Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Savage.
Hi Chad, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I worked in the medical field after graduating from undergrad. I found photography shortly after starting that job and spent most of my time doing photography outside of work. I helped a lot of friends with random shoots the first couple years, in order to learn what I could and get my foot in the door. Eventually people started to ask what I charged and it became more of a side-job. I started setting up more spec-shoots and portfolio work. Once I had more of a structured business model, I went full-time with photography. I shot anything I could to start, while aiming for more commercial work and building my portfolio towards that. A little over a year into being full-time, I had an opportunity to renovate and rent out a studio space, which became another portion of my business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road, but I would argue no self-employment path is for anyone. Learning the business side of photography was quite a learning curve. It’s easy to fall in love with fun and creative side, but it is ultimately a business that must be run properly. There is no one to hold your hand throughout the process, so you have to constantly find your own structure and find what works for you/your business. Learning new skills on the photography side, while running the business, is also a constant battle. You have to learn new techniques and grow your abilities to take on bigger jobs.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a commercial photographer. I specialize in business products/services, editorial and automotive. I am known for a clean style and emphasis on lighting. I am proud of the style I have slowly curated over the years, as well as setting up a studio space for myself & others to enjoy. I believe not only my technical abilities, but also the way I treat clients on-set is what sets me apart. The way the client, or talent, feels during the shoot is extremely important. A memorable experience and having a good time is what I hope people take away most from working with me.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in Charleston, I spent a lot of time at the beach and on the water. Sports were a big part of my life growing up. I played a lot of soccer throughout my whole life. I played in college and studied biology. I found photography later, after finishing college.
I have always been really interested in movies/film, as well as art, but never thoroughly explored it as a child. So many of those interests have heavily influenced my interest in photography, as well as the things I enjoy shooting today. Cars always fascinated me, especially from an artistic side, so that has had a huge influence on the automotive side of my portfolio.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chadsavagephoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withsavage/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-savage/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@withsavage
