References for Shaun Solent

Scarlot Rose

I had such a great shoot with Carl recently, We've worked together on a number of occasions now and the images we produce together just keep getting better and better! As I'm sure it's been said (and seen) a million times over, "Mr. 5 degrees" is a top class lighting expert and brilliant photographer! We shot three totally different sets throughout the day, starting outside in courtyard climbing in and out of a man-hole, moving onto getting drenched in Carls amazingly well crafted rain-rig and finally onto some aerial silks work. Each set was completely different and utterly fantastic!

I've already seen the images and cannot wait to share them! I love working with Carl and his enthusiasm is contagious! Very highly recommended!

Scarlot :)

Aerlise

What can I say about Carl that hsn't been said before?!?!

Carl is so easy to get on with creating a fun shooting environment, his upbeat personality is iinfectious creating great images throughout the shoot.

Carl is very thoughtful towards the model and makes sure you're comfortable (or as comfortable as can be in the situation, be that heels on cobbles or dancing oiled in the rain).

Tanglewood studio is an epic place to shoot, each area sparks more ideas as the day progresses.

I thoroughly enjoyed our first shoot together and I hoe it won't be the last!

I highly recommend Carl.

Kitty Quinzell

Carl has been on my Bucket List of photographers to shoot with since I started art nude and erotica.

Today the day finally came - I cannot begin to express how epic this shoot was.

We shot a good variety of artistic nudes and highly charged erotica. The intensity that Carl achieves via his superb understanding of lighting and clear direction, plus his ability to push a model to the furthest reaches of their physical capabilities - is a sight to behold.

The entire shoot was a testament to the success of collaboration and we shot both his ideas and a few of my own, each picture knocking it out of the park,

The images on the back of the camera made me want to weep out of pure joy.

Oh, I will be back! Thank you so much!

Keira Lavelle

Mr. Carl Grim...

Light manoeuvre star, composition champion, technical extravagant and just ALL ROUND BLOOMIN' AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHER!

I have been blessed now to have worked with Carl on several utterly next-level location shooting road trips (as well as many day shoots as well!) but I speak now in relation to our latest sensational adventure; which took us deep into the exquisite magical beauty of the Scottish Highlands and West Coast. Shooting experiences like this routinely leave me lost for words: one is naturally going to be left with an uncontrollable buzz from such a marathon of day-after-day modelling in landscapes which paralyse the jaw... But being accompanied on that trip by a person who I wholeheartedly deem as the top of their game as an artistic talent and true professional - it's not just a shoot, but a memory! I'll look back at pictures like these and genuinely smile ear-to-ear about the indescribable creative rush that immersed the atmosphere from start to finish and the endless laughs endured along the way.

In the early planning stages of the trip, Carl bared his routine exemplary planning brain to bring all the aspects together to ensure maximum success within the realms of control. From the route organisation (inspired by the very impressive cycling journey he had embarked on years previously - ask him about where he's been around the world on his bike, it will blow you away!) to the sourcing and hiring of our luxury palace on wheels! :D :D Yes - we camper-vanned the entire adventure enabling us to reach the most divinely stunning places. Plus also putting into place the superb and priceless affiliation of our team which enabled us to truly maximise our time in Scotland as productive, resourceful, comfortable, supplementing... And generally as mightily enjoyable as it could possibly have been! Accompanied also by Carl's brother, Graham was also on-board the entire trip alongside delivering his utterly indispensable assistance in so many ways: from his watchful eye for spectators turning up as Carl and I were busy away shooting, becoming official keeper of my big coat to get instantly warm again after we'd nailed the pictures to his Michelin quality cooking for us, preparing mouth-watering meals for the team after another art-packed day passed by. :) I have also worked with Carl with Graham on-board in the past during our Namibia mega-trip and his kind and well-organised systematic contributions to such an event are seriously worth shouting loud from the rooftops about! Besides also the utterly wonderful company and constant light-hearted fun vibes within our crew. It was a daily occurrence for Carl and Graham to perform hilarious sibling banter and debates... I don't know how anybody expected me to get any work done with a serious face - I was in stitches for such a large proportion of the trip! :') But wow - the planning and execution of this road trip could seriously not have been in better hands, I just cannot stress that enough. Working several days on the go in relatively unpredictable and often harsh daily weather conditions (Scotland didn't disappoint by not showing us the 3 seasons in one day performance!) in a more constrained than usual living arrangement but still getting out there and shooting serious model photography amid travelling for long periods in-between is the most extraordinary degree of tests for professionals/creatives - but having that pristine level of efficiency from Carl and Graham really did make our (what a lot of folk would deem as crazy) endeavour emerge as a stupendous success. :D

