Help choosing a name

Hey everyone. I know there are a lot of threads about this but I've been having trouble trying to come up with a name to use.

My name is very common. Brian Williams. I've tried different variations of my name with my middle initial "M" but then I'll be looking around and see someone else with that same name so I need some help from you pros!

My username on here is pending a change to meet the rest of what my other forum names are "1OF723" which I thought about using but it kind of sounds like.... I don't know, not mature enough? I am 22 years old. I take photos mainly for myself of my car but I want to try to start doing it on the side (I have a full time job as a Systems Administrator) once I get more practice under my belt. Anyways, can anyone give me some inspiration?

Thanks,
Brian

Brian Williams Photography

Sounds pretty good....DONE! If it's taken, try BWPHOTO, or something like that for your URL. Focus more on improving your skills and obtaining a quality portfolio, the business stuff will come in time.

B&W Photo. (Say it fast)

Is there another Brian Williams Photography around your area? The problem with trying to come up with a name before you are sure of which way you want the business to go is your name may pigeonhole you if it implies a particular location or style. If you names yourself "Full Thottle Photos" and then decided you wanted to do weddings you'd likely be passed over in web searches as people would assume you specialized in motor sports. If you name your business "Bad Ass Photography" there is a whole demographic of people who would pass you over assuming you're too immature or unprofessional.

Scatterbrained wrote in post #11816225
Is there another Brian Williams Photography around your area? The problem with trying to come up with a name before you are sure of which way you want the business to go is your name may pigeonhole you if it implies a particular location or style. If you names yourself "Full Thottle Photos" and then decided you wanted to do weddings you'd likely be passed over in web searches as people would assume you specialized in motor sports. If you name your business "Bad Ass Photography" there is a whole demographic of people who would pass you over assuming you're too immature or unprofessional.

I'm not sure if there are any with "Brian Williams Photography" around me but I've seen them on the web and all and kind of want something that no other have. I guess I could use Brian Williams Photography but don't want to run into copyright problems or business problems if I actually had clients. It will stay as a part time thing IF I even feel confident enough to go that route. For now I want something mature and just broad so I can fit whatever under the hat.

What problems can I run into if I use "Brian Williams Photography" and there are others with the same name out there?

USER876 wrote in post #11816109
Brian Williams Photography

Sounds pretty good....DONE! If it's taken, try BWPHOTO, or something like that for your URL. Focus more on improving your skills and obtaining a quality portfolio, the business stuff will come in time.

Yeah. I'm joining a local photography club that holds workshops to help and I've been reading books (boring to me) and haven't felt like I've learned much because when I go snap pictures they still come out the same. Anyways, this will remain a part time thing but just don't want to steal someone else's name.

I think BMW has a nice ring to it But seriously, while it may seem boring or staid. Using your name and photography is direct, to the point, and descriptive.

gonzogolf wrote in post #11816867
I think BMW has a nice ring to it But seriously, while it may seem boring or staid. Using your name and photography is direct, to the point, and descriptive.

But what issues could I run into if there are others out there with the same name?

my95gtstang wrote in post #11816970
But what issues could I run into if there are others out there with the same name?

Depends on the scope of your activity. If you are just putting your name on your website and working locally, probably no threat. If you were a national operation then it might be different. But are you even going as far as creating a business? Or you are just marketing yourself.

gonzogolf wrote in post #11816986
Depends on the scope of your activity. If you are just putting your name on your website and working locally, probably no threat. If you were a national operation then it might be different. But are you even going as far as creating a business? Or you are just marketing yourself.

It would be local only. It would be a part time gig. I wouldn't start a legit business or have a business license just kinda "freelance" I guess you can say. Right now I'm not even sure if it will get that far or if it will just be me taking photos but I want my name on them so no one else can take them and put theirs on it. This is in no means going to be my job. I have a full time career in IT as a Systems Administrator. This is just for fun and side money when I can get it.

my95gtstang wrote in post #11817071
It would be local only. It would be a part time gig. I wouldn't start a legit business or have a business license just kinda "freelance" I guess you can say. Right now I'm not even sure if it will get that far or if it will just be me taking photos but I want my name on them so no one else can take them and put theirs on it. This is in no means going to be my job. I have a full time career in IT as a Systems Administrator. This is just for fun and side money when I can get it.

Then just print bidness cards with your name on them, dont even name your business and go from there.

gonzogolf wrote in post #11817084
Then just print bidness cards with your name on them, dont even name your business and go from there.

I was trying to find something for when I put a logo on my actual photos for when I post them. Ya know what I mean.