References for Mike Rhys

Emma Elizabeth

This was my fourth shoot with Mike here in Hamburg at his studio and we have one more to go before I complete my stay here in Germany.

As always, the shoot was professional, ran smoothly and all ideas were pre planned so no time was wasted.

Mike is easy to work with, very kind and respectful...here is to shoot number 5!

UkCuteGirl Lucy

I had my first shoot with Mike at his studio in Hamburg shooting girl girl with Kitty Quinzell.

The shoot was easy to arrange with good pre shoot communications. Direction was easy to follow as he speaks perfect English. The shoot was friendly, chilled and laid back.

I would recommend working with him if you get the chance :)

Celia Nen

I had a great first shoot with Mike recently. The communication before the shoot was very clear, so I had a good idea of what we would be shooting on the day. Mike is very professional and easy to work with. The images I've seen so far look very beautiful!!

He also very kindly hosted me in his studio while I was in Hamburg. Thank you again!! :)

Looking forward to working together again sometime soon. Highly recommended.

Emma Elizabeth

I had my second shoot today with Mike at his studio in Hamburg, however this time we worked with a second photographer and for a longer time.

We worked through a series of sets, including dance, ballet, jumps, bondage and some story work.

Mike as always was super professional, always asked how I was, offered plenty of breaks, provided a great lunch and is very easy to work with.

Today we got super creative and I am excited to see some results of today as I think we caught some interesting images.

We already have our next shoot planned for the New Year! As always, highly recommended.

Emma Elizabeth

I had my first shoot with Mike yesterday at his studio in Hamburg and what a delight it was.

The 4 hour shoot flew by and it was nice to still get the chance to model whilst away for dance work.

Mike is super professional, has a lovely, spacious and well equipped studio, has plenty of ideas to keep you busy and is an easy person to get along and work with.

I am very excited to see some edits as we caught some great things and to arrange our next shoot asap. Many thanks, highly recommended!

Keira Lavelle

I have now worked with Mike more times than I even dare count! Considering we live across the pond from one another, we’ve had endless different shooting opportunities that have provided inspiration for all kinds of different images in several different countries! :D I have also enjoyed Mikes company as an attendee of PhotoClassic photography events - which marks the very latest of our endeavours. The Autumn Beauty workshop in the serene landscape of Glen Affric provided completely new environments (and themes) for us to nail: and of course Mike approaches (and nails!) every moment with total photographic care and enthusiasm to always achieve the best work possible. He’s an outstandingly passionate photographer: I have seen it over and over again, therefore very much able to vouch as such. :)

We met Mike (and his lovely wife Claudia who was also attending - though not on PurplePort) at the base hotel where we would remain for the duration of the event. These guys had already been “road-tripping” through much of Scotland and England working their way North... Yet by the time they’d got all the way up here, they were still full of smiles/hugs and energy; raring to go! The weather forecast had been changeable right until the last day - and had ended up predicting the quite extreme of what you can get in this pretty part of the world (but rain does help make a place pretty and seasonally colourful - which was why we were there, so no complaints). As such; Howard who was running the event re-jigged the plan so that we took opportunities to shoot when we could and get lovely shots in the bag. Mike, Claudia and the other photographers took this so well and were easy-going and understanding no matter what. So off we went to begin making magic when the sun did peep out - and it was nothing less than magic and great company from day one too. :D From vibrant scenery amid the rich tones of the autumn colours, to SNOW!! And pretty themed work with gigantanormous parachute dresses and period clothing to set a scene. It was a varied few days for sure and these guys got stuck in right away, working quickly to allow us models to crack on with the set and get warm again... But still always putting focus and care into perfecting the settings. I mean anyone who was there will know how much carnage the photographers had to deal with as the sun came in, then out, then in, then out... But it was good carnage because it keeps the images fresh and makes the brain tick! :D It’s just the very standard challenge which photographers face working on location. Mike always makes it look easy anyway haha - his brain is the epitome of technical know-how. I don’t know how he does it!!!