Now I must talk about the image-making itself because; although it can be seen clearly without any validation amid the images I have shared on PurplePort already, I think it needs to be yelled all across the universe quite frankly about the level of prestige that shone from those photos upon completion of each and every set/location stop! You're looking at the page of an expert right now... Simple as. And I mean Carl! We proceeded through the shoots with the amusing wisecrack communications that you would expect from two crazy people, um: "professionals" that have worked together 1 million times. :P But joking aside, Carl administers STUNNINGLY flawless attentiveness into his work to produce an image that I can only describe as a work of art. Battling all those testing photography factors that we faced that week: raindrop filled winds that went from 0-60 in an instant, daylight which morphed from hazy soft to blinding sun and then back again, tricky visibility, a noisy model jumping around the place in the frame, finding a suitable somewhere to stand and get "THE SHOT" which isn't going to send one down a savage waterfall slide or sink neck-deep into peat... Every possible challenge in the book that you could list for location photography - Carl was faced with it. But he took every last second in his stride, exhibited a constant magnitude of concentration and 1000% absolutely bossed every single moment soldiering through! And even when the nymph in the picture came bounding over to see the images and subsequently request a re-shoot of a shot to stretch the pose more/re-position her middle toe - did Mr. Grim once roll his eyes and complain (well, maybe once/twice at most?) NOPE! We nailed it with that mutual golden determination that I have known and loved in our teamwork rapport that had moulded over the years (and so many shoots) with this skilful gentleman. Carl seriously knows his stuff, and seeing those breathtaking images in the back of the camera or on the computer screen at the end of the day just makes my whole head explode with excitement. I've been modelling for over 8 years now (majority full-time) but I still cannot contain myself when you get these moments of sheer successful buzz from a shoot. It's amazing how things like rolling about in mud/swimming across rivers/rubbing seaweed into your hair suddenly become so appealing because you know that the person at the other side of the camera is going to make magic with that scene. What a photographer - No words are worthy!

I'm gradually getting there with convincing Carl to allow me to do my signature posing in seemingly crazy (almost dangerous looking) places - but then each time we shoot on location, he still stands there and does his best to lecture on safety and hoping to convince me to perch on some other little flat rock - when he knows full well that the minute the debate is over I will be marching over to the position I initially proposed, leaving Carl to continue arguing with himself. :P This may sound like a disastrous disagreement/on-shoot situation upon first read, but it couldn't be further from the truth. Carl is just constantly looking out for the health and welfare of his models and would never allow a model to put themselves in true danger for a picture. What I do is actually operate confidently with the site, respecting the power/might of nature and understanding the terrain to give the photographer a strong image that I will only take on with full confidence myself... But in the immediate moment it never comes across too well because I'm too busy un-clearly squealing with excitement about the idea that has brewed in my own brain whilst my poor photographer is trying to second-guess what I've just thought of and preparing to cover his eyes! :D But the trust and faith that Carl has bestowed in allowing me to produce these poses in these locations - I just cannot commend and thank him enough for. And ultimately, when you take the light chaffs out of it: Carl's responsible competence as such does actually instil positive belief and reliance for a model with the knowing that their best interests are high on the list of concerns. Both Carl and Graham never stopped looking after me one bit. Even going to the extent of stocking us up with more of the recommended local brand of biting bug spray on our travels, to also insisting on purchasing some water shoes for me when I was wading across riverbeds and lochs! Bless them, I didn't have the heart to tell them that I'm actually a mermaid who grows a tail when entering back into the water, so it wasn't actually an issue for me... Okay, that was an extravagant fairy story... :') maybe just a "tough as nails" Northern lass and natural wilderness-dwelling model. :P But they were so committed to helping make my job be that little bit more comfortable - as comfortable as traipsing around in the wilderness (in the nude) can be! But it goes WITHOUT SAYING that my safety and well-being was the paramount focus the whole time, and I can only give buckets of appreciation back as to the consideration shown.

