Professional Photographer Needs High-End, Classic Logo & Icon

Lisa Mark Photography

I am a 25-year old professional photographer from Toronto, Ontario. I classify myself primarily as a wedding and portrait photographer, but I've always loved shooting live gigs and bands, so I also welcome various creative opportunities.

As a result, my branding is fairly middle of the road when it comes to gender (i.e. nothing is too feminine and frilly. Logos and colours/design should appeal to a 25 year old bride and a band's manager just the same).

I've been shooting professionally for a few years now and I want to encourage my company's growth upward. My clients are becoming more well-established financially and I want to achieve the same grace and elegance of a high-end brand. I feel my work has a certain feeling - it's less traditional or old-fashioned, and more modern and editorial/photojournalistic, and even fashion-inspired at times.

I feel my personal professional image is that of an open, fresh, young, creative photographer who's excited about new and unique ideas for each and every client.

My work and existing branding can be seen on my website at http://www.lisamarkphotography.com

My target audience is primarily engaged couples (mainly women seek me out, but occasionally grooms do as well) who are between 20 and 40 years of age. The target market is mid to high-end financially, and my ideal client probably likes brands such as Coach, Manolo Blahnik, etc. and values great service and a fun, unique and artistic personality.

To date I've had a basic logo made up of the words "Lisa Mark Photography". I want to create a branded identity which I can utilize on business cards, stationary, etc. Most importantly I need an icon to use on my blog as a watermark.

I've attempted to use my existing full worded logo on my images as a watermark and I find it overwhelming and amateur-looking (mainly because my current logo is simply my business name typed out). I want to go in the direction of clean branding with an icon that can be placed directly on the image to discourage stealing photos.

Here are a few photographers whose logos and watermarks I like:

http://www.jerryghionisblog.com/
http://stillmotionblog.com/
http://www.impulsephotographyblog.com/
http://www.jessicaclaire.net/

I also like the simple, clean, upscale logos/branding of the following brands:

Coach
Manolo Blahnik
Jimmy Choo
Chanel
Holt Renfrew

My branding colours are black and red (not super bright - please see attached my current 2009 logo to see what I mean).

I would not be against introducing another accent colour but my primary branding should remain black and red. I would, however, like to be able to use the logo (or icon) as a watermark, possibly in one colour (i.e. white) - whatever looks best as a watermark.

This branding should appeal to both a bride & groom, a mother or to a rock star.

***EDIT****
Now that I have seen several beautiful modern designs, I would love to see a few with a retro feeling to them. I think this will help me pick my favourite logo if I have a couple different style directions to choose from. Please take a look at this link for some inspiration:

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/200…-showcase/

Also please note that this logo may end up embossed or letterpressed onto business cards.

Thank you for all the wonderful work so far! I'm looking forward to declaring a winner.