Mmm, well I have never been a huge fan of my name, Suzette sounds like a French tart

It is definitely food for thought.It seems split in the middle, when you read up about the topic on the web. Plus, whatever you brand yourself, has to be relevant for the future too. I do have some names and ideas floating around,based around one of my middle names but nothing definite.

Phil, my first guitar was an Epiphone Les Paul in Ebony. Also, your name isn't that bad

Rather than start a new thread i thought I'd just revive this... I was considering a business name because it appears that there are several photographers nationally with my real name. I thought of using my initials e.g. ABC Photography but someone has that too. I'd always upload pictures to magazines, websites etc. under my own name, but I wanted a name I could use locally too if I get a commission to do some work.

Do you think business names as a photographer should end as 'Photographer' or 'Images'... just as an example BlackCloud Images or BlackCloud Photography? Maybe it doesn't matter?

Can you stop someone else coming along and setting up under the same name? For example if i set up as BlackCloud Images, what could stop a guy in the next street having the same idea for a name or even using mine based on seeing my success and setting up? (At a small time level that is, I know I couldn't set up as Coca Cola Photography or ICI, they have big time lawyers... )

I just used my nickname from school and most people know me as Samnooshka anyway so decided to stick with it. I chose Samnooshka Designs as i do not just do photography but a lot of graphic work too which keeps me more busy than my photography

I used my name dont know why just did......

BC SHOULD YOU WANT TO ACTUALLY REGISTER YOUR COMPANY NAME


Link

http://www.duport.co.uk/companies-ho...FSSElAodzDVj4A

Company name check link

http://wck2.companieshouse.gov.uk/64...essCompanyInfo

As a by the by we havn't bothered to register our company with companies house as it isn't necessary for a business to do so. Just posted these links so you know what is out there which may be of interest.

Bazza

As soon as you start trading under a name it becomes your 'trademark' - but that's not the same as having it trademarked. The latter just makes it easier if you ever need to go to court to stop someone else trading under your name. Least that's what I've been told.

Re names, I guess it's down to your target market - if you're aiming to target the family market, you want a friendly sounding name, or something personal like a real name.

ABC Photography sounds like a school or course, rather than a photographer - so I'd prob avoid that one.

Thanks for the advice, appreciated from all. Azz, as stated, ABC was just an example to illustrate - thanks.