Pros and cons of pseudonyms

What are the pros and cons of using a pseudonym? Is this common for photographers? I

was considering using one for a couple different reasons, but I'm not sure. Other than

possible problems with copyrights, any good reasons to use or not use one?

It's a terrible idea.

pseudonyms can help communication...it makes sense if that's a reason

And why would you feel that doing so would be beneficial to your photographic position?

 

Reasons to do something, usually are based on the benefits the action might bring someone.

 

Would you benefit by doing so and if so how?

If you're officially called Joe Pervert or Jimmi BinLaden, a pseudonym will certainly help:)

The main reason to use a pseudonym is to have some control over the spread of your personal information. Consider that anyone in the world can run a Google search on your name.

 

And there are no problems with copyrights.

I believe there have been some photographers who used one. - Man Ray... I'd suggest to pick up one if your artistic output might endanger your dayjob, family or whatever you should care about.

It's a great idea.

I noticed recently that I can no longer change my name as it appears on my photo.net page. What I've got there now isn't my real name, but it would be nice to be able to change it again once in awhile. If the ability to change names was disabled because of people being irresponsible with their comments, I don't think it was a very effective solution. I've noticed that people who use their real names are still just as rude.

<P>Using an artistic pseudonym and using a photo.net pseudonym are two entirely different cans of worms. My photos are always published over my own name but I wouldn't dream of using it here.</P>

<P>Otis B. Driftwood</P>

I use my real name. A lot of my photographs are nudes, and I always felt if I could do stuff openly it was art (or trying to be) and if I had to be secretive it was a vice.

 

Authors don't always write under their real names, and the Harry Potter books are published under the name of JK Rowling, not Joanne Rowling because the publisher thought boys wouldn't buy them... So there are marketting reasons and also the sort of adopting a persona. You might be John Smith in real life, but write as Aaron C. Rescue, or whatever.

I remember the poor comrades at school who had Polish family names and were adressed "Christian unpronouncable" by their teachers. Some foreign names just sound good under certain circumstances. I remember many artists in Germany trying to use American pseudonyms. And well sometimes photographers are artists, aren't they?

It's also a "branding" issue. If you've got a good name as a children's author and you're going to publish a hard-boiled mystery it might be best to use another name.

Dick van Dyke's career only took off after he changed his name from Penis van Lesbian.

Oh now THAT is funny!