another photog in same state using same name

[colophotojunkie]

hey all,

 

i found out this morning that a photographer in denver is using the same biz

name as i am when i got this email:

 

There is woman here in Denver who is using the business name AW Photography

(http://awphotogrXXXX) who gave that name a bad name Saturday. I almost thought

it was you. I'm glad to see it's not. Your photos are beautiful! I'll have to

direct my friends getting married in Pueblo to you!

 

i use the name a.w. photography, and i'm in colorado springs and do some biz in

denver as well. i've already registered my trade name with the state, and the

other woman hasn't. i called the state this morning and was told more than one

entity can use the same trade name.

 

any suggestions on how i should approach her? she's just starting out. i'm not

changing my name as i'm established and even run ads in the newspaper and

several displays up around town. i certainly don't want people confusing me for

her! thanks all.

[bob_sunley]

Well according to Colorado business name registration, ten photographers in each town, village and city in CO can all trade under the exact same name. If you register your name federally, or trademark it, you have other options, otherwise, talk to a lawyer.

[bill_proud]

AW seems so generic. You could be root beer.

 

While it may seem painful to change a few things, your best bet would be to name your

studio using your full name, Anslee W-----.

 

You get immediate name recognition, Anslee is way more unique than AW.

 

 

I just changed my email address and had to get new business cards and letterhead paper.

Yes it cost money, most businesses do.

 

best,

[brian.]

Anslee,

 

IMO people try too hard to come up with clever names for their photo businesses. I always promote people using their name.com for a website address. You can always use a DBA for your company name or incorporate and come up with a name. That can be your registered legal name.

 

People hire you as a photographer because of who you are not your company name.

[colophotojunkie]

thanks for the feedback guys. i recently spent a chunk of money to have a logo designed and prefer not to change my name at this point. i had the domain name awphotography for years, then kept it when i went into business. i'm not a big fan of my last name (i think it has to do with my dad not being a nice guy), and people often have trouble pronouncing my first name for some reason. hmmm, i'll think it over, though. thanks again.

[karen_lippowiths]

And with any luck, you'll be confused (or someone will mistype the URL) with ALW

Photography - Audrey Woulard, who is perhaps the best-known children's photographer

right now. Not all that bad. In the end, though, I agree with other posters that it's probably

in your best interest to change to your name.com. :)

 

Karen