What a trip - I could go on and on, but Carl may fall asleep reading his reference!

To sum it up: a week of EPIC teamwork, belly-punching laughs, tremendous company, beautifully glossy artistic images and awe-inspiring scenery within world class landscapes. With a world class photographer. :)

Thank you so much Carl and Graham!

Very, VERY highly recommended.

Keira

ชีวิตของนักศิลป์ (LifeofArt)

Wow wow wow...finally finally I got to see him. The legend Carl Grim who I heard a lot about. I've been waiting such a long time for this day and I can't say anything apart from "it's worth waiting for"

Carl and I arranged the shoot nearly 6 months in advance. I turned up to his beautiful home and thought for a moment, am I in the right place and he walked out with the probs for shoot, gave me welcome hug. Carl is absolutely pleasant gentleman, fun, easy to work with and the man who shout at me during shoot the most (good shouting) haha 😊😁😂 I felt really comfortable from beginning until the end working with him. Lots of laugh, lots of warm rain and I love every moment of it.

Carl is so professional, he is great giving direction and show all images he took if model happy with or not. Pre-comms were so clear, everything agreed before shoot. I already got images, super fast and thank you Mr Grim.

I don't know how to find the words to say but Carl is one of the most talent photographer who I will never hesitate to work with and recommend.

What a shoot..love love. Hope we work again in the future.

Thanks again. T x

Roger More

I have always been a fan of Carl's work so was thrilled to have the chance to get onto the other side of the camera and have Carl shoot my partner, Helen Diaz, and me at his fantastic studio.

The photos look stunning, of course, very much due to Carl's attention to detail and mastery of lighting.

While this may not have launched my modelling career, it was a brilliant experience and I learned a lot about both sides of the camera.

Highly recommended for anyone.

Thanks Carl!

JR69

I have shot with Carl on a number of occasions now. So when I had another shoot booked with him I wanted another male to join me. Carl was over the moon when I told him I found his man for our shoot and that was Monster Among. I came up with some ideas and Carl put it all together in detail. Throughout our six hour shoot we did three sets,each so different and very creative. As it was Aaron's first duo shoot Carl was very understanding to this and made sure he helped Aaron with some poses to get the best out of him. This man never fails to amaze me. I will never get tired shooting with this man. He is one hell of a photographer and such a warm and caring man.

I have another two shoots booked in with Carl which I can not wait for :)

Thank you so much Carl for another truly memorable shoot.

Very highly recommended

Jackie xx

Mr. Monster

Words will never describe how great it is to work with Carl.

Such a genuine guy, has a flare for creating new and exciting art as well as open to ideas to try new things.

He made the shoot very comfortable for me being my first time with another model, helped direct and move me to help get the best out of me.

Explaining things with a real passion and love for photography ot was just great.

Time seemed to fly past and hope i get to shoot with Carl again soon!

The photos speak for themselves he captures everything just perfectly

Book him now

siggy

I LOVE LOVE LOVE working with Carl.

Seriously, I could move in Carls studio and shoot every day. Everything is possible in that magic studio.

I had few poses which I wanted to do for ages but I couldn't find right places till I told Carl about my ideas and yesssss - Carl made it possible :)

Shoots with Carl is so much fun, he is creative - full of amazing ideas, very experienced and AWESOME person.

Carl, thank you so so much for another shoot. I can't wait to work with you again :)

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!

Kelsey Wolfe

No matter what I write in this little box, you will not know the wonders of Carl Grim until you meet and work with him, a truly magnificent talent, and a wonderfully inspiring, intelligent and warm soul to be around.

