Featured Topics
Green Screens
Green screen photography is a technique perfect for those with wild imaginations. When you are not limited to shooting in your studio or local environment, the possibilities are endless to where you can take your subjects! Chroma keying allows photographers to recreate virtually any setting, scene or special effect by adding in any background they choose, and using fun green screen props. As green screen technology advances, nearly any photographer can experiment with ease!
Learn MoreOpening Your Own Studio
Opening your own photography studio is a not a simple decision by any means! Of course, there are many factors to consider such as space, location, budget and branding that will help determine the pros and cons of a new business venture. Take advice here from our pros who have been in your shoes at one time.
Learn MoreShooting with Seamless Paper
Savage Seamless Paper is one of the most cost-effective solutions for creating smooth, seamless backgrounds in portraits, commercial photography, and video production. Although most commonly used for studio work, seamless paper can be used for a number of other purposes, such as theater productions, special-event decorations, display banners, posters, even video projection screens.
Learn MorePortrait Photography
From families, to newborns, to pets, portrait photography is one of the most popular types of photography today and includes dozens of sub-specialties and styles. Unlike other photography niches, portrait photography is all about the subject - aiming to capture the unique personality or mood of whoever is being photographed.
Learn MoreWorking with Clients
Working with clients can be one of the most challenging aspects of being a professional photographer. Establishing and meeting expectations can sometimes be difficult, especially if you're new to the industry. Open communication, clear pricing and overall strong people skills are all essential elements for creating happy and returning clients.
Learn MoreFloor Drops
From sleek wood flooring, to rust-stained concrete, to faux sport fields, Savage Floor Drops offer amazingly lifelike, detailed, and dimensional patterns that are perfect for creating that on-location look in the studio.
Learn MoreChoosing a Niche
Honing in on one or two specific niches can be beneficial for a photographer. From a business standpoint, selecting a specific niche allows you to stand out from the pack and perfect your skills in one area. Choosing a niche can often be difficult though; to take time to explore a variety of niches in order to find where your personal interest and skills will shine brightest.
Learn MoreWedding Photography
Weddings are highly considered as one of the most rewarding photography niches. While the photographer gets to experience the romance, love and joy of each big event, be sure realize the depth of your task. Your work begins long before the wedding day, and continues when it's over. Be prepared to be along for the journey to deliver the most special, beautiful memories that will hang in their hallways for decades to come!
Learn MoreCollapsible Backdrops
Collapsible backdrops are an essential piece of gear for any photographer. Portable, compact, and simple to set up and take down, they are the ideal choice for photographers needing a versatile backdrop that can be easily used in studio or on location.
Learn MoreShooting Outdoors
Many photographers begin their journey shooting outdoors. Why shouldn't they? The sun provides great natural light and there are endless locations that make a stunning backdrop. While the natural outdoors gives photographers freedom to explore and experiment, there are also some risks and extra responsibilities involved that photographers should be aware of.
Learn MoreComparing Backdrops
There is an overwhelming amount of choices available to studio photographers when it comes to equipment and gear. Photographers must decide location, model, camera lens, props, and lighting setup of their photo shoot in addition to choosing the perfect backdrop. While the background may not seem as important to the end product as other factors, it can really make or break the photo.
Learn MorePhotographic Lighting
Photographers must constantly battle lighting conditions to achieve a perfect glow to their subjects. Natural light serves outdoor photographers beautifully, while studio photographers have an array of light options to satisfy any indoor shoot. A great thing about light is that it can be controlled and modified to suit any subject!
Learn MoreStudio Photography 101
Studio photography offers a blank template for a photographer to create virtually any setting and tone he desires. Mix up your shoots with various professional backdrops and floor drops, experiment with studio lighting techniques, and implement all kinds of posing props! If you’re new to the studio it all can seem daunting, but don’t let that stand in the way of creating your dream photo setup!
Learn MoreBackdrop Maintenance
Professional studio photo backdrops have a reputation for high quality and durability. You invest your hard-earned money back into your studio equipment, so it's important to make sure you are properly maintaining and storing your backdrops, to extend their life as long as possible!
Learn MorePhotographing Kids
Photographing young kids can be an arduous task that takes more creativity and effort than photographing adults. However, children can be some of the most rewarding and fun subjects to work with! After gaining some experience, you'll easily learn all sorts of tips and tricks to capturing those genuine smiles and big personalities.
Learn MoreWorking with Pets
Pets are an integral member to many families, so it's no surprise that pet portraits are so popular. If you are tasked with the job of photographing a beloved family pet, you'll want to be able to provide photos that show off the animal's personality and unique characteristics. Taking portraits of energetic puppies or nervous kittens isn't always easy, but can produce some of your most adorable images.
Learn MoreBackdrop Stands
Professional backdrops aren't of much use if you don't have a sturdy support system to hang them on. Whether you travel a lot, need to switch between multiple backdrops quickly or are just starting in a small studio space, there is a backdrop stand to match your needs.
