Your opinion on a logo

Alright, I'm putting myself on a limb here because I know we have a tough business membership here.

I have a full time computer job and am trying to start up a side business after a ten year absence. I started by using my name, "Randall Briggs Photography", but being I go by Randy I thought maybe "Randy Briggs Photography" sounded better.

I want a professional appearance, but there are so many "First Name" "Last name" Photography Names that it seems cliche at times. I also don't really like the sound of my name in the business as it seems so non personal.

So I did some web searching and came up with a name. I'm wondering if it has a non-professional appearance or if it looks non elegant or even non professional.

I created my site within the last month so it needs a lot of work, but I know a name and logo are so important that I'm afraid it may attract wrong business or turn away professional opportunities.

I will always keep my full time career as it pays the bills. I'm just looking to have fun and get more photographic opportunities.

Thanks for any opinions good or bad.

Oh yes, I thought about a slogan, "Give us a shot, we'll shoot you right" but I backed away as it sounds funny.

Sorry, but both the name and the logo really doesn't say 'professional' to me.

I guess I'll find out and I still have my name to back up on. This was a gamble and between professionalism and being remembered it's an aspect I have not been able to really see any results yet. I know my name does not generate any business as there are so many others out there.

Somehow I am just looking to be remembered and I guess I'll see. Chalk it up to business experience as if it fails I'll change it. Best methods for getting business are past results speaking for themselves. After that it's just being remembered.

What kind of photography do you target to do?

Why not be remembered because of your WORK rather than a slogan or catchy business name?

I would prefer my name reference my work, but sometimes a catchy name also helps.

You think everyone remembers Coke or Pepsi by the taste?

But I do value your opinions and to be safe I took any reference to that name off my business card just to be safe.

Logo's can always be changed, but while I play around with names I want something to stick after I do my work.

My newly changed card still allows the name to be used while finding out it's impact.

swapnali wrote in post #5670030
What kind of photography do you target to do?

I don't care to specialize in anything and want to try everything. I know that's contrary to business, but being I am in it for the fun, I guess I'll learn as I go.

RandyMN wrote in post #5670126
I would prefer my name reference my work, but sometimes a catchy name also helps.

You think everyone remembers Coke or Pepsi by the taste?

But I do value your opinions and to be safe I took any reference to that name off my business card just to be safe.

Logo's can always be changed, but while I play around with names I want something to stick after I do my work.

My newly changed card still allows the name to be used while finding out it's impact.

I wouldn't change the logo too often then people won't know who you were. It's all about branding.

Hikin Mike wrote in post #5670194
I wouldn't change the logo too often then people won't know who you were. It's all about branding.

Well, I'm just starting. I don't think even five people know my name or logo yet.

Alright, I'll use the name to attract certain clients but for the more sophisticated crowd I will create a new logo and use my own birth name like so many millions of other photographers.

I am assuming from the response, or lack of it, that this just doesn't work.

So your going to have two 'business' names?

Marketing/Advertising degree and 15 years of ad agency experience talking here...
I think the name is FINE, as long as you aren't specializing in formal/traditional photography. If you do more current styles, relaxed, artistic type shots, this is fine!

The name, I think, portrays a fun photographer. One who would help me feel relaxed and get better pictures out of me.

It would work great for an event or "relaxed formal" type photography style, senior pictures, school pictures, weddings... and you could still do the traditional poses if you wanted to.

Having your name included is also a good idea because some people will remember you by name and search Google for your name... so make sure your website includes your name as a phrase in the search terms, etc.

As for the layout/graphic of the logo, I like the typefaces, and the color is good, but I think the black box and the distance between the 2 elements are too far away. You want a squarish logo so maybe put the "photography by" underneath?

LVPhotos wrote in post #5674412
As for the layout/graphic of the logo, I like the typefaces, and the color is good, but I think the black box and the distance between the 2 elements are too far away. You want a squarish logo so maybe put the "photography by" underneath?

I agree with everything you said with exception to the typefaces. I have nothing against them but there are too many. I think I saw 3 or 4 fonts in there. Try to limit it two it makes it look more cohesive.

"Shoot me right" seems like bad grammar to me. The logo also seems not so professional.

Well, I asked for opinions and thanks for being honest. I also consulted my wife and she did not like either it so I changed back to my birth name and will continue going by that.

Someone wish to purchase a domain name?