How to Nail Your Horse Photography Business Name
So, you’ve decided to launch a horse photography business. Cue the applause. But now comes the tricky part—picking a name that screams, “This is me!” without also shouting, “Hello, lawsuits!”
You want something unique, memorable, and, let’s be honest, not embarrassing when it shows up as a website URL.
Let’s break down how to choose a name that resonates, ensure it’s actually available, and lock it in so no one else snatches your brilliance.
First and foremost, a little disclaimer here: I am not a tax professional, an accountant, or insurance professional. Make sure to do your due diligence on any business decisions by consulting the proper professionals for your personal situation. While this blog post is good for general information, it’s not a replacement for a a conversation with a professional about your specific situation.
Why Your Horse Photography Business Name Matters
Your business name is basically your first impression, so it better be good. It’s the first thing potential clients see, and it needs to represent your brand while being easy to remember. Think of it as your business’s handshake, not its awkward fist bump.
But here’s the thing: someone else might already be using your genius idea. And having confusion over which business they are talking to is never a good idea for a potential client. That’s why you need to make sure your name is unique and legally yours.
Naming Your Horse Photography Business
The Case for Using Your Own Name
Lots of photographers slap their name on the business. “Jane Doe Photography”—done and moving on. This works because people immediately know who they’re hiring.
But let’s pump the brakes for a second. If your name is something super common—like “John Smith”—you might run into a million other “John Smith Photography” businesses.
And if you want people to instantly know what genre you specialize in, your name alone might not cut it.
Getting Creative with Your Name
For something a little more inspired, look to your passions or a quote that resonates with you. My own “Ride the Sky Equine Photography” comes from the quote, “To ride a horse is to ride the sky.” It’s personal, meaningful, and memorable.
But pro tip: check how your creative masterpiece looks as a URL. Words run together in website names, and sometimes the results are less than ideal. You don’t want to accidentally make Bored Panda’s list of “30 Unintentionally Inappropriate Domain Names.” Love that for someone else…but definitely not for me and my business.
How to Register Your Horse Photography Business Name
Step 1: Do Your Research
Before you fall in love with a name, ensure it’s not already taken. You don’t want to end up competing with another “ABC Horse Photography” down the road. And, also remember that things can be very similar – for example, “ABC Horse Photography” and “ABC Equine Photography” may sound different to you, but to your potential clients? That’s the same name.
Once you have a name in mind, check your state’s business registry for availability.
Step 2: Register Your Name
Once you’ve confirmed your name is unique, register it with your state as a Legal Entity Name. This protects your business name within your state and keeps others from swooping in. To find your state’s specific requirements, visit the Small Business Administration website.
Step 3: Check for Trademarks
Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database to ensure no one has already trademarked your dream name. Nothing like naming your business, sharing all the information everywhere, and then having to change everything once you find out someone else has that name.
Step 4: Claim Your Domain
Your website is your online home, so make sure your domain name matches your business name. Search platforms like GoDaddy or Namecheap to see what’s available.
How to Register Your Horse Photography Business Name
Step 1: Do Your Research
Before you fall in love with a name, ensure it’s not already taken. You don’t want to end up competing with another “ABC Horse Photography” down the road. And, also remember that things can be very similar – for example, “ABC Horse Photography” and “ABC Equine Photography” may sound different to you, but to your potential clients? That’s the same name.
Once you have a name in mind, check your state’s business registry for availability.
Step 2: Register Your Name
Once you’ve confirmed your name is unique, register it with your state as a Legal Entity Name. This protects your business name within your state and keeps others from swooping in. To find your state’s specific requirements, visit the Small Business Administration website.
Step 3: Check for Trademarks
Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database to ensure no one has already trademarked your dream name. Nothing like naming your business, sharing all the information everywhere, and then having to change everything once you find out someone else has that name.
Step 4: Claim Your Domain
Your website is your online home, so make sure your domain name matches your business name. Search platforms like GoDaddy or Namecheap to see what’s available.
Avoiding Common Naming Fails
Let’s be clear: naming your business isn’t just about what sounds cool. It’s also about strategy.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Copycat Names: Be original. Your clients should never confuse you with another business.
- Inappropriate URLs: Double-check that your domain name doesn’t spell something unfortunate.
- Vague Branding: Your name should reflect your focus—horse photography. “Sunshine Studios” might sound cute, but it doesn’t scream equine expertise.
Ready to Make your Dream Horse Photography Business a Reality?
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Betsy Bird, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, TPM, TSD, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography, spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. When she’s not mentoring photographers, wrangling teenagers, or acting like a total goofball, she’s hanging with Derby—the puppy currently training to be office assistant (jury’s still out on whether “chewing cords” counts as a legitimate job skill).
Betsy has earned both her Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She also holds the CPP, TPM, and TSD designations and currently serves on the Board of Directors of both the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Assocation (TNPPA).
An award-winning photographer, Betsy is also a published author, national presenter, and frequent podcast guest. Her book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell, has become a resource for photographers, and she’s been featured on The Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, The Focal Points Podcast, and more.
Through her digital tools, courses, and mentoring programs, Betsy teaches photographers how to build profitable businesses without the overwhelm. She is an expert in her field (which isn’t that surprising given how much time she actually spends outstanding in a field… get it?).