Learn MoreBuilding Your Photography Online
New photographers have great resources when turning to the internet for industry information. With so many well established blogs, expert photographers accessible to and engaging with followers on social media, and video tutorials galore, online is where every photographer needs to be. With so many channels to learn, network and publish your photography, it's essential to be focused on growing your business online.Learn MoreProduct Photography
Quality product photos are essential to any business, especially online retailers. When customers cannot pick up, feel or try on a product, it's up to you, the photographer, to deliver images that portray the item's best features in the best light possible.
Learn MorePost Production
Always feel like once you've captured your images in-camera, it's just the beginning of the production process? We're here to help you minimize your time & effort spent in post production through efficient processes and practices.
Learn MoreWorking with Models
While working with new people in a professional environment can be tricky sometimes, it can also bring new ideas, develop networking connections and create synergy within your shoot. If you have yet to work with professional models, what's holding you back?
Learn MoreUtilizing Your Camera
Using your digital camera to it's fullest, or even partial, potential can be the most intimidating and confusing part of photography! With technology allowing us to do so many awesome things, the possibilities and settings of your device are endless.
Learn MoreMarketing Essentials for Photographers
It's a common belief among photographers that the administrative and marketing tasks of operating a photo business are so consuming that actual shooting seems just a small part of their job. While that can be true, there are methods for productive and efficient marketing that will open up more of your time to do what you love: create beautiful images.Learn MoreShooting for Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is a huge opportunity for photographers to gain some extra business in January and February each year for fun themed shoots like kissing booths, hearts and candy galore, as well as the classic romantic couple shoots.Learn MoreFamily Portraits
Family portraits are the bread and butter to many portrait photographers' annual business. Some families only opt for professional pictures once every few years, while others love documenting the seasons and other special events multiples times a year. As a photographer, it is your job is to show them that capturing valuable memories in a beautiful and lasting form is priceless!
Learn MoreVinyl Backdrops
Vinyl backdrops are one of the most durable and long-lasting photo backgrounds on the market. Learn the benefits, as well as some of the extra care needed when using this classic backdrop for your studio photography.
Learn MoreWrinkle Resistant Backdrops
Savage's new Wrinkle Resistant Polyester Backdrops and Economy Background Kits are designed specifically for beginner portrait photographers, small studio spaces or photographers on a budget! These convenient and compact backdrop setups are easy-to-use, great quality and very affordable!Learn MoreTradeshows & Events
We have a great time at the Wedding and Portrait Photography conference and expo every spring, as well as the Photokina fair every two years held in Cologne, Germany! It's always a pleasure to speak with longtime customers and to meet new ones, offer interesting live demonstrations featuring our products, and host lots of giveaways! Below you'll find our yearly photographer demonstration schedules and what goes on the Savage Universal expo booth.Learn MorePhoto Booths
Photo booths are a trendy, fun activity commonly incorporated into parties, weddings and other special events, and are easy to set up and run! Hang up a retro patterned or bright colored backdrop, throw a bunch of goofy costume props into a box and voila! Let your guests take turns showing off their silliest poses all night.Learn MoreStudio Photo Techniques
A photo studio offers endless possibilities for your professional photography. Here are some tips for going beyond basic portrait photography and setting up your studio to work for special lighting and camera shooting techniques.
Learn MoreSenior Pictures
High school seniors can be some of your most fun clients to work with! They are young and energetic, excited to model and very active on social media. With just a little bit of practice in how to best cater to them, senior portrait photography can be a very lucrative and fun business for you!Learn MorePhotography Props
Most photographers agree that photography props should be used with caution. It's pretty easy to get wrapped up in cute outfits for newborns, sports equipment for senior portraits and accessories for food, but too many extra elements in a picture will shift the main focus from the actual subject. Props should complement the main model, help them to feel comfortable posing and support the message of the photo.
Learn MoreShooting on White Backgrounds
A white background is the most basic, most versatile and perhaps the most important piece of equipment a photographer can have in his/her studio setup.
Learn MoreSeamless Paper Best Uses
We absolutely love when our awesome customers share samples of their work featuring a Savage backdrop with us! With over 68 different colors ranging from basic to bold, our seamless paper backdrops can be a perfect complement to any photo shoot. Here we highlight just a few of our paper backgrounds and some beautiful customer photos we've found online. If you'd like to share one of your photos with us to be featured on our blog here, share it on our Facebook!
Learn MoreTravel Photography
Photographing your travels can be exciting and rewarding. Traveling with your photo gear can be tricky. Here are some tips on the best backdrops to travel with, how to travel safely with your expensive gear and tips for shooting new locations once you arrive at them.
Learn MorePosing
It's all about the posing! Especially if you're not working with a professional and experienced model, it is your job as the photographer to help warm up your portrait subject to the camera and offer guidance on posing to convey the style of photos you're visualizing.
Learn MoreMentoring
When you feel like books and blogs have gotten you as far as they can, it may be time to search for a mentor. Photography mentors can help you grow immensely through shadowing, critiquing and teaching. Or, if you've experienced years of professional photography success and feel a desire to offer your knowledge to a beginner or amateur photographer, becoming a mentor is a great thing.
