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So, here's the deal. When our business was first born in Spring 2007 - to be real - as passionate and as excited as we were to start things up, we didn't have a clue what we were doing. Under the name "Cheyenne Schultz Photography", we began to brand our business starting with the generic blogger template - it all began with THIS BLOG POST, where my only commenters were from my mom and dad. :)
With some randomly chosen colors, we threw together a sad little logo and smacked it on a business card. And if you could see my "portfolio", which consisted of a $25 picture album from Michael's craft store and some lose prints stuck inside, you would laugh your tail off.
But hey - we all gotta start somewhere, right? :)
Through the past two years, we've managed to get our brand to a decent place with an intentional logo, a professional website, and some pretty sweet sample wedding albums. However, we've now outgrown that "decent" brand and are ready to move on to something bigger and much better.
Back in 2007, Geoff's role was primarily as a supporter to me as I brought my new found passion to life. Starting out, he came with me to a all of my booked portrait sessions (get this - he second shot with our point and shoot camera...ah, humble beginnings) mostly because I was afraid to go alone. And while we never intended for it to play out this way, through the past two years, it has become just as much HIS business as it has been mine.
All of this to say, the time has come that we rebrand our business.....as a husband and wife team. :)
Last week our designer - Erica Anne - led us (and five of our friends) through a brainstorming session to begin the rebrand process. One of our first goals is to choose our name - out of our session came the three options listed below.
Here's where we could use your help - because we can't decide, we'd like to know what some of YOU think! Please leave a comment below to "vote" for your favorite new business name (the word "photography" may or may not be used - we're not sure yet). Many thanks!!!
***EDIT*** quite a few people have suggested "Schultz Photography" - we definitely had considered it, but in the end, decided it is a little too formal for the direction we're headed. Thanks everyone for your comments! :)
#1 - The Schultz's
#2 - cheyenne//geoff
#3 - Cheyenne & Geoff
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Although completely unrelated to the content of this post - just for kicks - here's a little video Geoff shot (with the video feature on the 5D Mark II) and edited from our "dress up like a cow, get free chicken" day at Chick-fil-A last Friday evening with one of my favorite families - The Hubatka's. Enjoy!
Chic-Fil-A BANANZA with the HUBATKAS! from Cheyenne Schultz on Vimeo.
71 comments:
i like #1...
#2 is my 2nd fav
I like #2 -
Or what about just Schultz Photography? I like the idea of having you both named, but "The Scultz's" doesn't roll off the tongue too easily.
Good luck!
I don't feel so bad about my similar humble beginnings now! Except that they are *current*. If only my hubby would come to shoots with me, but he doesn't care. Since yours does, it's great you want to rebrand to include him! I think the simple "Cheyenne & Geoff" works well. I'm not sure about the double backslash because I'm never really sure what that MEANS...
# 2 is my favorite. Different and unique.
How about just : Schultz ? Like, not Schultz Photography or anything. Just- Schultz ? Either way, its a great thing you're doing and can't wait to see what you all come up with!
The Schultz's is a tad hard to say, and Cheyenne and Geoff doesn't particularly suggest you are married... So I'll have to sit on the three choices to see which rises to the surface.
Exciting for you guys. And those humble beginnings were not long ago great goodness it is unbelievable what you have accomplished in the time you have.
I vote for #2! love the cow video!
Yay for rebranding! I'm planning to tackle my own brand once we're fully moved and I'm excited!
I like cheyenne//geoff best visually, but how would you say it? It looks like it reads "cheyenne geoff." If that 's what you want, go for it! Just something to consider.
Can't wait to see what your business has in store!
I like #3 best, then #2 then, #1.
Congrats and best of luck!!
May favorites are
#1
#2
I love your humble beginning! That wasn't long ago at all and look at you guys now!
I agree with Cindi and Courtney - I like Schultz Photography. (But don't listen to me..I'm just your Mother)
I like #3 or Schultz Photography! I agree that Schultz's doesn't roll off the tongue. I think you need to keep either Cheyenne or Schultz in it for continuity's sake!!!! So happy for you guys!!! Miss you! Joy
Depends on what you want to do with the business but I think overall I like #2 the best.
Geoff and Cheyenne,
Here is a great article about naming that I think you should read before deciding on a name, specially considering that this is another big step for you guys and step that you don't want to do twice...
http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2009/06/one-great-name-is-worth-100000-words.html#more
I'm excited about to see the new phase of your business and please know that if there is anything I can help you with in terms of branding, I'm here as a friend.
Keep up the great work
Juan
I think I have to agree with a few others who vote for Schultz Photography! That way it still retains part of your original brand name. I agree that Schultz's is a mouthful.
PS. That was no little video! Geoff is as ridiculously talented as you are!
#2!! :)
Hm I have to say I am not the biggest fan of any of your suggestions. I don't know why. But I don't have anything better in mind. What if you use photographer instead of photography? Since you are two. Maybe CGS Photographer. Or something like that. Just my 2cents ;)
hmmm i like #2....just seems the most "you"....
love y'all - so proud of everything you've done (from sara's bridal portraits in freedom park to my own masterpiece to cherish!) thanks for sharing your many gifts with all of us!!!
