I started photography as a hobby for two reasons, one I love art, two everytime I made an appointment for my children to get pics, the pics were never as I wanted and the experience was less than desirable (mind you it was mostly from mall chains).  Anywho, I started sharing some of my photos with coworkers and now have a list a mile long which makes me excited.  Deep down, I wanted this to be a business but  I have been holding off until I get all that I need such as a way to showcase proofs, space, backgrounds, etc. as I am getting closer, I realized.... the one thing I need is help with a "business name".  I have seen you all come up with fantastic names before so I am hoping you can help me as well. 

Here is my info:  My name is Brandy Patterson, I plan to take pics in studio and on location.  I plan to take a variety of pictures from children, families, maternity, (no weddings though).  I am located in Missouri.

Any suggestions?

Congrats to you on a big step.

Many will tell you the best thing to use is your name...Photography by Brandy, Patterson Photography (nice ring to it), etc.

If you're not wanting to go that route make sure it's catchy, meaningful and easy to remember. In my case I chose A Pause In Time b/c that's what a photo is...a pause in that moment of time.

Have fun!

Thanks for the congrats!  Here are a few I came up with, any of these stand to you?..........

Patterson Portraits,

Capture me portraits,

remember me potraits,

everlasting portraits,

sweet expressions portraits,

There was actually a photographer here in my hometown called Patterson Photography.  It does have a nice ring to it.  Sound professional and when someone calls, they know they're talking to Miss Patterson, the Photographer.

I chose Red Barn Photography because of a beautiful Red Barn on my partner's grandmother's farm that I photographed on a foggy Christmas Day years ago.  Red Barns are traditional, sturdy/strong, and have a sense of respect to them.  That's what I wanted my business to be.

If you choose not to use your name, find something that has meaning to you.  Not a fad or something cheesey.  Maybe your favorite flower, tree, color, etc.

You'll notice that 90% of the long time photographers use thier name in thier business.  It stands the test of time, past the trends and fads.  I just didn't use mine because my last name is Smith.  Doesn't really 'sing'.

Congrats Brandy. 

What do you think of

artistic expressions by Brandy

Capture that Expression

Expressions to Memories Photography

Moments in Time

Precious Expressions

Portraits of Expression

Lil Smiles Photography

Heck I could go on and on.

Best wishes to you on your new journey.

Tracey

go with your name. it is easy to say and spell.   you say it over the phone  they spell it brandy patterson.   Bang!   easy. 

lock in your name first then  if you want to go after some "fluffy bunny" name-  you can add it.  

I like Patterson Portraits, but I would do Patterson Photography instead...just me, but it just has that "ring" to it a tad more. I gather you plan to concentrat on "portraits" most due to your use of it...but for some reason it just doesn't have that same sound...to me that is....as Photography does.

Does that make sense to anyone other then me LOL.

If you're not wanting to go the name route (and I'm suggesting it just for the sheer fact that your last name sounds good..bonus for you) I also like Expressions- I would leave the Sweet off unless you plan to do little ones only as well :)

I also like Moments In Time (lol, of course I would)

Just my thoughts

Thanks for all the name suggestions.  I love love love Lil Smiles Photography but I think you are right, I need to stick with my name.  I think I am going to go with Patterson Portraits (the .com is still available) Patterson Photography does sound perfect but the .com ins't available.  Sounds silly I know but to me it seems more professional if the business name and the web address are the same.  Thanks again for all the help, I love this place!

Do NOT choose your business name based on what's available in the .com world.

Patterson Portraits, sounds nice however it sends the message that you're limited to "portraits"   Later down the road you may want to offer other types of photography services other than the standard "portrait"

When I very first started I used "sending your heart photography"  this was based on the fact that we specialized in boudoir style photography for military spouses who has loved ones in Iraq.  It worked great for the first year, then went south.  Thankfully we were still new enough to be able to change our name and be ok..  (our myspace url is still sendingyourheartphotos)

So going on year 2 of the new name "reflections photography by scott" we're doing much better as the word "photography" still has numerous "style" meanings to it.  We've been referred to as "reflections photography" & "reflections by scott"  which is fine by us.

The "lil smiles" name is cute, but the name itself locks you into what I would consider babies....  May have some issues with High School kids considering a place called "lil smiles"

These are just some suggestions, work on a .com name later, you can always put a twist to it as well strictly for the .com world...  "pattersonspics.com"  or something like that..

Again, this is just info that I've found helpful in starting my own business....