I had the honour of shooting with Carl in his wonderful studio at his home for 4 magical days of creativity, laughter and pure enjoyment! I took my favourite friend with me - an ode to how trustworthy and respectful this man truly is.

We sailed on his yacht on the first day, in true essence of both of our styles of course, nude and wild! Learning about sailing, photography, modelling and also Carl himself along the way, we spent the day grinning from ear to ear that the sun was blessing us, a day that we will all never forget no doubt. The images are absolutely spectacular and an incredible memento to such an incredible experience spent with the best of company.

The next 3 days were spent in Carl's magnificently equipped converted coach house studio, where we went on to create some stunningly sensual art, whilst giggling away. What do I love about working with Carl? The way he makes you feel so effortlessly good about yourself, empowers you, shows you how beautiful each and every shape of the female form really is - a vision we both share. Carl allows you to be yourself, he gives you room to grow as an artist and pushes you to get the best of the best, whilst remaining to be the most respectful and caring man you could hope to work with.

His images speak for themselves and he is undoubtedly a very talented soul, but he is also incredibly kind natured, interesting and intelligent. His teaching skills are second to none, and I cannot wait to be in the presence of this wonderful man again, as it never fails to be anything short of amazing.

You'd be a fool not to add him to your incredible artists to work with list.

Thank you for everything Carl, a real pleasure!

MR. NPR

So time passes by quickly.. Exactly a year to the date from the last time i was at Carl's beautiful studio.

I had the extreme pleasure to attend once again on another one of carl's exceptional idea's of creative edginess.

Carl has a studio full of potential to shoot any where and anything you desire.. So many props and clothing at his disposal. Anything i say has already been said.

He dictates well and directs superbly. He is a master of knowing his lighting. Model angels and model form. He make's every second of pain memorably worth it.

Outstanding as i expected.

Highly recommended

and of course the perfect host as i stayed over the night before.

Thank you

till the next time :)

Jade K

Another incredible shoot with Carl yesterday,

Always a pleasure and always captures amazing images I’m so thrilled with what we achieved yesterday and really looking forward to many future shoots.

I really lovely easy going guy his passion and professionalism drive me to push myself to what I want to achieve at every shoot, yesterday was no exception my first duo shoot with the lovely Nick can’t thank you enough,

Lots and lots of creative ideas for the future,

I highly highly recommend Carl 100%

See you soon Jade X

Aya

I just came back from an 8 day shoot holiday in Crete with Carl and David51. Working with Carl makes me over the moon enough, but working with him continuously for a week was heaven for me as a model. Various locations, different lights, diverse ambiences, all highlighted his massive talent for achieving the best possible images in all circumstances from bathtub in the gorgeous villa, sunset to midnight.

This was our second shoot trip and this time was totally different from the 1st one. We walked through three different types of gorges, the first the most popular walk for tourists with a beautiful valley and stream where we did a stream shoot, a very rocky gorge where we did rock and dead branch shoots and a gorge with awesome ruins and water falls. Carl's professional eye to spot the most suitable location, his commanding use of natural light, thoughtful behaviour towards his models, total enthusiasm for his shoots, his physical strength to carry a heavy rucksack full of photographers equipment and my clothes for hours everyday, up and down steep paths and his quick decision making ensuring he did not to miss the chance of the great image, combined to produce absolutely superb results.

I could not stop admiring him throughout the trip. It was an unbelievably brilliant thing to see Carl and work with Carl every morning from when I woke up until I went to bed including an incredible time checking each day's images using his computer just before going to bed!

We have started talking about our third shoot trip already to very exciting place next year and I cannot wait!!!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart Carl!!!

David51

Just come back from a week shoot with Carl and Aya.

It is obvious from my port that Carl is able to improve dramatically the images that a model can produce by his mastery of light, his clever direction and his persistence and energy, which combined with his awesome technical and directing skills, hide weaknesses and produce fabulous results from the poorest of models. Add in his eye for perfect backdrops and clever composition and wow!!

I was very lucky to be able to tag along and get such great images. Carl is gracious, fun and easy to be with so a week passes way too quickly.