In the hours we had “off set” it was a chance to wind-down, socialise, enjoy the AMAZING food at the restaurant, review pictures and generally laugh about anything and everything! :D Whilst the actual shooting and feeling privileged for being booked to work in such stunning places gives a true rush, these down-time moments shared are part of the lovely memories too. And I mean; being around Mike and Claudia is just like catching up with friends anyway. They are the BEST people - see my previous references/rambles haha! But on events like these you also get a wonderful “family-like” vibe where everyone gets along beautifully - even though some people had never met/worked with each other before. And it’s just a relaxed and giggle-packed experience really... Especially with the mad bunch at PhotoClassic haha! But Mike and Claudia really have the biggest hearts and are totally the easiest people on the planet to get along with. I needn’t say anymore!

Very professional in approach, an array of photographic skill and a brilliant eye for an image, passionately driven... Goodness I really could go on!

But of course I massively recommend Mike to anyone, and Claudia too where she may join on an event with her growing interest in photography/as an extra pair of hands to assist and do makeup etc.

Thank you once again Mike!!!!!

Keira-nutty-Lavelle

PhotoClassic

Mike and his lovely wife Claudia recently attended my Autumn Beauty Experience with Keira Lavelle and Jessica Taylor modelling. Just as in previous meetings, Mike and Claudia were a lovely couple to have around. Mike's experience in model photography is vast and he brings creativity and an appreciation of the needs of the models into the mix. Aside from shooting, Mike and Claudia gel wonderfully with the other photographers during the social time between shoots. I have really enjoyed having them attend my events and hope we see them again in the future. For any models looking to work with experienced, creative and considerate photographers, Mike and Claudia are highly recommended by me.

Scarlet Jones said...

Mike and his wife Claudia attended a photoclassics event I was modelling on. They were a lovely couple and key members of the group. They introduced themselves and made me feel at ease straight away. They were lovely to chat to and always came up to myself throughout the day to ensure that I was safe and comfortable. I would happily head out Germany and shoot with them both at some point. I do hope that they attend the next event. Thanks, Jessica x

Kitty Quinzell

Only my second ever stay and shoot with Mike but I can already say he is one of my very favourite people to work with.

I love that hes never short of ideas, that hes considerate of my well being and comfort, that his shooting style is relaxed but very productive and most of all -that the images we produce are freaking awesome!

Organising the next trip out as soon as Im available :)

Keira Lavelle

I recently embarked on a tour of Germany where I planned to move around to several cities and work with local photographers - it (1000%) goes without saying that I was beyond happy to be able to include a visit to sunny Hamburg to catch up with the fabulous photographer and his amazing wife Claudia; whom I pretty much consider my “fam” across the pond now! :D

Actually throughout the duration of my tour I was in Hamburg and also staying with Mike (who also hosts visiting models offering a safe and warming place to stay with him and Claudia) twice since I did a stretch of days working at his fabulous studio with a number of photographers who came to shoot me there, and then also returned back to Hamburg on my last day of tour to catch my flight home from the airport. Gotta love how tours take you in zig-zagging adventures! :P But all the while; Mike helped me where he could in being a go-between with photographer communications who were looking to shoot with me at the studio, putting me up and making sure I was always well fed, comfortable and settled, and then of course having our own amazing shooting time where we created some totally different images still, despite the goodness knows how many sensational shots we have already created to-date. :D Mike also taxi’d me to and from the local train stations whenever he could, since I was relying on public transport with my very “light” luggage (big laughs!) Even when the trains got disrupted by storms and I ended up getting into Hamburg at some ungodly hour, exhausted and confused by the “and we’re going, and now we’re cancelling” that had been happening with the services on the same line. He actually stayed online throughout that awful journey trying to work out himself what all the trains were doing on train-tracker and keeping me in the loop since it was all up in the air! What a bloomin’ star, I’m so many respects... I will most probably end up repeating myself several times in this reference (compared to what I’ve said before) but it all still stands completely anyway. :D

