Does this name and logo work?

[caroleigh]

Hello. I am starting to work on my website and I am trying to come up with a name and logo.
A little background...
I mostly shoot youth sports. I had started out with CTsportsphotography and the slogan 'capturing the action'. I had decided that I didn't want to limit myself as I do have family and friends that want me to photograph their kids and while I will never do studio work its possible down the road I may do some on location shots, and possibly seniors.
So then I decided on CTphotography, keeping the slogan. I figured this could mean sports or an active toddler. Well , I hadn't checked domains and that is taken.
SO this is what I have come up with. I don't know if it works or not. What do you think? Any ideas or suggestions is great.
I dont know if I like the 'memories by Carol, but I wanted my name in there somewhere?
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/mysiggysnstuff/capturingactionlogo-1.jpg

[Hikin Mike]

The logo doesn't reflect your name "Capturing Action".

[caroleigh]

The logo doesn't reflect your name "Capturing Action".

I'm not sure I follow? The font used, the way it's set up? Can you give an example of how it would reflect? I did take the memories out, I didn't like it and thought that didn't reflect the Capturing Action.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/mysiggysnstuff/capturingactionlogo-1-1.jpg

[Hikin Mike]

I just re-read your post. At first I thought your business name was 'Capturing Action'. That's why it didn't look like your logo was capturing any action! My bad...sorry about that.

The focus is more on your slogan not your business name. It should be the other way around. Also, just my opinion, but I think slogans are kind of tacky...but like I said, it's just my opinion.

[caroleigh]

I just re-read your post. At first I thought your business name was 'Capturing Action'. That's why it didn't look like your logo was capturing any action! My bad...sorry about that.

The focus is more on your slogan not your business name. It should be the other way around. Also, just my opinion, but I think slogans are kind of tacky...but like I said, it's just my opinion.

No, you were right, Capturing Action is the name I was choosing (haven't made up my mind yet). I wanted my name in there somehow, that's why I added the Carol Trentler Photography.

Back to the thinking board.

Ps. If I change the logo, does Capturing Action work as a business name? I'm mostly shooting sports. I can get deeper into the design but I am trying to keep it pretty plain. I don't want it busy but I am not sure how I can have the logo reflect the Capturing Action if I don't add some sort of graphic or photo to the logo.

[Hikin Mike]

As a business name, yes. Just remember if you decide to shoot portraits, weddings etc., the name may not fit.

Did you get my PM?

[caroleigh]

As a business name, yes. Just remember if you decide to shoot portraits, weddings etc., the name may not fit.

Did you get my PM?


Yes, I just got it, not sure how I missed it. I can do the design, I just prefer plain right now. If I get into a bind and can't come up with anything I will give you a hollar, thanks.

I know I'll never do weddings, not interested. Ive already been approached about shadowing and working with a friend, I'm just not interested. I'll never do studio work. I figure if I do some on location shooting it will probably mostly be kids so I figure the action could work there.
I'll be honest in saying if I do go into real business it will probably be a long long time away from now.
My basic plan really is to put together a website for parents to purchase pics of their kids from my kids sports games. I currently allow them to download for free, to give them a little boost and they rave over the photos... so I am hoping they will still like them when they have to pay next season :)

Thanks for your input! Like I said, If I can't come up with something I will send you a PM... or if I decide my business is taking off and I need something more professional then I can come up with I will keep you in mind.

[Bluemist]

I like that it is simple- but I agree that CAPTURING ACTION (if you go with that) should have a fast feel to it....ie. less fancy font, maybe duplicated positioned just under the first, or a blurred effect in there somewhere..this probably doesn't make sense but I can see it all so clearly in my head LOL!

Good luck.

[caroleigh]

I like that it is simple- but I agree that CAPTURING ACTION (if you go with that) should have a fast feel to it....ie. less fancy font, maybe duplicated positioned just under the first, or a blurred effect in there somewhere..this probably doesn't make sense but I can see it all so clearly in my head LOL!

Good luck.

It does make sense, and I was thinking the same thing last night. I was thinking about what I could do to keep it plain but give it that fast feel action feel. I think I know what I want to try! I'll update later, thanks for the advice!

[Nu2this]

I'm not sure where you are going with the logo font or design but agree that it should show more movement, possibly a heavily forward slanted fluid font that seems to be moving just looking at it (but not really my area at all). My suggestion has to do with the arrangement of the name. To me, it would roll better if your name was the tag line at the bottom, as in Capturing Action...Photography by Carol Trentler. Having your name first seems to break it up into two seperate entities. JMHO.

