nikonian Loc: Indianapolis

Hello fellow members. I could use some advice on my studio names and corresponding websites.

Currently, I have two “studios”. The first called Once Upon a Gown was created mainly for Bridal Trash the Dress (TTD) shoots and later began including weddings.

The second is Keith Photography which covers weddings, engagement, portraits, head shots, events and maternity. The website is at https.//keithphotography.smugmug.com. At present I don’t have one for the other studio.

Each “studio” has its own website because I did not really want to mix one website under one name with weddings, engagement pictures and portraits included along with TTD, divorce parties, boudoir etc. that are under Once Upon a Gown. But I could possibly do that limiting myself to one studio name and one website. I’m concerned that, for example, someone looking for a wedding photographer also runs into samples of divorce party pictures.

But the problem with the name “Keith Photography” is that a very large numbers of people think Keith is a first name. So with “Keith Photography” it would come off as being a little odd like “Joe Photography”. And Once Upon a Gown Photography I’m told is too long a name although many have said they like it.

I can drop one and consolidate, use each separately with its own specialty, just change Keith Photography’s name or drop them both and develop a new name or names. What would your recommend? I'm also sending this to several sites, forums etc.

Many thanks,

Carter Keith

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

Universal Studio Photography ….. {there may be some infringement issues} but it works for what you do!

jmizera Loc: Austin Texas

I would have assumed Keith as a name as well. Either first or last. I've worked in hosting and web design in the past. The best domain names are easy to remember, and as clear as possible. Shorter is better, and avoid using dashes. I do see that there is a "keith-photography.com" website. If this is you, nice work. If not, you may want to consider other options. Somewhat surprisingly, there is no site hosted at keithphotography.com.

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

...use your full name...
carterKeithphotography

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

I would change it to a two division company; it makes your operation sound bigger and more professional. I would change the top level company to a company with two divisions called "Carter Keith Fine Photography" because it has upscale connotations. I would name the two divisions the "Once Upon a Gown" division and the "Bridal Trash the Dress Division". I would present the two divisions in that order in any instances where both divisions would be named together because the Once Upon a Gown name generally has more positive memories associated with it then the division associated with divorce photography. I would also drop the "TTD" on any printed material because acronyms for a company that sells fine art is not the same as a company that sells high tech.

nikonian Loc: Indianapolis

Thank you for your helpful comments!

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Just an idea! In all my years in the business I never used my name as a corporate entity- I always used a corporate name for the business. My name, as proprietor and chief photographer, does appear on the "door", my signage all my advertising, letterheads, forms and business cards but the official name of the company is not mine.

The reason for this is that in the event I, in the future, want to sell the company, the potential buyer does no get the impression that the company can not go on without me. That, of course, would lime the sales potential and value.

Also, If I choose to open up another comapny, perhaps in a related field, which I did at one times, it to would be an inexpedient entity.

Something to think about.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...in the future, want to sell the company..."

E.L. Shapiro speaks with excellent business acumen... this is my solution also...
Typically I work with a sizable number of team members who are my "associates" under the aegis of this studio name...
Additionally I registered the .com domain name of the studio well over a decade ago... another stellar move...

hope this helps nikonian...
or at least is food for thought...
I wish you well on your journey nikonian

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

At least where I live, if you include your last name in the Business name you can avoid filing Fictitious Name Statements.
The wedding business, I would be more representative of what makes you the most money. The first name sounds to me like you sell used wedding dress or gowns!
Good luck
SS

nikonian Loc: Indianapolis

Thank you!

nikonian Loc: Indianapolis

Thank you!

nikonian Loc: Indianapolis

I could do that except people will, as usual, think my name is backwards. Anyway, thank you for your suggestion.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

As a graphic designer, I'd be happy to help with your brand and making sure it's consistent.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-443070-1.html
Drop me a PM if you're interested or want to see examples.