 Lisa Carpenter |
Would you take me serious? Would I be taken seriously if I named my photography business either Artistic Images by Lisa or Photographs by Lisa????? I have a bland name and I am trying to avoid just calling it Lisa Carpenter Photography...any thoughts?
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Corinne M. Thompson |
What about Artistic L'Images? I agree that "Photographs by Lisa" is kind of bland.
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Samuel Smith |
i have never met anyone with a bland name,i have met bland people,so are you confused? how about artistic photographs by lisa? you'll be taken seriously,by the pictures. now as far as thoughts go,i think I saw a ufo last night,and I wasn't kidnapped? seriously! sam
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Lisa Carpenter |
Ok, I see what you mean guys. Yes, a serious photographer, yes, artistic...just was trying to do something other than name the business after my name, but I wonder sometimes if that is the best way....
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Samuel Smith |
photos by carpenter, "build" an album
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Jenn S. |
I want to name my photo gallery with something other than my personal name, and am unsure of what steps to take to ensure that the name belongs to me.... and that I'm not choosing a name already in use.... Do I need to copyright or trademark? Or just a basic city business license? If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it :) Thank you, Jennie S.
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Autumn Hernandez |
I'm not sure how it works in other cities, but I JUST registered my trade name today and submitted my business license so I can tell you what I had to do. If you are going to use a creative name (trade name) one that doesn't use a part of your name in it, then you need to first check the trade name availability. In WA state, where I live, you can call a 1-900 number or do it by mail or in person. Then you have to apply for a Master Application once you have found a name that is not in use. Check the Department of Licensing for your state. They should have something there set up to walk you through the process. :) Autumn
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Jenn S. |
Hi Autumn, Thanks for the info! I'll start with the City dept. :) Jennie
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Scot Benton |
I like your name in the business name. If your pictures have "Carpenter Photography" (or whatever you decide to name it) on them, people will associate your name with your photos. When you are introduced as Lisa Carpenter, people know they are having their photos taken by THE Lisa Carpenter, the photographer who took the pictures they like and not some assistant.
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Melissa L. Zavadil |
As much as it is tempting I personally would not name the studio after myself. I have a friend that did this and it is causing a lot of problems. The innitial opening where you do all the work it works but once you try to hire other photographers, the name gets really messy. Everyone wants "you." She actually just changed the name of the company to help broaden the scope of the company. Just a thought to think about in advance.
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Samuel Smith |
bummer!
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Lisa Carpenter |
I don't think even if I got really successful I wouldn't hire another photographer...maybe someone to handle the orders, appts., filing and whatnot, but I wouldn't get another photographer b/c if you are successful it is b/c of the work you do and that is who people WILL want... thanks guys
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Melissa L. Zavadil |
Hey Lisa, I understand where you are comming from. When someone wants photos taken they want a certain 'quality' thus, they go to a particular person or studio. The most famous studios around here; two are named after people who do not work there anymore (they have retired and sold the company). One is trying to change the name so that they can retire in the longterm with out much hastle. The person that I am refering to has over 20 employees. That person very rarely shoots any more. If you want to retire and quit and you invest in only yourself you will lose all income and everything that you have worked for will be lost once you 'retire.' If that is the choice that you want and feel that you can make then it is better to keep employees out of the issue (they can be a pain to deal with.) But, if you want to build a business you need to prepare yourself for growth and also how you will handle that growth in the long term. I know this is way off the subject but the long term should be in every persons business plan. Photography is a business that requires labor. Any business that requires labor is restricted by the 'resources' that it currently has therefore, by limiting your labor force you are capping your income intentional or not. I guess another way to put this is what if this website was JimMiotke.com Better Photography and Lessons by Jim Miotke. This would limit his offerings substantially and also his income.... although he would certainly have the choice and the right to do so. You just have to make the best decisions now so, that it puts your company in the position you want to be in the future. So the best question to ask yourself is where do you see your company five, ten, fifteen years from now? And make the best decisions you can based on your target. I wish you the best starting your business it is very exciting! Good luck!!
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Scot Benton |
Good point Melissa.
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Lisa Carpenter |
Yes, Melissa, I do see your point. Good ones too.
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