Whenever I hold a contest I end up wanting everyone who enters to win, and this time I’m not even going to pick a winner. Not cool I know. Holding contests is apparently not my forte. I guess I will have to hold them more often and practice.
However, even with no official “winner” I can say that I would not have even thought of this name without suggestions like this one from kacey or this one from Jenn. I started thinking about where I was from (Jenna Royal), or when I was born (Jenna April), and then I thought of Jenna Lu, and I liked it so much I immediately sent a text to my Grandma (Yep my Grandma has an iphone and she sends me text messages back and forth!) to see what she thought of the idea, and when she loved it I knew it was set in my mind.
Finally, a decision.
Unfortunately a decision that That Husband hasn’t quite warmed to yet.
So before I buy the domain, register, and do all of the other million steps I need to take, I ask for your feedback one last time.
Jenna Lu Photography
Lu is my Grandma, the one I lived right next door to for the first 6 years of my life. I put on wigs and danced to the Alvin & The Chipmunks in her sitting room. I went over for dinner and ended up staying for three days. I dominate all of the home movies she shot of the grandkids growing up. I snuggled up in her basement watching Care Bears and Rainbow Brite while eating Gummi Bears (Sometimes I ate Gummi Bears while watching Gummi Bears!).
Here I am pumping water at the ranch. I loved going to the ranch with Grandma and Grandpa!
But That Husband is still feeling hesitant, so I wanted to come back and ask you one last time (really, this is the last time you will ever hear from me about this matter ever again) for your opinion.
- Do you like the name Jenna Lu Photography?
- If you heard the name, but didn’t see it spelled, what would you type into google to find it? (ex. Jenna Lu, Jenna Loo Photography, or Jenna Lou Photography, etc)
- What thoughts cross your mind when you hear the name Jenna Lu Photography?
I have my first practice shoot scheduled for this Saturday, and I’m ready to get my photo blog domain purchased so I can start blogging my best shots (let’s hope there are some best shots to blog).
And check back later today, I’ll be showing you pictures of the camera I bought, and the first pictures I took with it yesterday!
February 26th, 2009 on 3:29 am
1. I do like the name. Of course, I have an “unofficial middle name, of “Sue” so I may be biased.
2. I admit I would definitely think it was spelled Jenna Lou Photography
3. The name made me think of a girl with a southern accent. Which kinda fits if you are living in Dallas (even if you are a transplant)
Pointer: Make sure you take like 5 shots (minimum) of each pose and you will be sure to have something to blog about. Even if you think you got it on the first try. There may be minute details that you can’t see on the mini screen of the Camera, and won’t see until you pull it up on your monitor. I have learned the hard way!
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February 26th, 2009 on 6:38 am
I don’t know why, but I’m not sold on it. It does sound a bit southern, as Mandy Sue says, and that doesn’t work for me – it feels a bit limiting and also like people might pigeonhole you as a southern gal. Not that there’s anything good or bad about that that I know (I’m not even American) but it might be something to think about!
Also I would definitely spell it “Lou” if I was looking it up. I wouldn’t even think of “Lu”!
Most awesome luck for Saturday!
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February 26th, 2009 on 6:45 am
I have to say I immediately though Loo (I am English though) and if asked to spell it I would probably seach Lou if I thought it was a middle name.
I do see that it is your grandmother’s name and means something to you but I am not sure it works for me. I agree it does sound Southern but that is not a good or a bad thing.
I echo the thoughts wishing you good luck on Saturday.
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February 26th, 2009 on 6:48 am
I love the name “Lu”, but if I’d never seen a picture of you and I was meeting you for our photo shoot, I’d be very surprised when you showed up and you weren’t Asian! If you spelled it “Lou”, I be very surprised if you showed up and didn’t have cowboy boots on!
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February 26th, 2009 on 7:03 am
I think the name is fine, and I like how it honors your grandma. As everyone has said, I would probably search for it as “lou” though. And it reminds me of Cindy Lou Who from The Grinch.
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February 26th, 2009 on 7:07 am
Jenna Lu is cute but that spelling made me think immediately that you were likely Asian. Maybe a different spelling as others have suggested
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Cécy Reply:
February 26th, 2009 at 11:30 am
That was my thought too.
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Amber Reply:
March 5th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Ditto. I also thought it would be spelled Lou
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February 26th, 2009 on 7:34 am
Love you + the blog, but I agree with That Husband: not sold on Jenna Lu. A little too country back woods, not quite professional enough.
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February 26th, 2009 on 7:50 am
I would spell it Jenna Lou, then when I saw it spelled correctly, I would think you were Chinese.
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CaitStClair Reply:
February 26th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Same here. I do kind of like it though.
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February 26th, 2009 on 7:59 am
I like Lu – it’s cute, meaningful, and easy to say/remember. I’d probably instinctively spell it ‘Lou’, though.
If you proceed with it, I’d find a way to incorporate the spelling of ‘Lu’ into your logo….like Jasmine Star has the J* logo? Visual association might help people remember the spelling.
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February 26th, 2009 on 8:21 am
I too would think it spelled Lou. It is a good idea though.
