Photo for business ad - Germany

Ok, so I just started a new small business here, a photo studio. I printed flyers with some sample photos on it. Main image on my flyer is of course the most stunning picture of my model I did. But then some Germans who got the flyer started to ask; Hey is it you on the pic? Why it's not you in the pic?

Err...I thought I'm the photographer and not the model? I like to show my photo works off and not my face, oder?

But then later I figure out that It's kind of umm...I wouldn't say it common but uumm...neccessity (?) to put photo of the owner in whatever business's ad. In local newspaper I read even plumber, Heizung guy or Tier-Artz have their smiling photo on. I didn't know that someone will take it seriously to know if someone handsome will come to fix her Heizung

The worse is a brochure I got in my mailbox this morning. It's a brochure of a beautician. Beside the explanation about the service and the price, there is an 'about me' part - plus photo of her. Everything looks normal with her work experiences and education until I read her status: 45 years old, a daughter, a mother, married. But then the word 'verheiratet' is streaked (but still obvious) cos I guess she's not married anymore?

So is it so necessary to put your photo and status to promote your business? I don't mind to have my photo on my own flyer but at least not as a main image cos again, I'm the one behind the camera not the model.

Personally I think one of the joys of being self-employed is that you do NOT have to go with conventions. If you want to add your photo then great, if you don't - do NOT be bullied by the traditions here.

If it helps this is the website of my local German photography studio that I use. Nathalie is in one of the team photos, but she is certainly NOT a main feature.

http://www.foto-balleis.de/

Germans are classic for criticism of anything and everything. It's mainly harmless and just to be ignored - see it as "making conversation'" and then simply move on. My German family are awesome in that respect.
I nod politely and just do it my way.

I was told originally that my company name sounded "Russian" and therefore very dodgy and I would get no customers. I have never had a single customer ask about or query the name!

Actually on that score the "tradition" here has always been to call your business after your own name - but I had no interest in doing that either.

Thank you to make me feel better!

Just check the website, not sure which one is Nathalie but love the team photo. I have that kinda profile photo also in 'about us' of my website and I think it's enough to let the people know who will do the photo session