I need to decide on a name for my photography business....should I just use Terry Gee Photography, or should I go for something different? I know most photographers use their name.
Also some free business advise for US participants:
I spoke to a advisor at the small business administration and he has given me info on starting a business. Anyone wanting to know more about it can pm or e mail me.
I need to decide on a name for my photography business....should I just use Terry Gee Photography, or should I go for something different? I know most photographers use their name.
Also some free business advise for US participants:
I spoke to a advisor at the small business administration and he has given me info on starting a business. Anyone wanting to know more about it can pm or e mail me.
Terry, The name is critical for sure. But, I would first of all recommned that you should consider the "Brand" that you will be selling, then the name can come after the branding exercise is finished. Basically, what image do you want customers to think of when they hear, see, or say, your new business's name? Quality? Professional? Reliable? Honest and trustworthy? Lowest price? Get a handle on the brand first, then the name. Do not forget, the name will likely need a web site and that can be a challenge too, to find a name that can still be used on the web. Cheers, Michael
I agree with Morgan. The name should say as much as it possibly can about exactly what it is you do while (in my opinion) being as cool sounding as it can...but hey congrats on having the guts to start the business. All the luck in the world to you.
Sorry had another thought "Terry Gee That Is Me Buy My Stuff Company" its got a sort of subliminal message in it - see if you can find it. Oh well at least this name would help you sell heaps of things and becoma a millionare and give me some of that money (or a free camera if you prefer) for giving you the name. Thanks
I think "Terry Gee Photography" will do just fine. When I started my business (CaBe Layout) four years ago I had three different names to choose between. Then I started making logos and took the name that became the best logo (see link). That´s one way to go.
Carsten´s logo
Terry, before you decide to incorporate, talk with two professionals - an experienced "small business" lawyer and an accountant. It will be money and time well spent. The IRS has reasonably clear rules about writing off expenses in a small business. I survived twelve IRS audits over my business career and you have nothing to fear if you keep organized records, and do nothing fraudulent.
The really critical need is to make enough business profit that the tax people will regard it as a viable business.
Further thought - your business cards and letterhead stationery want to be very high quality. Your cards will travel to people you have not met, and form that quality impression you need.
Do not get "cute" with your business name. "Terry Gee Photography" would seem about right. You do not really need a logo - choose a type face carefully.
That's all well and good, but she would still have to pay corporate income tax in the state(s) in which the corporation earns income, regardless of where she incorporates.
I plan on registering the business as a LLC (limited liability corporation). It's better than a DBA(doing business as) because it separates your assets from the business assets. It is easier than a Corporation because I don't need to have a Corporite Kit and annual meetings and a separate tax return. Also if the business has a loss it goes right onto my 1040 (first you do a separate schedule)and reduces my income. For anyone thinking of buying a lot of equipment it is a good idea to register a business first. It will cost me $150. but then if I buy $5000 in stuff and never earn a dime that $5000 comes off of my other income. Great way to write off stuff.
By the way i also found out that Photography is a business that does charge sales tax, so you have to deal with that every quarter.
Of course all this is US info only.
Good luck Terry. You have been doing your homework and that is the way to do it. I stress again, keep orderly business records as that impresses the IRS should you ever come up for an audit. I took my business worldwide and the IRS types would get a bit twitchy when they saw expenses for a week in Paris or Istanbul.
I also highly recommend you cruise by Nolo Press -- they have a huge selection of books on business, incorporation, accounting, etc. written for the lay-person doing their own legal work. Most include fill-in forms for setting up a business.
Even if you end up hiring professionals, it will allow you to know what they're doing...
Nolo has been a reputable, consumer-oriented publisher for about 25-30 years.
Personally I prefer the more "boring" name to a cutesey one - I'd go with Terry Gee Photography over any plays on Gee myself. And were I choosing a photographer I think I'd take the first type of name more seriously too.
In kewte professions kewte names can add fun - but in an industry where you want to convey skill, technical ability and talent a simple name seems best.
Let your portfolio do the talking not your company name.
Personally I prefer the more "boring" name to a cutesey one - I'd go with Terry Gee Photography over any plays on Gee myself. And were I choosing a photographer I think I'd take the first type of name more seriously too.
In kewte professions kewte names can add fun - but in an industry where you want to convey skill, technical ability and talent a simple name seems best.
Let your portfolio do the talking not your company name.
I would have to disagree.
As a person who works in the marketing industry everyday...plays on unusual names are very strong ways to build recognition.
Not to say the only way....but certainly an equally viable and very strong way to build seperation and recognition. Ultimately the success or failure of a business will rely more on the people than the name but never underestimate the power of a unique name in the marketplace.
Let your portfolio do the talking not your company name.
I would have to disagree.
As a person who works in the marketing industry everyday...plays on unusual names are very strong ways to build recognition.
Not to say the only way....but certainly an equally viable and very strong way to build seperation and recognition. Ultimately the success or failure of a business will rely more on the people than the name but never underestimate the power of a unique name in the marketplace.
I bow to hokie's expertise. I am not a "person who works in the marketing industry every day" and I am not even a regular consumer of professional photography (I've bought a number of "coffee table books" recently but not a session from a photography professional.
My opinion is based solely on my instincts and preferences as an individual consumer.
I've recently walked around a number of craft fairs (here in the UK) where studio photographers had taken stalls. At the last fair there were a number of professional photographers displaying - the two with the most amazing photographs won my attention with their displays of their work. The names of their studios were just the names of the photoghraphers themselves. Their work did the talking.
There was another whose name I didnt even get around to looking for since I felt the work was pretty poor, very amateur infact.
