I am a Photographer/Designer/Illustrator....
Look at my profile if interested.
I also happen to have a name kinda in the realm of yours my-designer.com
I like it but have no illusions about its worth. If someone offered me $350 for it, I would jump on it: ) Right now I just use it as a redirect to my main site.
I am not bashing your name....like I said I think its a fine name for a photographer. But its not a high value name...that doesn't make it a bad name.
As to being better than "yourname"photography.com that would depend on your name and your marketing plan. Just some thoughts...take em or leave em : )