I was thinking prodigious photography but not so sold on them anymore.

Message edited by author 2005-11-05 16:56:28.

11/05/2005 04:57:21 PM · #135

Originally posted by pgatt:

Does Paul Gatt Photography (gee that was hard to come up with)have a ring to it?

It's definitely easier to say than Brisendine Photography (yes, it's phonetically correct, no the i_e rule only works at the end of a word)

I can't think of another good name besides my own though.

11/05/2005 05:06:40 PM · #136

Originally posted by pgatt:

I like PDG Photography better than Paul Gatt Photography actually. PDG would be easier enough to come up with a logo, easy to say and type "At PDG..." etc.

Wavelength - are you going to be Brisendine Photography or Briz Photo? The first is VERY difficult, whereas the second is more colloquial and less formal. What do you want your business to sound like?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

11/05/2005 05:25:43 PM · #137

Originally posted by mavrik:

Wavelength - are you going to be Brisendine Photography or Briz Photo? The first is VERY difficult, whereas the second is more colloquial and less formal. What do you want your business to sound like?

I guess I figure my work will speak for my name, even if no one can speak it ;o)

I'm not really final on the name though, and it may just be until we become a more formal outfit that we use the name. The website will be brizfoto just becuause it seems shorter and easier to remember, I think. Most of our stuff will be referrals, and I figure one person will tell the next how to say it just naturally when they give out the business card.

Kekiinani

Canon EOS-40D

11/05/2005 06:44:47 PM · #138

I have requested the booklet and have cards that I really have never used and do not like. Been working on getting a portfolio together of larger prints. I was considering that in order to start a site I would need a name first. Renee Muramoto Photography does not sound like something that I want to use. Just not sure.. RM Photography, Photos by Renee, all sound a bit corny to me. Still thinking.. Thank you soooo much for all of your information, I am still following along. If anyone has any suggestions I am open and all are welcome. Aloha, Renee

11/05/2005 06:52:00 PM · #139

Originally posted by Kekiinani:

Okay, not trying to be too cheeky here, how about Muramoto Photo ?

I know some people have a thing agains rhyming, but I like it. Better than my last name :o)

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

11/05/2005 06:55:22 PM · #140

That's not a bad suggestion - I like it myself. I like things that people will remember. They won't remember PDG Photography as easily as Paul Gatt Photography, but they will remember a stellar logo. For him, the ease of PDG over Paul Gatt is fairly straightforward too. He could have PDGPhotography.com instead of PaulGattPhotography.com which is nice.

For you, the rhyme makes sense to me. Moto Photo - people will see it, think it aloud, and remember it.

M

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

11/05/2005 08:25:50 PM · #141

I have another question regarding the name. My fulltime career is as a Realtor. Name recognition is a huge thing in that business. I think I'm leaning toward not using my name for the photo business. While my name would certainly be out there, I think people would question my committment to real estate if I have another "job" as well. Does that make sense? I enjoy being a Realtor and make much more money in that position as well.

On the other hand, having my name out there for both things might HELP with both things by increasing name recognition. I'd like some of your opinions on the question.

11/05/2005 08:39:13 PM · #142

Originally posted by jpochard:

Oh yeah, I'd not use my real name in that case, I'm not sure that the whole realtor/photographer thing works. Kind of like the whole small town lawyer/mayor/taxi driver/plumber thing.

11/05/2005 08:44:14 PM · #143

Exactly what Steve said. Of course, that depends on the town too. If you can get away with doing and being both professionally, go for it. I think that would work in smaller towns. I don't think that would work in a large city. Your call there, but I think you know the answer. :)

M

oOWonderBreadOo

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

11/05/2005 09:07:57 PM · #144

Well, my business name (even though I have no business!) is my name. I have done a few weddings and portraits so I had to come up with paperwork.
I have not thought of a logo or colors at all, and have just been using my name the same way each time. Here it is off a few of the business cards I tried out.

BTW, The cards were printed out at a local lab on photographic paper. It was nice because it was easy to print a few of each and that's how I really figured out which one I liked best!

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

11/05/2005 09:09:07 PM · #145

I don't want to do photography full time. I don't want to open my own studio location, although I would love to have space and money for one here at home. I want to be able to pick and choose the paid photography work that I would do. I am more and more frequently being asked to take pictures for friends of friends etc. As a Realtor, I understand how important it is to have a business plan in place and how appearing confident and professional can carry you a long way!

Because I don't aspire to being full time, I think it will work well with my full time career of Realtor. Actually, the agents at my real estate office all know of my love for photography and encourage me to pursue that as a sideline.

All that being said, I have decided to name my photography sideline something that does not include my own name. I do plan on putting my name on the business cards as "photographer". Still thinking about names.

11/05/2005 09:24:58 PM · #146

Originally posted by oOWonderBreadOo:

I love the first one - the other two don't do it for me at all. We know at least one photographer who prints out 9 or 10 different versions of her card on 8x10 paper and cuts them up herself. She gets a pretty decent cost that way. (.17c per card).

Colors and logo next, then biz card, I think. :) Gotta have something to put on the card, right?

LKMote

Canon EOS-7D

11/05/2005 09:54:31 PM · #147

Would a business name of Photography By Lorelei be good or should I use something different? If So I'd have to think more on that.

Also what software is good for making business cards?

11/05/2005 10:06:04 PM · #148

Would that be unique in your area? As long as there isn't anyone they may get confused with and it works for you, that's good. We have in our area Rebecca's Photography, but nobody knows Rebecca's last name! So if she does something and it's in the news, nobody knows it's her...

M

LKMote

Canon EOS-7D

11/05/2005 10:16:49 PM · #149

I believe it would be unique. Would it be better to use Lorelei Mote Photography?