I’ve always adored working at Mike's studio (Fotoworkshop) because of the endless scope at your hands creatively. There is sublime daylight for natural light images which give contrasting looks and effects at different times of the day, being the tech-wizard that Mike is; the studio is always well kitted out with all the lighting and modifiers you could need (marking just about any style of image possible) and the range of backgrounds/props - don’t get me started! And also very much importantly: there is a perfect makeup/changing area and refreshment facilities so you can be comfortable and suitably topped-up on herbal tea as you work. :) Several photographers came to work with me at Mike's studio during my latest time in Hamburg, and there was something unique created with each person due to the versatility of the studio and Mike’s technical support with helping with lights etc. if needed. Everyone was very happy with what they created, and over the years I have worked with familiar faces of people that have been keen to return to shoot me at Fotoworkshop when I’ve been over and done things like studio days or similar. Absolutely spot-on a place to enquire about for anyone who is looking for a studio in Hamburg, Germany. :)

And of course Mike and I did our own shooting whilst I was visiting!!! :P We pushed the boundaries in covering some very creative ideas and looks: from edgy location fashion at some carefully pre-scouted locations that Mike had sourced, to very delicate and carefully styled artistic concepts which certainly give top marks for everyone on patience and perseverance to get a single “killer” shot! But that is what Mike has always worked towards: quality over quantity and creating more special images as opposed to shooting for the sake of it. Of course once the setting up had been done; Mike’s photography know-how was guaranteed to make an insane picture out of each situation. He knows light and how to manipulate it so well to create artistic value and mood - he basically doesn’t have to think about it! Of some of the concepts we took on; some of them were bodyscapes that we had been meaning to revisit for a while with the help of Claudia to be available to style. Can someone give this lady a flamin’ medal for her commitment and concentration in styling too please? You’ve never seen the effort into a shot until you’ve seen (first hand) the styling assistance needed for placing jewels carefully on a model for the shot, or stacking champagne glasses again and again. Having Claudia on-board to help with some of the shooting concepts this time was a godsend, and it just goes to show what actually goes into these beautiful (works of art) images that you see! So credit to both Mike and Claudia for their input on our shoot: teamwork at it’s best, and lots of laughs throughout the process (of course!) :D Hence I can definitely conclude that working with Mike himself is both highly productive with the care and attention he pays to the fine details in his work, and also good fun/enjoyable with the ease in which a model can develop a rapport with him.

Always excellent communications, always utterly inspired ideas to shoot, always completely respectful and professional in his approach to the people with whom he works... And always awesome company whenever we do arrange something - no matter where in the world. :)

Gigantic recommendations! For the zillionth time! :D

Thank you so much Mike, and Claudia.

Hugs,

Keira

Anna Johansson

What can I say about Mike =)

Mike hosted me in his big and cool studio for 3 nights and it was great. He also organised me with other photographers.

Mike is also a brilliant, fun and great photographer and I loved to work with him =)

I really recommend Mike to any model who is lucky enough to go and work with him.

I can't wait to go back there again =)

Lilith Etch

I had a great shoot with Mike last month! Mike has a very good view on the naked body which made me feel 100% safe, and he had lots of different ideas I really enjoyed to work through. I really hope to work with you again in the future! All the best =)

Evelyn Sommer

Mike was great, not only was he fast and open to my last-minute request for accommodation- in his studio, which was a great place to stay for a couple days- but the shoot we had was awesome too! Creative, with fun themes and a good string of ideas, I would gladly spend a few more hours shooting with this photographer.

Rachelle Summers

It was so lovely working with Mike again on the most recent Photoclassic workshop!

I think we worked out it had been 4/5 years since we last saw each other so really hope we don't leave it that long again :)

Mike was a great addition to the group and his efficiency in getting images done was seriously impressive too! He took some truly beautiful images during out time on the workshop and I can't wait to see more results from the weekend :)

Happily recommended by me!

PhotoClassic

This was the second time Mike had attended my Art Nude In The Landscape Experience and it was great to see him back. This time we also got to meet his lovely wife Claudia, who was travelling with him.