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February 26th, 2009 on 8:24 am
I do like it — it’s SO close to my suggestion of Lucy (referencing light!) — but worry about the problems people might have spelling it. (Trust me on that one: My name has a silent “t” at the end of it and is almost NEVER spelled correctly!)
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February 26th, 2009 on 8:36 am
I would think of it as Lou — but that’s probably because the husband of one of my best friend’s is Lou (short for Louis).
I would never associate Lu as southern, but rather as Asian — and the last name Lu, Liu, or some variant seems to be common, so I would just automatically assume that your first name was Jenna, your last name was Lu, and you were Asian.
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February 26th, 2009 on 8:41 am
I would have spelled it “Lou” if I was searching for it. Lu reminds me of something more Asian.
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February 26th, 2009 on 8:43 am
I like the sentiment, but I don’t think it “rings”, to be honest. And I think the spelling could lead to confusion. Sorry!
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February 26th, 2009 on 8:51 am
I’m gonna go against most of the grain here and say that I kinda like it. True you’re gonna get mispellings but it’s also the novelty of the way “lu” is spelled that would help to single you out as well.
It could work well into a sign and watermark, especially with loopy “J” and “L”.
Maybe I’m just used to having a weird name (going from a very dutch to a very polish last name sure doesn’t help matters either) but it’s those differences that also helps with name recognition more.
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February 26th, 2009 on 9:11 am
I’m like everyone else and would have spelled it “Lou”. I guess I’m in the same ballpark with TH and I’m not totally sold on it either. While I love that you incorporated your grandma’s name, someone you love and admire, it doesn’t seem to jump out at me. But I also think that what you do will sell the name not necessarily the other way around. If someone told me to use a company called “Jenna Lu Photography”, my thoughts would be: “Must be professional (coming from the PHOTOGRAPHY) and must be sweet (coming from JENNA LU)”. So that’s not bad at all. So, to sum it all up, your photos could end up making the name.
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February 26th, 2009 on 9:29 am
i am with everyone else. i would have spelled it “Lou.” I do agree that the name “Lu” is *most definitely* Asian when it is not used as a first name or nickname, which isn’t terrible, but coming from someone whose last name doesn’t match her ethnicity, trust me, there’s no reason to confuse your clients like that.
Spelling aside, I love the way the name sounds!! It’s adorable but still professional.
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February 26th, 2009 on 9:34 am
Hi Mrs. Avacodo! Followed you here from weddingbee. I think you should put it together in one spelling, Jennalu Photography, it just looks more Posh and unique. Love your work BTW! I live in Dallas area and would love to have the kids get their Easter photos done. Do you think you can fit us in and what is your price range?
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February 26th, 2009 on 9:44 am
I don’t like it, for many of the reasons mentioned above, and I would think its Jenna Lou if I just heard it.
But if you love it, go for it. I don’t like the name “Jasmine Star” – but she’s awesome and she’s done incredibly well for herself and it works for her.
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February 26th, 2009 on 9:46 am
i agree with the above comments, “lu” is hard to guess spelling-wise [would have guessed liu] and does suggest that you are of asian descent.
not that that matters, of course, but there might be asian brides who are looking for a photographer they feel would relate to the culture of their wedding.
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February 26th, 2009 on 9:49 am
I don’t really know why, but I’m not a huge fan of the sound of “Jenna Lu.” I probably would have thought you were asian or spelled it as Lou. The sentiment is in the right place, though. But, ultimately, it’s your business, so it’s your decision.
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February 26th, 2009 on 10:15 am
I have to say that the first thing I thought of was Jenny Yoo — which is a line of bridesmaid dresses that is fairly popular (at least among my friends) …. more of an FYI then an opinion.
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February 26th, 2009 on 10:40 am
My sister’s name is Laura & we’ve always called her “Lu”, so the spelling is not weird to me at all (nor did it make me think Asian). On the other hand, the hubs’s grandma’s name is Luella, & they call her “Grandma Lou”. (Frankly, the addition of the “o” drives me nuts!)
The name does make me think of a young girl, & immediately got me singing “Skip to My Lou”. I do LOVE the meaning behind it though. Definitely a tough decision.
You may also want to check with the SBA to see what other businesses out there include the name Jenna. If I can find the web address later today, I’ll send it to you.
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February 26th, 2009 on 10:47 am
I appreciate the meaning behind it, but I’m with TH – this doesn’t grab me.
Jenna Royal sounds so classic, like Royal typewriters. Sounds professional, but still fun, to me. Jenna Lu sounds… not childish, but not exactly professional.
Your Jenna April got me thinking of Jenna June – which is more snappy and professional-sounding to me than Jenna Lu.
Also, I would have spelled it “lou”
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February 26th, 2009 on 11:15 am
honestly love the name (and the gma behind it) but I would not know how to spell it…
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February 26th, 2009 on 11:17 am
I also immediately thought of “loo” like the English restrooms.
I would never know to spell it Lu.
It also makes me think of a little girl. I had a friend named Cindy Lou, and she had pigtails, and that’s the image I get. But that’s just me.
