I used the idea of a book for my header since this challenge is going to be a journal of my life over the years.
I hope you enjoy viewing these pages of my life as they unfold. I know I will...

Friday, April 15, 2011

What's in a Name?

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

How did I come up with the name - Lookie Loo Photography?

When I first started taking pictures my daughter, Louisa, whom we call Lu or LuLu for short, was about 15 months old and did not want to have anything to do with the camera. I tried everything and found myself saying, "Lookie Lu!!!" quite a lot. It kind of stuck so I thought it would be a fun, memorable name for my photography.

I am struggling right now with a huge decision. When I first came up with my photography name I had no intention of ever doing weddings. Now, I do quite a bit and I am worried my name is too juvenile sounding. What do you think? Be brutally honest please. I am asking for it. I need to know if I should change my name. Not quite sure what I should change it to yet, but I do own the url for "Suzanne Renee' Photography". I will still do families, children, and seniors but I love doing weddings and plan on doing many more.


My new license plate. Isn't it cute??? I am getting a personalized cover to go over it too.

19 comments:

Denise said...

In all honesty, I remember Lookie Loo because it is different & unique! I know there is a lot of debate in the photography world on what makes a good name but I think what better name than something people actually remember? There a million photogs using their names & it's harder to remember who is who. I say stick with it. Your work speaks for itself.

Nick said...

Keep it. When people see your work they will not be thinking of the name of your company. I agree with Denise, having something unique gives you an advantage, and the story behind it is great because it's so personal.

Antonio said...

Lookie Loo is awesome! You've built it already and it's recognized...and most importantly, it's unique. Like Denise said, there are million of photographers using their names and it's hard to differentiate between them. I wish I had a cool name to use.

Unknown said...

It's short, easy to remember, and it applies. It's also quite mature compared with some other names I've seen.

I've come to associate it with you, and I think it has a lot of personality. I'd stay with it, if I were you.

Has anyone said "we were going to have you do our wedding, but your name put us off and we went with 'silly frilly photography' instead"?

Chrissy said...

I love the name Lookie Loo, it's personalized and fun. Don't change it, definitely keep it!

Jennifer M said...

I love it. I think you feel it's juvenile because of how it came about, but to others who don't have that association I don't think it sounds that way. When my family would go on a drive or a walk and look at houses or people we would call it being a lookie-loo. Photography is kind of like looking in on someone else's life so I think it fits.

Mikie said...

I can see where you're coming from. I have to agree with the other commenters here though-- LookieLoo is much more distinct / memorable, vs. "my name + Photography".

Without knowing the background of why you first used the name Lookie Loo, the name seemed more playful than juvenile to me. :)

I suspect that your reputation and your work generate far more business than your name will. Your name just makes it easier to remember you from the crowd ;)

Carol Askew said...

I agree with everyone else. I love the name and it's very memorable. I didn't realize that's where the name came from, and I never thought of it as "juvenile". I would keep it!

dterryphotography said...

Keep it! If you change it at all ... change it to something like:

Lookie Loo Photography
By Suzanne Renee (or whatever you want)

You've already "built" your name and your reputation. Don't throw it away.

Jess said...

I agree with everyone...like I told you a few months ago when you asked. You see, I've wanted to change mine for so long to because its my name...Blah!
I do like Wills response...made me laugh.

Tiffany Reed Photography said...

You know Suzanne, I never once thought of Lookie Loo as juvenile. I think it's so innovative and it really separates you from everyone else. It's fun and playful! There is NOTHING about your images that says juvenile or "kid photographer only".

When I was at the Kentucky Convention - people knew who I was talking about when I said Suzanne Plant - they said "Oh! You mean Lookie Loo".

Ann said...

New brand for weddings, keep lookie loo for kids and families, cross-market both brands, have it all,

Christy said...

You are so good that it won't matter what your name is. I can't imagine you not having all the business you want. So go with what your gut is telling you YOU want. But Lookie Loo is definitely memorable. =)

hcrjfrandall said...

I think you should keep it... it's unique and easy to remember..

AngryGardner said...

I think you should do what makes you more at ease looking for wedding jobs, but I have these thoughts.

First, at the end of the day the "brand" name is irrelevant to the customer. What is important is the value for the product and services. Which for your customers is incredible. An example: A computer company would be nuts to name themselves after a fruit, yet everyone wants the latest "i-whatever".

Second: Something that Jasmine Starr (talk about a name not sounding like a photographer)said about not wanting to work with people that didn't want to work with her. Would you really want to work with someone that wouldn't work with LookieLoo.

Last but no least. You have invested years building this brand is it something you really want to start "fresh-ish" with.

Jeremy Hall said...

ditto what everyone else has said, stick with it. People I gave shown your work too remember it a lng time layer, and that is important for a name. Plus, regardless of its origins, it just seems to fit. I think it embodies family photography, and for me weddings fit right in there.

Jules said...

I love lookie loo and I love the owner of lookie loo. I think you've made such a name and reputation for yourself that you shouldn't change it. Besides, anyone who looks and stares at something is a "lookie loo" and I could stare at your work all day long! Especially that one of the Seamons Siblings... :) Love the name! Keep it!!

Jennifer Mendoza said...

Keep the name Suzanne . . but maybe change the license plate to Colorado? :-) I have to keep trying.

Scott said...

I think you should keep it. If you do change anything, I don't suggest "Plant Photography." That will be totally confusing. :)