What's in a Name..?? HELP..!!

[p360]

Hello Everyone

I have been an avid photographer for a while now. Recently, I've developed a keen interest in wedding photography. I will never do it full-time, as I have other profession with which I do quite ok. But I have every intention of doing it part time.

In fact, I have my first wedding to shoot in about five weeks. So, obviously, I started thinking about the business side of things. What to call it?

I am an immigrant - full name being Pratyush R. Pandya. My first name has been shortened by some as Prat. I've been reading about this topic and I want to use my name as part of the business name, but reason tells me not to. Something like: (full name) Photography just doesn't roll of the tongue in my case. I've heard long, difficult to pronounce, names are to be avoided.

I have a registered domain name, foto-forte.com. I just like the name, but haven't exactly come with the business name that goes well with it. Some ideas are foto-forte Pictures, foto-forte PIX. There are too many "ph" sounds in foto-forte Photography, IMO.

Any helpful hints? I realize this question has been asked many times before. I'd really appreciate your suggestions.

[hypertech]

If you like foto-forte, just call it foto forte. There is no rule that says a photography company has to have photography in its name.

Other camera related words: images, shots, memories, moments, captures

[yokotas13]

yep
i use F.L.S.Images....freshlikesushi images...to keep continuity with my other business, car parts

[p360]

So, do you think foto-forte tells people who are looking that I am in photography business..?

[eigga]

My advice... use a name in which you can get the EXACT website address.

Since you already have one that is a one option... otherwise start checking on GoDaddy. Be prepared to find almost everyhting is gone...just keep trying. Took me 2 months to find a name I liked with the website available.

[photoguy6405]

Coming up with a name was probably the most difficult thing for me, too. It does seem that all the good and obvious names (other than one's own name) are already taken.

I'm still not 100% happy with what I did come up with, but still haven't thought of anything better, either.

[nthwolf]

why not go with your initials and make a cool logo out of it?

PRP Photography or something like that?

[cdifoto]

I would think something like pratfoto.com (or some variant) would suffice. Unless pratfoto (or some variant) is already taken or you already have a gazillion business cards and promotional materials printed up with that url, it doesn't cost much to abandon a URL or use a new one with a redirect.

[RileyLewis]

I like what nthwolf suggested, PRP Photography. It's got a good ring to it.

[p360]

Do we have to register our business names, whatever they may be, in order to prevent it from being used again by someone else?

PRP Photography is such a generic name - who's to say no one else will use it, even in the local areas around me? This is assuming my web address is something else.

How do we protect it?

[loscocco]

I have www.Photo-graphy.com for sale if you are interested let me know

[hypertech]

Do we have to register our business names, whatever they may be, in order to prevent it from being used again by someone else?

PRP Photography is such a generic name - who's to say no one else will use it, even in the local areas around me? This is assuming my web address is something else.

How do we protect it?

Unless you are using your own name, you have to register them in order to legally use any of them. This means either filing a DBA or forming an LLC or corp, etc. Your secretary of state should have instructions.

This will give you some protection from others forming a business of the same name. If you are really worried about it, you could look into trademark protection as well.