Great Photographer Logos
With over 65,000 photographers using PhotoShelter, we see a wide range of photography styles. We also see a bunch of different design sensibilities, and it’s no surprise that photographers who have invested in a unique brand/logo design stand out amongst the crowd. PhotoShelter websites list the photographer name with text by default, but you can upload your own logo, which can have a pretty transformational quality to a standard template.
This particular list isn’t exhaustive by any measure, but we wanted to share a few logos that we thought were exceptional.
http://redandgold.photoshelter.com
Mike Rose Photography
http://archive.mikerosephoto.com
Lamatas & Slazdi
http://www.slazdi.lv
http://www.finestreetphotography.com
Tiffany Schultz
http://tiffanyschultz.photoshelter.com/
http://shaunflannery.photoshelter.com/
Logos represent a photographer’s brand image and are difficult to “get right”, especially if you work in multiple genres yet want to stand out from the simple (but often classy) “just my name” look Feel free to look at and comment on my logo: http://www.blueplanetphoto.com
I’ve tried to come up with something simple and effective that suggests a multimedia aspect too. But I’m not yet entirely convinced it works. I’ll live with it a while longer to see if it catches on. http://paultreacy.com
This is a great article, branding is such important thing, and needs to be done right. http://www.danielkorzeniewski.com
Huh. I’m really surprised that some of these qualify as “great”. A logo should give a feel for the business and the product … some of these logos tell me “don’t hire this person”. Only two of them appeal to me in any way at all. And one of them is a pretty blatant knock off of another photographer’s logo. 😉
Happy and humbled to see that my logo was chosen as a sample. I use a LOGO to promote my business image and I have it on my business cards, promotions, articles, news letters … and I am happy to be able to use it on my web site too. @ Kara … I would like to know which of the logos appeals to you. I think honest feed back will help us improve our image in the photography business. Thank you! Gabriel
y’all forgot to include mine: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oZPJZ1X0lSO6v3BpYGUG-HMItWeF9LzyPjlJbEhFzZU?feat=directlink
I am afraid I am with Kara on this one. These are a bad list of ‘good’ logos. Having worked in branding for a long time, it baffles me that a creative service like a photographer can produce such uninspiring designs. The only one that works well is for Gabriel Morosan (apart from the ‘photography’ being in the wrong place above the name). Wobsarazzi is just a word mark using a generic font, so can’t be classed as a logo. Overcomplicated and fussy. I am sure many design firms would create a good logo in exchange for some photography work. Jamie
Gabriel Morosan’s logo is the only good one in this list.
A couple weeks ago I wrote a blog post about the importance of brand development for photographers: http://bit.ly/91oRJw.
I’m sorry to say that I agree, most if not all, would not qualify as great logos. Creating logos is not an easy thing. Making them great is even harder. It just seems that most of the logos here lack any sort of distinctive quality. Some of the logos even use generic icons. I also see that a few people here like Gabriel’s logo. I would say that the execution of the “aperture/diaphragm”, the color and line work are done very well, but I feel it’s a symbol that’s extremely over used. To me the most interesting of the group is Kristina Krug’s logo. I don’t believe that the scale or placement is handled well nor am I sure as to what it represents. I will say, it stands out and is memorable. All this being said, I wouldn’t just make these comments with out having the experience to do so. I’ve been in the design field for over 20 yrs. I worked in the music business for 15 of those, viewing hundreds of portfolios and hiring many photographers. I am currently the Design Director for MTV Networks Creative Services and a part time photographer as well. I am also posting my url. You can see my logo there. I’m not sure I’d say it’s a great logo either. But I do believe that it is done well and it’s memorable. Creating GREAT logos is hard. http://www.nickgammaphotography.com
Thank you all for taking the time to write your opinion. It is highly appreciated. Gabriel
As usual an insightful article and even more interesting comments. I must agree with the general opinion here is that none of these particularly appeal. I’m on iteration 2 of my own and have been living with it for the last 9 months or so. Not convinced its memorable though. http://www.johndunnephotography.com/
go to my site http://www.ruanredelinghuys.co.za for a great combo concept logo
Hi Gabriel, thanks for the information. Glad to know the positive feedback on the design we both develop. For logo design and branding, please visit http://www.junespringmultimedia.com