I like #2! Congrats!
#2 is my pick of the three :)
Love the video :)
I'm not particularly drawn to any of the options. Kinda liked
CGS Photography that someone else mentioned or maybe CG:Schultz This isn't very helpful as you're not asking for more ideas.
So I'd pick #3 out of the options.
Like another commenter said, visually I like #2 the best. Just not sure how you would say it.
Whatever you choose, congrats on another big step for your business!
Like another commenter said, visually I like #2 the best. Just not sure how you would say it.
Whatever you choose, congrats on another big step for your business!
#2 brands you both as you are. I like that this one incorporates both your names into one because it brands you as a husband/wife company as you are going for. To me, anything like #1, or "Simply Schultz" or "Schultz Studios" (not that those were options-just in case you started going in another direction) brand you in the wrong light.
My vote is for #2! love it!
how about Shotz by Schultz? kidding! :)
How about CGP? :) It rhymes! Just kidding. I like #3. Congrats on rebranding - our company is doing the very same thing right now just as other companies in the US are. Good Luck!
what about naming it your future kids names. Or CheyG, or
Cheyenne Geoff? This is hard coming up with ideas. Hope those helped. Or maybe just made ya think.
I like either Schultz Photography or CGS Photography.
Love the cow video!!
I like #2 -- the logo and type options seem more fun for that one. Good luck!!
I love your first name, Cheyenne, and I think you're really lucky to have an awesome name that isn't super-common, so you should definitely include it. I like how option #2 looks.
I can't wait to see how everything turns out!
#2 DEFINITELY as David Jay says "take the descriptors out of your name..you dont't need them"
#3 is too much like Bobbi + Mike
I just took out the photography in my own business as well.
yay for rebranding! We want to be great not just good.
This is exciting! Of your choices, I like #2 - very "you" - but I do think you need to keep a bit of what you've already built so I do like the idea of both of your initials, like CG:Shultz Photography or CGS. I'm sure whatever you pick will be brilliant!
I love how #3 sounds. #1 is unique but a little heavy to pronouce... #2 looks nice but is confusing as for how it's read... That's why I think #3 is nice and simple, which (I think) suits your style.
I wish you guys all the best!!
I vote for #2 as well! It's different and I think it would look best as a brand. Best of luck!
#2 is my favorite, simple, sleek...think you could do a lot with it...but take it with a grain of salt, because I'm not the creative person in my family. :)
We LOVE the video. Good job G-Off!! The girls have giggled thru it several times now! Thanks for enduring that for our girls! We love you!
I think cheyenne//geoff suits you better than the other two :) GL with deciding!
#2 - it seems the most creative...
I like #2!
I'd love to see the graphic/logo that goes along with these (if you're changing, that is).
I certainly think the cheyenne//geoff thing is pretty cool
OK - again as your Mother (who doesn't usually steer you wrong). I agree with everyone who says "visually" cheyenne//geoff looks great - how do you say it anyway?? I DO think that photography should definetly be in there so that people know what they are dealing with. Marketing wise - I think that might be important. Just a thought. I can see how you two wouldn't want to seem too formal..so I understand not wanting Schultz Photography. So - some of the others I like are:
1) C & G Photography (or Photos)
2)CGS Photography (or Photos)
3)Simply Shultz (Photos or Photography)
and I actually like what Allison said when she was kidding:
Shotz by Shultz!!
Another suggestion: Since not everyone reads the comments..I would also add on any that you might consider that other people suggest to let them count in the vote.
I don't really like any of the choices :-(
What about C&G Photography, or just C&G?? Then I can tease you and say the "C&G" is for Crazy and Goofy!! ;-) Either way... good luck and congrats with all of your success!!!
I like #2 :)
Hey there! Congrats on the re-branding! You guys must be so excited! I was torn between #2 & #3 but am leaning a little bit more to #3.Good luck!!
Okay after thinking about it all day (sad, I know) I've come to a relative conclusion. I've given it much thought as I realize how important my opinions are.
#1 is hard to say, it doesn't roll, it stumbles
#2 i don't get why that one is cool... it's two backslash marks? and no sound?
#3 I suppose is my favorite from these three
Trutfully, moving up and redesigning your logo, your color, your look, whatever... all sounds great, but you've got a great name, it's your blog (Geoff has his own), it's your facebook that houses the deal, everyone who works with you knows it is fully a husband wife team you are getting... so I would either suggest continue to brainstorm OR stick with your super fabulous name that already makes a great brand name
I do like CG:S Photography, it's monogram related, which is big in weddings, and that is all you do... weddings. Plus it's a modern approach to a monogram, and you are that as well, modern, fresh, blah blah, etc.
I'm not crazy about any of the suggestions either. They just don't seem edgy enough for you. I do like CG:S Photography that some others have suggested.
i love #2. it's casual and graphic. it reminds me of your first apartment. Love you both!
PLUS there are a lot of "schultz" brands out there... there's a schultz florist practically down the street from me. I hate to say it, but we have a really common last name, and you might end up associating yourself with another company, even if only in someone's mind.