[caroleigh]

Is this any better, or is it too much, still not fitting?
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/mysiggysnstuff/capturingactionlogo2.jpg

I thought the same thing so I had already moved the name

[Hikin Mike]

Is this any better, or is it too much, still not fitting?

I thought the same thing so I had already moved the name

Not for me. The font(s) and the color just doesn't fit.

[jbergdoll]

Is this any better, or is it too much, still not fitting?
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/mysiggysnstuff/capturingactionlogo2.jpg

I thought the same thing so I had already moved the name
Too much. If you're going to use fonts, keep them interesting. Also, there is way to much kerning between your letters. Also, the border is lame.

[Nu2this]

I think you are getting closer. I like the smoke and the way it trails behind, I even like the C and A because they are fluid. I think it is the block lettering that's not doing it for me. I'm still thinking something more slanted and fluid, more in forward motion. Block lettering evokes images of stone columns, walls, etc.
I'm not sure how it will look but you might try accenting the smoke along the edges with color, maybe blue. Play with it and see what you think, it may not work at all.
One other thing... Photos by Carol, to me, says you are selling prints, no big deal. Photography by Carol Trentler shows you are putting your name out there and are selling your professional skills and expertise. That may be a skewed perspective on my part but I do like it better.

[caroleigh]

Ok, thanks. I never thought of the 'photos and photography' like that.
I think I am deciding to just stick with my name so its more open and I can make a plain logo. My site is black and white so I am sticking with that that I think.
Another question is, I really wanted to stick with my initials, but the CTphotography and CLTphotography are both taken with the .com, but, the .org is available, and I think .net on one of them are available. Do you think it's ok to use a .org or .net or do you think most people remember .com. I just dont want to confuse anyone who may go to the .com. One of them the domain is taken but there is no website...but that doesnt mean it isnt in the working.

I think you are getting closer. I like the smoke and the way it trails behind, I even like the C and A because they are fluid. I think it is the block lettering that's not doing it for me. I'm still thinking something more slanted and fluid, more in forward motion. Block lettering evokes images of stone columns, walls, etc.
I'm not sure how it will look but you might try accenting the smoke along the edges with color, maybe blue. Play with it and see what you think, it may not work at all.
One other thing... Photos by Carol, to me, says you are selling prints, no big deal. Photography by Carol Trentler shows you are putting your name out there and are selling your professional skills and expertise. That may be a skewed perspective on my part but I do like it better.

[SBCmetroguy]

Yeah the font seems too elegant to represent action, even if you add the motion effect to it. Perhaps tinker around in Photoshop with different fonts and see if another one stands out as... well, I suppose exciting would be the word.

There is nothing wrong with your font, but I would assume you shoot weddings and such with that font. Since you shoot sports, it would be to your benefit to find a font that suits that much better.

I agree on Memories by Carol... again, seems like a wedding or special events shooter more than an action/sports shooter. I was glad you decided to change that. Maybe even somehow incorporating some sports-related images into the logo without getting too cluttered.

If you have a little money to spend, it might even be worth your while just to see what the designers at designoutpost.com could come up with. OR browse their logo design forum for sports-related logos to see what they have done for others and be inspired by that. I often find websites like that very inspiring.

[caroleigh]

Thank you for your input Brian!

BTW~ I checked out your site... fantastic. I love the citi-scap photos!



Yeah the font seems too elegant to represent action, even if you add the motion effect to it. Perhaps tinker around in Photoshop with different fonts and see if another one stands out as... well, I suppose exciting would be the word.

There is nothing wrong with your font, but I would assume you shoot weddings and such with that font. Since you shoot sports, it would be to your benefit to find a font that suits that much better.

I agree on Memories by Carol... again, seems like a wedding or special events shooter more than an action/sports shooter. I was glad you decided to change that. Maybe even somehow incorporating some sports-related images into the logo without getting too cluttered.

If you have a little money to spend, it might even be worth your while just to see what the designers at designoutpost.com could come up with. OR browse their logo design forum for sports-related logos to see what they have done for others and be inspired by that. I often find websites like that very inspiring.

[WMDunkin]

As a graphic designer, I must say, never use fades or gradients in your logos. They are always a pain to print correctly. Also print it out at half inch and a full page (8.5x11) to see if you can read it and if you still like it.

[caroleigh]

As a graphic designer, I must say, never use fades or gradients in your logos. They are always a pain to print correctly. Also print it out at half inch and a full page (8.5x11) to see if you can read it and if you still like it.

Ok, thank you. This was just for my website though, not for printing :)

[Hikin Mike]

Ok, thank you. This was just for my website though, not for printing :)

They should be the same. You may not want/need a business card or maybe a t-shirt now, but if you decide to do a card later you'll have to re-design your logo. Its all about branding. ;)