Learn MoreLandscape Photography
Landscapes can be some of the most beautiful and stunning subjects to capture with a photograph. Here are some tips for incorporating landscapes into your portraiture, creating panoramas or just improving your composition.
Learn MorePhotographer Resources
There's no doubt that every photographer should be taking advantage of the plethora of valuable resources available online and throughout the photography industry. Here are some useful tools that will make your photo business run smoother, whether you're a beginner or expert photographer.
Learn MorePhotographer Humor
In the mood for some good old photography-related humor? Check out these articles below and tell us if you can relate to any of these stereotypical scenarios of dealing with clients, subjects and doing whatever it takes to get the shot!
Learn MorePretty Pink Backdrops
One of the easiest ways to add creative photo direction to your shoot is to leverage the psychology of color. The color pink is often associated with love, hope, femininity and calmness. What better a way to convey a specific message or theme in your photo shoot than by using a vibrant, seamless pink photo background?
Learn MorePhotographing Men
Men have the stereotype of being more difficult to photograph than women. While this may often be the case in terms of breaking the ice and getting them to warm up to the camera, there is no limit once you break past the initial unease for finding appropriate posing and bringing forth emotion to create stunning male portraits.
Learn MoreShades of Gray Backdrops
A gray backdrop is a versatile, modern and sophisticated choice for most portrait styles, and is found is most photographers' studios. Here at Savage, we love gray so much, we offer 16 unique shades of gray seamless paper!
Learn MoreHeadshot Photography
Business portraits and headshots are an essential branding element to many professionals across all industries, and can often be a great starting point for a connection with new clients and contacts. Producing an attractive, high-quality headshot is vital to the value your client's brand will convey. Your job is to discern what style and tone the client is looking to present, and deliver a variety of images that successfully show him/her off in the best light possible.
Learn MoreTranslum
Translum is a versatile and unique, semi-translucent plastic material designed for transforming light and creating stunning visual effects in the studio. It can be used as a light diffuser, tabletop backdrop, cookaloris or portrait background for silhouettes and other creative projects!Learn MoreChristmas Portraits
Annual family Christmas portraits are a great revenue surge to end the year for portrait photographers! Take advantage of this busy portrait season by offering special packages, promotions or even donating a portion of your holiday session profits to a local charity.
Learn MoreReflectors & Umbrellas
Reflectors and umbrellas are essential and inexpensive tools for manipulating light in studio and on location.Learn MoreMacro Photography
Macro photography brings a special artful element to everyday objects found in the home or in nature, like blades of grass, colorful insects or rusty coins. These ultra-close shots give us insight into the smallest objects that normally go unnoticed and unappreciated as we pass by.
Learn MoreGet Creative with Backdrops
Studio backgrounds don't have to be plain or boring! Don't be afraid to experiment with your seamless paper backdrops; cut them, paint them, pair two together or come up with your own creative customization! Create new scenes and themes, and add your artistic mark to bring a unique, memorable style to those special projects that require a little extra flair.Learn MoreSeamless Paper for Pet Photography
Seamless paper and vinyl backdrops are most popular for pets, as they are disposable or cleanable once a messy puppy steps off. Using bright or fun colors can help bring out a pet's unique personality, as you can see in the photo galleries below!Learn MorePrinted Background Paper
Solid colored seamless paper backdrops offer an undeniably beautiful and strong foundation to studio portraits. But when you need something extra playful, festive or creative for a special event or client, let Savage's brand-new printed background paper be your solution!
Learn MorePin Up & Boudoir Photography
From the bright and bold energy of pin up photography to the deep and lush mystery of boudoir photos, check out these tips for working with your models and gear for sensual styled photo sessions.Learn MoreRetail Windows & Visual Displays
While Savage Universal is most commonly recognized for its popular line of Widetone Seamless Background Paper in the photography and video industries, this studio staple was originally marketed as a window display décor in the 1940s and is still popularly used as such today.
The background is an important layer to consider when constructing new displays. Utilizing a professional, sleek backdrop behind a window scene can help to separate the display from the rest of the store, enticing consumers to enter inside to discover what lies behind the backdrop. With only seconds to attract passersby into a store, vibrant colors and bold patterns can help intrigue and engage potential customers. Color psychology is an important factor display coordinators use to affect consumers’ perception of brand personality. With over 65 color options and unlimited custom print designs available, paper backgrounds allow for quick and consistent updating of displays at a low cost.
With endless creative designs, Savage Universal backgrounds are the ultimate accessories to tailor window displays to seasonal holidays, marketing campaigns and special themes, highlight a product on display and create visual appeal.
Learn MorePainted Canvas
Painted Canvas Backgrounds are beautiful, hand painted portrait backdrops that help create an elegant and timeless look within your photography. Transport your models to an era of sophistication from within your studio space!Learn MoreMuslin Backdrops
Muslin Backdrops are one of the most popular types of photography backdrops there are. Durable and versatile, they are a must-have component of a complete studio setup.Learn More