Mike is a really nice guy who produces stunning images in all situations. He is very easy going and gets on well with everyone, which is essential when working with a mixed group of photographers and models.

Mike brought some great ideas and input to the shoots and was always polite and considerate towards the models. He is a very talented and creative photographer and I would highly recommend models to work with him.

Keira Lavelle

As usual: it was just a blast getting to work with Mike again – this time in the magical Scottish Highlands on this year’s Art Nude In The Landscape workshop hosted by PhotoClassic, again: a completely different environment for us. 

Mike actually came on the same workshop last year too and had such a laugh with the mad bunch that he signed his life away one more time! :P Good fun – lotsa’ laughs and fabulous pictures in insane landscapes all over again!! This time, his lovely wife Claudia was also able to join us as well which was really nice. A really lovely couple – and a photographer who it’s a pleasure to get to work with time and time again.

Some of the locations we visited were the classic signature ones that the PhotoClassic team take the gang to. Others were brand new (for either Mike specifically or for all of us) which was really cool – and of course the usual challenges of extreme location work made it all the more fun! Up at crazy-O-Clock awaiting the sunrise… Models jumping into the bog when it didn’t… The standard craziness. Y’know. :P Mike got some utterly fabulous shots mind you! But that is just Mike, he takes on the challenge of the shooting environment at a given time and turns it into a super cool picture. Over the years we have worked together in many a different location (and country!) and never failed to get something super interesting image-wise.  He also got some fabulous work with us all together, as well as with the other models too.

In the down-time/image review sessions: the repeat happened with tummy-crunching laughter at the outtakes and “wowing” at the killer moments. It makes the social side of the events just as enjoyable as the “on-the-field” stuff where everyone gets to mingle, chat about industry related stuff… And generally have a ball with like-minded creatives. Mike is always an awesome contributor in all ways and hence it’s always lovely to work together on trips such as this one – as well as independently when we book in shoots – hopefully doing again soon!

A truly passionate and enthusiastic guy who I get on with really well and do think really highly of.  It was amazing having him and Claudio together on the Easter workshop and getting to catch-up. A photographer I will always recommend for professionalism, technical know-how, creativity and having a fabulous eye for a moment into a picture.

The next shoot is ALWAYS something I really look forward to! :D

Thank you Mike for another fab encounter!

Keira

Scarlot Rose

Mike joined for the PhotoClassic 'Art Nude in the Landscape' workshop earlier this week in the Scottish Highlands. He is a wonderful photographer to work with, very polite and respectful whilst capturing incredible images!! I was thrilled to see him on the workshop again this year and would love to work together again in future.

I'm happy to recommend him to other models and can't wait to see more of his images from this week!

Thank you again,

Scarlot :)

Kitty Quinzell

Sehr empfehlenswert!

When Mike asked me to join him for a weekend in Hamburg, I jumped at the chance!

He organised my flights and everything perfectly, picked me straight up from the airport so I didn’t get lost and hosted me in his beautiful home, feeding me the yummiest of food each day.

Mike and his wife are the perfect hosts.

In the studio, Mike is a very talented and thoughtful photographer, he has great ideas and is willing to put the time and effort into making a set work rather than bombing through multiple sets in a half assed way. This results in magical pictures with attention to detail, and a lot of fun too!

I absolutely loved my Hamburg experience with Mike and I will be delighted to come back and do it all again in Winter!

Debbie_Leema

Great shoot with Mike this week, highly reccommend by me.

Great pre comms, easy to work with.

Really looking forward to seeing the images.

Thanks Mike

Daisy Bright

I had a great day shooting with Mike at my pad in London. He is really friendly and easy to get along with, it was a pleasure having him at my home for the day. Mike had some fantastic ideas, I loved the make-up looks created. We also shot some erotic images, which is a bit differant from my usual style, he made me feel at ease during the shoot. We have produced some beautiful images that I am really pleased with, I highly recommend Mike and hope to shoot together again. :)

Daisy