He is also gently providing ways I can improve as a model and explaining how and why he directs as he does, all of which if I can retain this knowledge and work on my weaknesses will radically improve my modelling.

If you get a chance to shoot with him, grab it. He is highly recommended as a photographer but also as a great person. Thank you Carl for an excellent week!

Aya

Another magical world of Carl Grim and I looked gorgeous in his world!!! Thank you!!!I had another awesome, fun shoot with this genius photographer and this time with Tattooed Muscle at Carl's gorgeous studio.

Carl welcomed me with warm smile and nice cup of proper coffee...although I was a little bit late...We concentrated on art nude today with one background and not surprisingly time flew by. His enthusiasm, encouragement, kind comments, perfect lighting, sense of humour, talent, knowledge,....endless list...take the shoot to another level and into another world. He literally creates his own outstanding world which results in gorgeous images. I always cannot understand why I suddenly have a nice bottom, nice tummy and long slim legs...!!! I love myself in his images!!! Carl is a genius to be able to achieve this.

We arranged another shoot already as Carl's creative world is endless and I am really looking forward to working with him and underestimating myself again!!!

Thank you for the brilliant shoot, Carl!!!

Tattooed-Muscle

Once again a fantastic shoot with Carl not only is he an Amazing Photographer he's a really nice person, Really looking forward to Working with Carl later in the year

LeahMeraki

After chatting about a shoot for a while I finally got to work with Carl for the first time and my gosh am I glad that I did!! :D

He's got a fantastic studio space to use at his place and after having an initial plan and a brief chat to begin with we soon got started and before we knew it the shoot was over. Carl knows exactly what he wants to achieve with his photos and is knows how to position the lights to emphasis certain parts of the body which I love.

Thank you for a fab shoot and I'm sure I'll be back again some time! x

Jenni JJ

Me Again!

Oh Mr Grim! What a fabulous day!

So our shoot today was a trio with myself, Aya and Jackie R. Carl put a tonne of effort into this shoot, we had a shoot plan as long as my thigh highs and it was well worth the effort.

The shoot flowed beautifully and Carl managed us 3 ladies like a pro. He managed a really lovely balance of both directing and letting us come up with posing as well as a bit of 'free style'.

It was an amazing experience and I was honoured to have been invited to the party.

It goes without saying that the images Carl created are spectacular - what can I say? He's a genius!

Thanks Carl - you're the best

Jenni xxx

Aya

What an amazing transformation again and again!!! Carl's creativity, engineering knowledge and skills, talent and sense of humour keeps transferring his studio into anything, a cosy or sexy bedroom, a jail, a street with unique bridge or lump, construction site, sea, witches world, etc.

I had another shoot with this hugely talented photographer and this time with beautiful 2 lady models, Jackie R and Jenni JJ.

It was my first time working with 2 other ladies at the same time and I thoroughly enjoyed this shoot!

Carl cleverly made use of three of us and his direction and lighting were always spot on as he knows how to capture the best aspects of a model's body shape and this is even more important when he is working with three models at the same time. The shoot was amazing and literally time flew!!!

Huge thank you for the awesome shoot, Carl and I consider myself dramatically lucky as I already have several shoots booked with him in the very near future!!!

JR69

Oh my goodness, where do I start about yesterday eight hour shoot.

I have shot with Carl on a number of occasions now so when I came up with a three mature model shoot beginning of last year I knew who would be able to handle three women st once and that was Carl. As always Carl pre comms were excellent leading upto our shoot. Carl had set up a group chat so us ladies knew excatly knew what we needed for our shoot. We had four sets to get through in the eight hours and boy did Carl work hard setting up the different sets. This man is just a genius photographer. His lighting skills and eye for detail is just outstanding. He made sure us ladies were in right positions giving all of our three figures the best results. After every few shots Carl would show us what he had capture and boy I really can not wait to show the end results. Thank you so much Carl for a truly memorable shoot that I'll always treasure. We wouldn't have done it without you. Until next shoot ;)

Jackie xx