What to call myself? (Business Name)

[bakerbranded]

Hello everyone, to start my name is Scott and I'm a 16 year old trying to be a photographer. Although I have only been doing photography for almost two months, it has brought nothing but joy, I also recently had my first gig to shoot a senior shoot.
Anyways I have been sort of going back and fourth on what to call my potential business in which I hope to start. One name that has stuck with me for a few years now and has been my graphic design business name has been "Bakerbrand" and I have a logo that I have also used.

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/7600/bblogomediumgt9.png

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/6821/bbdheaderfy7.png

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7675/bbpdfrontfinalmc4.jpg
A business card I created for my business class before I actually purchased my camera. This is to give you guys an idea about how I may use Bakerbrand Photography in the field.

Two other names which I came up with are:
Scott Baker Photography
Baker Photography

The dilemma is that I do not want to come of sounding unprofessional. Some of the photographers that I admire most for there work and success such as
David Jay & Scott Tree's
both use there names as there business.

So that is why I have come to ask, do I go for a name other then my full name or do I stick with the whole real name? Thanks so much guys in advance for the help.

Scott Baker

[PhotosGuy]

Easy to remember & seems as good as any other choice.
Post your business cards (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=299092)

[bakerbranded]

Easy to remember & seems as good as any other choice.
Post your business cards (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=299092)

So your saying that "bakerbrand" is ok then? And that is not my final design if I start one, do you like that card?

[gary88]

I think Scott Baker Photography is more appropriate. It does two things:
-Gets your name out
-Says what you do

[bakerbranded]

I think Scott Baker Photography is more appropriate. It does two things:
-Gets your name out
-Says what you do

I see your point! Thanks for the input! :D

[Vascilli]

Fun logo. :D

[bakerbranded]

Fun logo. :D
Thanks! :D

[Right Cranium Imaging]

Well when I first read the title, the first thing that came to me was Mayonnaise Man, but I guess that doesn't really work. So with the limited options you have provided :) I would go with Scott Baker Photography. I would vote no on Baker Photography, it makes me think you are confused weather you are making a cake or taking pictures. :)

[bakerbranded]

Well when I first read the title, the first thing that came to me was Mayonnaise Man, but I guess that doesn't really work. So with the limited options you have provided :) I would go with Scott Baker Photography. I would vote no on Baker Photography, it makes me think you are confused weather you are making a cake or taking pictures. :)

Ha yes Mayonnaise Man does not fit the bill. :D
Thank for your input, it is much appreciated.
Well for the baker photography I was thinking of having for my logo a bakers hat over top of my name, haha. :D

[TheHoff]

I like the logo and the name but if your .com is taken, I would keep thinking about others.

And remember, the first step after developing your logo, is to make a 500 pixel wide watermark to go over all of your images, preferably in a diagonal fashion repeating 8 or 10 times across.

[bakerbranded]

I like the logo and the name but if your .com is taken, I would keep thinking about others.

And remember, the first step after developing your logo, is to make a 500 pixel wide watermark to go over all of your images, preferably in a diagonal fashion repeating 8 or 10 times across.

Thanks and for the watermark, what do you mean 8-10 times across. Could you show me an example?

[tcphotodesign]

Another photographer... well, It seems to me most photographers seem to use their first and last name then photographer, or photography or Images by ...
or Photography by. Some photogs come up with names, these would be DBA, doing business as. For example I was once known as before and after photography, because I use to photograph cars before they where customized and after ... now I just use my initionals because with my name it's too long and there is not any natural flow with my particular name, your name is as typical of a photographer's name as you can get.

Good luck

[bakerbranded]

Another photographer... well, It seems to me most photographers seem to use their first and last name then photographer, or photography or Images by ...
or Photography by. Some photogs come up with names, these would be DBA, doing business as. For example I was once known as before and after photography, because I use to photograph cars before they where customized and after ... now I just use my initionals because with my name it's too long and there is not any natural flow with my particular name, your name is as typical of a photographer's name as you can get.

Good luck

Your saying its typical, but that does not mean bad right? And are you agreeing with using my name as the business? Thanks though :)

[mnaz]

I think Scott Baker Photography sounds fine. By the way how is good old Erie, PA? I went to Mercyhurst a long time ago.

[bakerbranded]

Thanks :D
And probably the same as it was before.
The weather is still always changing so fast, and its pouring right now.
But for real, it is good, I'm sure not much has changed. :)

[bakerbranded]

Anymore opinions?

[golfecho]

Anymore opinions?

I like the full name (Scott Baker Photography) because it is a simple, yet effective and serious business name. You can/should also use the initials SBP when and where it would fit.

[bakerbranded]

I like the full name (Scott Baker Photography) because it is a simple, yet effective and serious business name. You can/should also use the initials SBP when and where it would fit.

Thanks for the suggestion. When you say to use the initials "SBP" were it would fit, would you mind giving me an example?

[golfecho]

Thanks for the suggestion. When you say to use the initials "SBP" were it would fit, would you mind giving me an example?

Oh, and number of places. Watermarks come to mind. A large, but very faint layer with the SBP would render the picture very viewable, but the full name in small font in a lower out of the way corner with the copyright symbol in full view.

Letterhead - A larger logo with the SBP a prominent part of the logo, and the full name in the footer with the contact information.

Just two examples that come to mind. My point is, that both can be used, and you shouldn't hesitate to rely on whichever one fits best.

Best of luck in your photo business!

[bakerbranded]

Oh, and number of places. Watermarks come to mind. A large, but very faint layer with the SBP would render the picture very viewable, but the full name in small font in a lower out of the way corner with the copyright symbol in full view.

Letterhead - A larger logo with the SBP a prominent part of the logo, and the full name in the footer with the contact information.

Just two examples that come to mind. My point is, that both can be used, and you shouldn't hesitate to rely on whichever one fits best.

Best of luck in your photo business!

I got you. Thanks a lot. :D