Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Name Change and Teaching

Hey team! So, Gary and I have our business licence coming up for renewal in a month and we are changing from a proprietorship to a partnership. Yes, Gary has been the sole owner of GC Photography since the beginning even though I now do about 80% of the work:) It makes sense to change to a partnership but we are thinking of changing our name as well. It can be hard having a business with two people but I know I would never do a wedding without Gary! Besides, he's my expert camera/lens cleaner/ maintenance guy and IT expert! I do want something tied to our name but maybe it doesn't even make sense to change it. You know, all new business cards, domain names etc. Could be a pain. Thoughts? Does it even matter? We aren't looking to expand our business, just keep it nice and small. Kinda weird in a world where everyone wants to grow, grow, grow!

Secondly, it seems like every single person I talk to daily (when they find out I'm a photographer) mentions that they have a nice camera and would like to learn how to use it properly. I would LOVE for people to know how to use their cameras to their full potential. I'm thinking of offering mini courses (you know, like 2 hours) where you learn the basics of how to use your camera (focusing on shutter speed, ISO, aperture and exposure) and then practice in an indoor and outdoor setting might be a fun idea. I would offer the first one at a discounted rate to get feedback. I'm not claiming to be an expert but I do feel like I have some good info to offer! Besides, I'm a decent teacher and I miss it:)

Anyway, those are my thoughts of the day. Would love feedback!
Love, Louise

15 comments:

  1. Aww but I love GC Photography! I say keep it... if you can :)

    PS - I would totally take a 2 hour course with you. I got a really nice camera lens for Christmas and have no idea how to use it to its full potential. Let me know if you decide to offer that!!!

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  2. great idea! I would definitely be super interested in a mini course!!

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  3. oooh, oooh, do an online course!! :)

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  4. Great idea to offer a mini teaching session! I think lots of people would be interested (and I know some people I could send your way, because i can teach piano to youngun's, but i lack the natural teaching skills when it comes to photography...i'm kind of all over the place!).

    the name...i guess it depends how much material you have with your logo on it (business cards) and if it's worth the cost to reprint. i think you should be included in the name though :)

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  5. Yes!!! I would sign up! :)

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  6. Anonymous4:00 PM

    I would definitely take a mini course! That sounds like a great idea and lots of potential for future business.

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  7. Sandra5:55 PM

    I'd take it...I'm too dependent on my husband for all that shutter speed stuff. He just sets the camera up for me. I need to be forced to learn. Please do the course! :)

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  8. I think you would be great doing some photography teaching!

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  9. If I lived closer I would LOVE to do a mini course with you- fabulous idea! And, I'm with the others who say to keep the name the same- too much hassle, cost, and risk with people possibly not finding your new site.

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  10. I would love to take your course. I try to follow online tutorials but my attention wanders.

    I would vote change the name - I've been following your blog and your photography for ages now and didn't clue in until you did our photos that it was just 'G' not GL photography.. Mike and I chuckled about it. I get why staying the same is easier, though I think your business is so tied into who you are, and not your name, that people would quickly figure out a switch.

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  11. Anonymous11:24 PM

    I would do the course. I am inept with this camera. It scares me. I have actually thought of asking you before to do this :)
    - Cath

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  12. I always thought it was GL photography from the logo so what do I know?! :)

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  13. I can understand why you'd like your name represented in your business name. People will figure out the name change, if they want you badly enough, and as you say, you are not trying to expand your business.

    I would totally take a class if I lived near you!

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  14. You should totally teach photography/camera classes. When we got our SLR I forced myself to use it on manual a lot, but I've gotten lazy... and don't even remember all that I learned. It's a great idea, especially for those of us who would never sign up for anything longer than a couple hour course.

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  15. I don't own a nice camera but would love to buy one and learn how to take decent pictures! It's on my bucket list to do this actually & I feel like the amount I use pictures (tweet, blog, facebook) it would be nice to not just use my iPhone pictures all the time! haha :)

    I think you would be great at this for sure & I would love to take a mini course at some point in the future!

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