Which Logo works?

[AdamZx3]

For what its worth I agree on not including a photo into your logo, these are generally meant to be added to your preferred medium (poster,brochure,card etc..) A logo should look good in black and white as well as it does in color, and I always give it the fax test...send it to a fax machine and see how it prints. The logo and typefaces should represent the company, whether they exude a playful, strong, fancy, or casual business image.

Take this with a grain of salt though i'm not a professional designer yet, still a student

 

[adstudio3d]

I guess this debate is going to continue without us Jim. haha!

Zen, There are going to be people on both sides tell you what to do.
It is up to you to decide what kind of image you'd like to portray.

- Using an image as a logo will show skill in that specific form of photography, but will aslo take credibility away from your skill with other forms. Also, if you decide you want to use an image of a bride, a child, and a model all together it makes you look more like someone who does it all... The problem with that is, people usually think you are wonderful at one thing and only do that, or do everything just ok. It will aslo limit you to where you can use it.

- Using a logo looks more "Professional". We are bombarded by corporate branding everywhere we go. Because of this most people think because you have a logo, you must be professional. The down side to using only a logo would be that you are not showing your work, which is what people ultimately want and need to see when looking for a photographer.

- THE ANSWER!!!
Use Images, and a professional logo together.
This will give people the ability to see your work and also look professional.
Because of the perception a logo gives the client, you can also charge more! Business cards, Advertisements, Brochures, and website are all good places to use images along with your logo. But, when you are billing someone for their wedding or having a model sign a release form you do not want to send them a document with someone elses picture on it! This is where you use only your logo. The people will easily reckognize what the document is for because of your logo. It will also stay in their mind, and if you send out any kind of advertising to past customers they will remember what a good job you did for them and spread word of mouth.

Ok, ok, I think I wrote enough. I think it's time to retire for the nigh... week. I think this solves all the problems.

Hope this is some help to people watching this thread. oh yea, and you to Zen!

 

[Hfry]

more Options I would expand on option 2. but I dunno what market your leaning towards so.. This is a ................ question Good Luck, Bro.