How to Name My Newborn Photography Business
How do I name my newborn photography business? It's usually one of the first questions someone asks after they decide to make a go at turning their hobby into a real career. And it can feel like a really scary decision. Like somehow if you pick the wrong name, you will doom your precious new business before it has even gotten off the ground (you won't, relax!). So with that in mind here are a few tips on how to name your business, and things to keep in mind.
Two Methods
In the world of newborn photography there are two basic ways of naming your business, one is the classic "First Name Last Name Photography", and the second is "insert cutesy baby name here Photography". Neither is better or worse, but they do have distinct up and downsides, so think carefully before you pick.
The Pros of the Cute Baby Business Name
1) It's memorable. There are tons of photographers in pretty much every area. It's a lot easier to remember Little Twig Photography than it is to remember Jessica Ryles Photography. That can give you an edge, and any edge no matter how small is worth considering. Being remembered is one of the big differences between a client booking with you or with someone else. It's hard to book someone if you don't remember their name!
2) It gives you a head start on branding. If you have chosen something like Milk and Wheat Photography, there are already certain colors, and feelings that the name evokes. You know the colors are soft and neutral, that it's organic and natural company. Jessica Ryles Photography is harder to pin down. Clients don't know whether Jessica Ryles is a name that should be modern and edgy or soft and sweet. So you have to do more homework on your end to make sure that the client knows what to expect, and to make sure you have fully fleshed out your company's personality.
The Pros of Using Your Own Name
1) It moves with you. Many photographers start in one niche, and then transition over time to another. It's hard to do boudoir photography under Tiny Toes Photography. You never know what the future will hold, and you may lose your drive for photographing newborns, but giving up your business name will feel hard, and force you to stay in your lane long after the passion has faded.
2) It's easier to do side work. You may specialize in newborn photography, but many photographers do other side projects not in their main niche. Corporate clients may be a bit more hesitant to work with you if you are branded soley as a newborn studio.
3) It is less likely to already be taken. You will have to do research on whether the name that you have fallen in love with is already being used. There are tons of people who may be interested in creating a studio called Baby Bumble Bee Photography. There are probably less people interested in using the name Jessica Ryles.
Whichever Route You Pick Keep These Tips in Mind
1) Make sure the name is easy to pronounce and spell. If you have an exceptionally long last name, you might want to consider finding a way to shorten it, or using a combination of your first and middle names.
2) Do your research. Google your options to see what already comes up under that name. If there is already someone using your name, or your potential company name as a business, figure out what they do, and if they will be competition. Are they in your area? If they are a small local business in a far away state, it probably won't be a big deal. But if your name is Kelly Brown, and you want to do newborn photography, you might be better off finding a different business name. (And if you don't know Kelly Brown, but are interested in newborn photography, you should definitely check out her work!).
3) Check your state to make sure you can use it! If you are starting up your own photography studio, chances are good you will be registering as S-Corp or as a Single Owned LLC (don't worry, I'll be going over those later!). If you are you will probably need to check with your SCC (State Corporation Comission). Not sure where you need to go to check? No problem! LLC University has compiled a list of all the entity search sites sorted by state, you can check here to find yours!