I think it’s catchy, and I think it’s great that it’s meaningful to you, but I’m not loving it either.
Of course, it’s YOUR photography business though.
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February 26th, 2009 on 11:20 am
Maybe you could register a Jenna Lou domain and have it redirected to the Jenna Lu website?
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February 26th, 2009 on 11:23 am
Just echoing everyone else’s thoughts. I LOVE that the name has meaning behind it, but unless it was merged into one word, i.e. Jennalu, like one commenter suggested, I would definitely spell it “Lou” and think you were Asian when I saw the correct spelling. As for the claims of it being unprofessional, well, if it had ACTUALLY been your name, whatcha gonna do? lol I think it sounds sweet, and if that’s the style you’re going for, you could totally market yourself that way…
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February 26th, 2009 on 11:53 am
A quick google on “lu photography” resulted in many different “(name) lu photography” so I’d be worried about individuality with so many “lu’s” out there. I do love the meaning tho, very sweet.
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February 26th, 2009 on 12:20 pm
It might take me some time to get used to the name, but it’s fresh. I like the personal touch to it. I think I would look for “Lou” instead of “Lu” in Google. Good luck on a decision!
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February 26th, 2009 on 12:30 pm
It’s really cute, although I would spell it “Lou” which reminds me of both an elderly gentleman and a “potty”. It may take some time to get use to it, but I do like it!
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February 26th, 2009 on 12:32 pm
1 – Yes, especially the sentiment
2 – I may type Lou, but I may not… it there a Jenna Lou? That may make a difference.
3 – Honestly when I hear Jenna Lu I think Lu is your last name and you’re Chinese. Not that there is anything wrong with that, its just that when I think Jenna I think Polish (now that you are).
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February 26th, 2009 on 2:38 pm
I agree with most people. I love love LOVE the sentiment, but the name totally doesn’t sing to me.
- I would definitely expect it to be spelt Lou (so it doesn’t meet your initial requirements)
- It has either southern/asian connotations. Neither of those is actually a negative, but it is something to think about…
- If you could re-direct Jenna Lou to you, it would be better, and lead to less confusion.
I like the 1 syllable middle name, but I’m not sure that this is your best choice. Then again, it means something to you, and the photos you take are always going to be more important than the name!!
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February 26th, 2009 on 4:31 pm
You would definitely be mistaken for an Asian American photographer! But that might be an ingenious marketing technique!!
When I think of you and your potential business, I don’t think “Jenna Lu”. If you are really set on keeping “Lu”, someone mentioned putting the names together “JennaLu Photography”. That could be fun and unique?
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February 26th, 2009 on 4:48 pm
I’d assume that it was either your last name or else a childhood nickname (as well as thinking things covered by previous comments). But, while I don’t really like the name… it seems like it might be a good choice because it seems fun, energetic, and cute and that matches your online personality.
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February 26th, 2009 on 5:17 pm
I am not a fan of it either. I love the sentimentality behind it. Maybe because I go to an academic institution with a lot of asian-americans who are named Jenna/Jenny Lieu… And there are other names you can mistake the sound “Lu” to=> Lieu, Loo, Lou…
There were a lot of other potential names in the last post I thought had more spark and spunk to the sound.
Its a hard choice! Something you have to be comfortable with if you want it to be a business name. I think it deserves careful consideration!
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February 26th, 2009 on 5:49 pm
Sorry to say I don’t really like that either… I guess it doesn’t sound very professional or modern to me. As everyone said it’s about what you want, but in the long run, you might not having a name that you feel a lot of people aren’t giving a top notch reaction to.
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Ashley Reply:
February 26th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
*might not like having
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February 26th, 2009 on 11:35 pm
I love it but maybe I am biased since I helped inspire it. I think that just because there is a way people think to spell it you will spell out a website since there are so many ways of spelling everything and people are being more creative with names all the time.
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February 26th, 2009 on 11:56 pm
I don’t loooove it. I looooove Jenna Bee though. Why don’t you like Jenna Bee? Just outta curiosity. When I saw that suggestions, i was SURE you’d be sold on it.
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February 27th, 2009 on 10:52 am
This was inspired by the baby
Jenna Camdon Photography
I think it sounds so lovely. I might spell it Camdyn or Camden…sooo maybe not exactly what you want. Oh well…dang it.
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February 27th, 2009 on 10:52 am
This was inspired by the baby
Jenna Camdon Photography
I think it sounds so lovely. I might spell it Camdyn or Camden…sooo maybe not exactly what you want. Oh well…dang it.
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February 27th, 2009 on 10:54 am
I dont know why I posted twice……..”sorry”
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/gilly/945843/
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February 28th, 2009 on 9:00 am
Is there a favorite literary place or name you could use? Jenna Wonderland Photography? Jenna Heathcliff? Avonlea?
Or- can you rearrange the letters of your real last name to spell something? There are websites that can do that for you!
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March 2nd, 2009 on 10:14 pm
I’m not a big fan – the Lu part reminds me of all those older church ladies I’ve known through the years. Based on the name I would probably not call for a sitting unless I’d seen your work and already loved it. But I do love the sentiment behind the choice.
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