ParttimeRN

Inheritance from my grandmother has allowed me to follow my dream of buying a good camera and working towards photographing special moments. I have a name picked out for my hobby/business, but I have noticed that a lot, if not majority, of photographers name their business after themselves. Is there a particular reason for this other than for ease of remembrance of photographer's name? Thanks for your insight!

OZ Loc: Hoodsport, WA

I would think, that one of the most important things of a business is to make money and grow your name. If you aren't into money, then Anonymous is a great name. Retain your Amateur status.

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

Ego gratification.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Yes you're correct that most use their own name. But I was advised by a wise, very rich businessman to never use you're own name. Of course you can do what you want and the best of luck to you in 2017.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Legal: I do not know about other states but in California there is a legal reason one might choose to use their real name for their business. If you use a Fictitious Name you are required to make a DBA ("Doing Business As") filing, and publish the fact in a newspaper.

It's the Law: Any business or corporation using a name other than its own personal first and last name, or a corporate / LLC legal name is required to obtain a DBA business name certificate. For example, if your name is Joe Schmo and you do business as "Joe Schmo," you don't need to get a DBA. However, if you do business as "Superstar Store ," then you need a DBA for that assumed name. You will also need this "DBA" to open a bank account. It shows the bank that you have indeed filed the appropriate papers. It is illegal to use a fictitious business name without registering it first.

I’m not an attorney, so check with one in your State and County as the rules may differ.

BJW

From a legal point of view, furnishing photographic services can be akin to what we lawyers call a "personal service contract". In other words, the key element is providing a specific individual with his or her experience and talent for the job. The consumer would be hiring that special person to provide the service contracted for. Thus, there is value to the individual's name as opposed to an arbitrary corporate name. We see such contracts in the hiring of specific artists, for examples. So you need to decide whether you want to market your unique talent that another photographer might not be able to provide as your substitute on any given job. If your serious about going into a photo business (or any other business of your own) do the research, get some good professional guidance, become your own harshest critic and then your grandmother's inheritance will flourish for you. Go for it and good luck!

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

Reply deleted.

ParttimeRN

Thank you All! Great guidance and much appreciated! Happy New Year!

Dr.Nikon Loc: Honolulu Hawaii

Photography for fun and profit ..., yes .., your name is used as you are the ARTIST .., a photo artist non the less .., the difference is what you say Beneith your name in the header on your business card etc.

> examples J O H N I S O J O H N I S O J O H N I S O
photos of the heart time memory photos "S a y C h e e z"


So you file a DBA ... most start up businesses are expected lose money the first 6 years according to the tax people ..

By opening up a small sole proprietor DBA .., you now can deduct the cost of the camera ..and all it's accessories .., your cell phone .. computer ..office in your house .. gas to and from the job .. all your lenses .., Tripod's .. and 100 other deductions .. paying taxes will not be an issue ...

The type of Photography you want to specialize in should be reflected in the name and LOGO ... Some have multiple cards with the specialty of diff on each card .. weddings .. the card says "BLISS PHOTOGRAPHY" .. specialize in Animal (pets) say cats .. "FELINE PHOTOGRAPHY" another card for child photography shows say stick figures of kids all,around the name ... that says "Woners of Children Photograpy" etc Etc ..

It starts as a hobby .., with practice and skill and becomes a small fun part time business ....,the number 1 thing is to enjoy it ..!!

Good luck in your new 2017 adventure ...

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

First you need to decide whether it is a hobby or a business. If it really is going to be a business then it becomes a branding issue along with many other considerations.

How big a business? Do you need to separate your business and personal affairs and finances?

Using your own name can be good or bad depending on your name.

If your real name is Michael Mouse, then "Mickey Mouse Photography" could cause a whole bunch of business and legal problems.

Building a business brand is complex. Doing something as a hobby and taking the occasional paying gig is much simpler.

How big is your vision?

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Nowadays it is all about building your brand. We know Ansel Adams as Ansel Adams. The current most "popular" photographer is Trey Ratcliff. He does have a website called stuck in custom dot com but he is also known by his actual name and not by his company name. Hope this helps. But it is your business, name it what you like.

Impressionist

Name it after your grandmother and keep the love going forward.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Thanks for that.

Billy Bob

Keep it short and sweet to the point DOMAIN NAME. My domain is www.bbnpb.com for www.BillyBobNoveltyPHOTbooth.com Click on it and see where it goes. Your name is what you do. Have a great year and all the best.anGODbless

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

In general this seems correct. I am registered as a business in over 35 states and found using my name was easiest and cheapest as I have licensing expenses any way.