I'll make a long story short. I've been learning photography (officially) over the past year. I've wanted to do this as long as I can remember... Back in 2000, I was photographing my pets, in 2002, I did an engagement session for a friend, over the years, I've dabbled. My husband bought me my first dslr a year ago and I got more serious about learning how to do it "right". This probably sounds silly to ya'll that do photography, but I guess it's just how I evolved. So now, I am ready to buy a domain and start getting my name out there and taking pictures more professionally. But my dilemma is a stupid one. The website I want is taken. I wanted ktphotography or ktphotos. I want a dot com, but I guess I'd take a dot net if there was an availability. Of course there isn't. Over the past few years, I'd thought I wanted to call my photography business "Blue Dog Photography" in memory of our dog, Azure... who really pushed me to get serious when I photographed us altogether on the day she died. Then I thought "simply photography"... b/c I won't be using lots of props or fancy set ups...simplyphotographybykat is available as a dot com. My most recent idea is inspire your memories. I wrote out what I wanted to accomplish with photography as a business during a sales seminar (creativeLive ROCKS!)... and this was one of my ideas... it also fits with my scrapbooking goals... but my husband doesn't like it. I also wanted to be "red balloon photography" but there is already one out there, in Houston no less. So I just need some feedback and someone to help me work through the good/bad ideas I have here. That turned out longer than planned (SORRY!)
Kat, I recently went through the same thing. I just started my photography business a couple of months ago. I had decided on a name and the .com was taken, but luckily I snagged the .net. The name I chose was 'In A Blink'. You can read why I chose that name in the 'about' section...easier than typing it all out here. Here's the link. My advice is this: go with your heart. I had a lot of people say that I should go with my name, but to me Jordan Carroll Photography was so vanilla and not me at all. It just didn't fit or feel right. The name I chose was one that represents more than just me. It represents the reason why I do what I do. After all, this business isn't just about me. It's really not about me at all. It's about my clients...their families, their memories, their lives. That said, here's what I think of what you've thrown out there. I like 'Blue Dog Photography'. It's different and it represents a big part of your photography journey. But, I don't know what (or if) you'll be specializing in a particular area. i.e. You might not want that branded on newborn or children's photos. If I had to vote on one right now, I'd vote for 'Simply Photography'. It's professional, it represents a big part of your business and style as a photographer and it would work with any genre of photography. In that same vein, you could also consider 'Simply Taken' or 'Naturally You'. And that's my two cents. Keep us posted and let me know what you decide! I'm not the best and I don't have all the answers, but I did *just* go through the start up process, so if you have any questions, please feel free to PM or email me. I'm so excited for you! Prayers for many blessings on your new journey!
Thanks jordan...I loved blue dog photography... but I knew it would "brand me" too much as a pet photographer, which I want to do, but not exclusively... and it has a great story... but then too, there are several already using the name... The same really goes for simply photography, but I thought about simplyphotographybykat.com because it separates me out and if I incorporate my name, I'll still pull up in a google search. My husband thinks its too long, but you just don't have options anymore. I figured I'd grab up the IYM just because I have some great ideas to brand and incorporate it into what I want to do. I LOVE your site... your name, everything and your photos are amazing!!
I like Blue Dog Photography. My photography business is Squid Inc. Studios-- does that brand me as a cephalopod photographer? That said, adding "studios" instead of "photography" might broaden your options. Good luck Kat! Starting out is nerve-racking but man, when your business gets off the ground it's truly magical!
Thanks and right back at you, Jordan. I love how crisp and simple your photography is. You really seem to capture the spirit of the people you photograph. Kat- can't wait to see your work!
Thanks!!!! So I went ahead and just went with my gut... I bought inspireyourmemories.com and decided I'd use that as a gateway for now to both my sites and eventually maybe turn it into something else with products and ideas for both scrapbookers and photography. I have several ideas buzzing around in my head. It has some potential, we'll see. And I got simply photography as the other one... I searched simply taken and it was "simply taken", lol.... so I just did it... I can always re-work things later. You guys really did help me come to the decision, and I APPRECIATE it! I also watched the photography seminar all day yesterday and the girl teaching started as photographybyvicki and over the course of the years, went to Vgallery... so a name change (although frowned upon) isn't a totally bogus idea... but I think I'll be good with this one... now I have so much to do!!!
I agree, just go with your gut. I'm glad you got a url you love! Originally I wanted to call my business something kind of brand-ish.....but then changed my mind that I wanted it to be more personal, identifying with me as a creative person so I used my first and middle name (cuz I hate my last name lol). Everyone's different. You just gotta go with what makes your heart soar!
