Opinions on Logo/Watermark

Hi there, I have been working on refining my logo, and have a bunch of different versions that I would like your thoughts on. I am certainly no graphic designer, and I am open to any and all suggestions!

Here's what my last one looked like...This isn't a great representation of it, because this is the white version to be used as a watermark, but you get the idea.

Is hiring a designer in the cards?

Nightdiver13 wrote in post #15995893
Is hiring a designer in the cards?

Are you offering to to do it for free?

davidmtml wrote in post #15995910
Are you offering to to do it for free?

Nope, I'm not trying to pitch services or anything. It was a serious question though. If you want a logo that you hope to convey a certain level of professionalism for a business, I would recommend hiring a designer. I know you're here asking for help with your logo and that "go hire someone" often times isn't what is wanted, but that is honestly the best help you could get in my opinion.

If it's just a logo for your own enjoyment, then I'd say work on simplifying the graphic element (if you're attached to it). It's too busy and probably won't reproduce well at small sizes in print. Also work on the typography. For that I'd recommend looking at examples online that you like and try to emulate them with your own font choices. Pay attention to the weights, spacing, and case treatment in professional looking typography examples.

Nightdiver13 wrote in post #15995946
Nope, I'm not trying to pitch services or anything. It was a serious question though. If you want a logo that you hope to convey a certain level of professionalism for a business, I would recommend hiring a designer. I know you're here asking for help with your logo and that "go hire someone" often times isn't what is wanted, but that is honestly the best help you could get in my opinion.

If it's just a logo for your own enjoyment, then I'd say work on simplifying the graphic element (if you're attached to it). It's too busy and probably won't reproduce well at small sizes in print. Also work on the typography. For that I'd recommend looking at examples online that you like and try to emulate them with your own font choices. Pay attention to the weights, spacing, and case treatment in professional looking typography examples.

Right now, photography is about half and half pleasure/business. I have done senior pictures, kids pictures, an engagement, a wedding, and have two more weddings coming up in the next month. I know that hiring someone is of course the best solution, but at this point, the budget will not allow it.

Do you like the font in any of the above examples?

davidmtml wrote in post #15995966
Right now, photography is about half and half pleasure/business. I have done senior pictures, kids pictures, an engagement, a wedding, and have two more wedding coming up soon. I know that hiring someone is of course the best solution, but at this point, the budget will not allow it.

Do you like the font in any of the above examples?

Honestly, no. The first two are very polarizing in nature, and portray a less than youthful and modern business. The third is very bland and boring. The exact font used doesn't have to be flashy, but it does have to be treated well, which is where spacing, weight, etc will come into play.

Nightdiver13 wrote in post #15996018
Honestly, no. The first two are very polarizing in nature, and portray a less than youthful and modern business. The third is very bland and boring. The exact font used doesn't have to be flashy, but it does have to be treated well, which is where spacing, weight, etc will come into play.

Ok, thanks for your input!!

Does anybody else have any input on these?

Aperture blades are way way way over done.

Thomas Campbell wrote in post #15996418
Aperture blades are way way way over done.

I'd have to agree here.

Thomas Campbell wrote in post #15996418
Aperture blades are way way way over done.

Scatterbrained wrote in post #15996438
I'd have to agree here.

Thanks guys...what do you think about the DR?

davidmtml wrote in post #15996476
Thanks guys...what do you think about the DR?

Dislike. Backwards D may not be immediately recognizable and may make some people think you are backwards.

last one looks best. good luck!

Backwards "D" is too "toys R us"-ish in my opinion, although the end of your first name juxtaposed against the first letter in your last name (as in the last couple of alternatives) would be the only way to justify the "D". The arerature is way overdone as commented by others. I do like the simplicity overall though.

As to "go hire someone", that's your call. I'm not sure you couldn't come up with something on your own that you really like, and just go with it (since half the fun is doing things for yourself). Just the feeling of accomplishment in doing your own has value. When you become a household name like Ansel Adams, you can hire someone to "update" your logo. I kind of like this version:

A graphic designer doesn't have to be expensive. If you can muster up $165, look at http://www.lisamoeller​.com/. She offers a good variety of pre-designed InstantID logos.

Scott

I think the aperture blades are a photographer thing, overdone and the client doesnt have a clue. what it signifies anyway The backwards D is too goofy. Avoid running your first name into your last name in the text line. You just need to simplify.