I like #3
I FRICKIN LOVE THAT VIDEO! Could totally be a Chick-fil-a commercial!! Except for the gross mouth-opened-food-chewed shot of Geoff. HAHA!
Number 3 or 2 - 1 is complicated to properly say.... Love just the first names =) congrats!
I think I like Cheyenne//Geoff the best. Eye catching and you could do some really cool branding/logo work with it! :D I just went through all this with my new business partner and changing the name of our business too. It's a crazy process. Be sure you LOVE it before you make the final decison!!!
OH! The Shot by Schultz comment reminded me of our funny. One of the names we joked about using was Creative Assassins: We shoot people for fun! But we thought some might take it the wrong way! :P
I am voting for Cheyenne//Geoff.
Erika
I think it will be important to have "photography" somewhere in the name.
Also, what about Schultz squared with a little 2 next to it like it is to the second power? just a thought.
i like cheyenne//geoff and personally i think you don't need "photography" but that's just me :)
i like #3:)
Just as others have noted...#2 is interesting, but will potential clients know how to say it or understand what "//" means? The "//" kind of looks like a typo. Maybe some other characters would convey the message better? Or, what about tweaking #3...change it to all lowercase letters (cheyenne & geoff). I LOVE following your work and look forward to seeing what you come up with!!
Hi Cheyenne:
I like #2... congrats on all of your successes, sweetie. You deserve it!
XO,
Laura Stratton
I like #2 the best.
I agree that The Schultz's is hard to get off the tongue...and it just doesn't flow.
Schultz Photography sounds nice too!
I have to say I'm a little torn over this. I do like #2 esp. if you add "photography" to the name BUT I'll miss Cheyenne Schultz Photography because even though it's just your name it really has character. Can't wait to see what the new name will be!
I like #3. Or, how about #4 "Schultz Photographers"?
Number one is SUPAH DUPAH CUTE!...
I like it because it does suggest husband/wife team...but also...if you expand and have a ton of shooters working for you {like Millie Holloman or others}...being under The Schultz's kind means that 'they are part of the family...'
HOLLA!
I agreed with lots of others that visually and personality wise number 2 is a good fit, but I also struggle with the use of two backslashes. I really liked the suggestion of CG:S to go with the monogram idea, but thought the S might should come first S:CG just based on the use of the colon in english. And then through some brainstorming in the shower I thought it might be a good idea to use math symbols instead of english and came up with the idea C+G or Cheyenne+Geoff because it looks good visually and makes since to say. Just an idea! Keep up the brainstorming. Good luck with the rebranding. It is very exciting!
I agree with all the people who said Schultz Photography. Otherwise, Cheyenne//Geoff would be my second choice.
#3 for sure
Cheyenne, this is so crazy!! I'm even more convinced that you're the perfect photographer to shoot our wedding. I've emailed you and have your price list, but we're still trying to figure out a date.
Anyway, here's the crazy bit...My fiance and I have traveled the same road...I started shooting families in 2006 with my Rebel XTi, and had Jordan come along for support and as a second shooter, also with our point-and-shoot "Baby Canon." I'm now shooting with the 5D mII, and Jordan will be as well by Christmas (he's currently using the xti)...we're just getting into shooting more weddings. Every time I visit your blog, I'm even more blown away by how perfectly your style fits ours! Right down the the out-of-focus shot that you love from your newest post...one of my faves!
I look forward to seeing what you two choose...I vote #2. :) Good luck!
I'm a little bit late. I like #1 the best!
K - Here's my comment...
1st - I completely agree with Juan about looking into something that really is 'trademarkable' (personally went through a huge fiasco with this myself and a non-profit I worked with) and there's fine line, and attorney's are expensive.
2nd - I think it can be both of your business with the current name, and you've already done very well with it...it's already recognized by many...why fix something that isn't broke?
3rd - If you google Shultz Photography there are 3 million results, though I'm sure you'd be at the top, and definatley the best - it's not as original as the both of you.
4th - I do like the C & G, or Cheyenne and Geoff...I think it's good to keep your name, b/c of your following.
5th - GOOD LUCK - This sounds like it's going to be a hard decision, but ultimatley it's your and Geoff's baby, so you have to go with what you'll both love!
xoxo,
jp
Chey enne Geoff...
I would snake the enne between your names into a & sign...
get it
Chey and Geoff
Chey enne G-off
3 D Memories by Geoff and Cheyenne
what is a photo 2D?
Passionate Memories captured by Geoff and Cheyenne
Capturing Memorable Moments
Photography by Geoff and Cheyenne
Forever Pictured in our Heart
Geoffrey and Cheyenne
Well I really hate all the choices ;)Just kidding. I vote for #1. It's fun and that way it won't be confusing when Ellen and Jazzy show up to second shoot.
I'm commenter 33,234 but I hope this gets read! I think you should stick with your current name, but drop the "photography". There are plenty of couples out there who have the business under one name (the "face" of your business is really Cheyenne). This doesn't lessen Goeff's role, it's simply a matter of fact that Cheyenne is more visible in the blogging and social media. I'm bringing my wife on board to my business, but don't plan on changing the name if and when she becomes and equal contributor to it.
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