References for Shaun Solent

Blue Smoothy

Shooting with Carl today was an absolute pleasure. His portfolio is outstanding and I could not wait to work with him!

Communication was straightforward and I felt comfortable from the moment I arrived at his large home studio. He was enthusiastic and very respectful, giving direction when needed to achieve an image we were both satisfied with. As well as maintaining a high standard of professionalism, he was fun to work with and I was constantly learning throughout the shoot.

I cannot wait to see the pictures and I would love to work with Carl again. The time flew by and it was one of the best shoots I have done. Highly recommended!!

Thank you for an awesome day :) x

Aya

My long term dream came true when I was invited to shoot with Carl Grimm. I have admired his work for years and finally I was in his massive, superbly equipped studio. Just looking at his work you know he is technically and creatively brilliant but he oozes ideas and above all is supportive, kind, fun and brilliant and very easy to work with. His mastery of lighting is absolute. He was also very encouraging while directing me in a highly professional, detailed, precise way. Now as I reflect on the day, I just want to give a huge thank you to Carl. I cannot wait to see the images. Needless to say there remain many other ideas I would love to explore with him.

Marcus Quillan

I was incredibly lucky to shoot a duo shoot with Carl and Aya yesterday, and it was without a doubt the highlight of my modeling career so far. I would echo everything Aya said below, as well as all the wonderful, well deserved praise so many others have given in their references. Carl has an amazing energy, is incredibly helpful and encouraging with his direction, precise as well as accommodating, considerate as well as playful, and makes a model feel like a million bucks with his constant praise and enthusiasm. Extremely funny and intelligent, he knew what he wanted from the shoot and did everything to make sure Aya and I got we wanted also, diligently planning out a jam-packed shoot according to our suggestions and what pics we had liked on his page. I have gained hugely in confidence and love for the profession after working with Carl. An inspirational experience, I cannot recommend him enough and cannot wait to work with him again.

Marcus Quillan

I just had my second shoot with Carl and once again it was a fantastic experience. His home studio was as equipped and welcoming as ever, and we got a bell if a lot done in a short space of time. The last shoot provided a treasure trove of exceptional material, so I can't wait to see the results of this one which has every reason to come out just as great!

Ayla

I worked with Carl Grim for the fifth time today at his house in Fareham. Carls pre comms are always up beat, concise, to the point and and shoots are always arranged within two or three messages!

I arrived at his gorgeous studio, which is superbly well equipped and perfect for models on tour as there is not only one but two beds to pick from! After coffee and a quick run through on the plans me and Carl started shooting on a one of his awesome set ups with a ladder and some props and then throughout the day we covered three or four main ideas including the amazing water/raft set at the end which I had been wanting to do for ages!

Carl is one of my favourite photographers to shoot with, his energy, vibe and passion are absolutely infectious and I am always so fuelled on a creative high. He is a master at lighting and works his bladddy butt off to make sure your body is lit to absolute perfection, showing off muscle and tone which I appreciate greatly and motivates me to throw the best poses I physically can as I know if anyone can capture them it's this man :D

Highly recommended and I look forward to shoot number 6!

Keira Lavelle

There aren't enough words in the dictionary to describe how creatively passionate and driven this photographer is! When I was younger I did art at school... I would get cross with myself if a bit of paint/chalk went in slightly the wrong place and the adrenaline kicks in to make it work into that visual masterpiece you had in mind - this is exactly how motivated Carl is to deliver the best (not "okay") but the best effect of lighting onto his subjects to create a picture bursting with WOW. He settles for nothing less than exquisite when composing his images and over the many shoots I have had with Carl, the mutual drive and teamwork becomes so totally contagious that you're both working the concept right to the last tendon-busting stretch! And that is not just me pulling the crazy poses, that Is Carl too as he balances on one knee with an eye sharp on where the light is falling whilst framing up beautifully can producing imagery that just melts the back of the camera. The number of times I look at what we produce and think; how on earth can we better that?! His electric passion when shooting reminds me just of the days when I would paint because photography is not all that different: Carl is the very genius to demonstrate just how minute differences transform an image... his eye for detail and quality is sensational! Models: if Carl is plotting a shot: it's going to be good. He doesn't shoot for the sake of shooting, the concept must be f high inspiration and you should know that you are going to get some amazing images out of it.

This time we shot again at his stunning studio in Fareham (Tanglewood studio) and I was in awe at how much he had customised it since my last visit. Being an engineer, he goes to great lengths to "make things possible" and some of the sets he has created single-handedly... You couldn't describe them if you tried! A real life pool of clouds with light drenching from beneath... structures galore in the striking coach house... water features like you have never seen before... Everything is just incredible. Again, this level of dedication that an artist has to their work really rubs off on you as a model - as a result I will push my poses to the core and beyond because I know that Carl is going to turn that moment into an image of truly impeccable beauty. Much of my all-time best work has been with Carl: he puts another dimension into sensual erotic as a genre (superbly erotic but elegant art at the same time) and he will light a nude shot beyond perfection. I even love the semi-clad to fully clad images we have done - everything is always a winning set!

I've stayed with Carl on couple of occasions since he got his new studio and house sorted - the recent occasion was when the studio and model quarters were all finished and there are all the facilities needed for models to be independent if staying and shooting with Carl on part of a tour. It's absolutely lovely and there is ample space in the changing/makeup area to lay out all the goodies that will soon feature in the shots to come - Carl and I have always discussed ideas/things to bring and then at the start of a shoot it's nice to lay everything out and see where you are going to begin etc. 5 star provisions without a shadow of a doubt!

Carl has always been a delightful partner in crime for me: every story to tell under the sun with location adventures, but that's what comes when a photographer gives his shoots that level of get-up-and-go, make cracking images and enjoy the process along the way. He's a lovely person, always respectful and values the models input always: he's got gallons of professionalism to give in that he's so mightily organised for shoots and will plan the days well. He's so courteously helpful to models and will help anyway he can: he allowed me to stay as many days as needed whilst shooting in Southampton if I hadn't already fixed something up: makes sure models are well looked after with lunch and drinks provided. He's a true star and I always enjoy working together. :)

Thank you for another amazing shoot Jailbuddy! (Long story - but we still got some grand pictures and can laugh about it now!)

freespirit

I remember I once made a hand-made ballerina card for Carl which read “To Kayleigh Lush’s favorite photographer, and mine”- which was based on one of Carl’s references on here, whereby Kayleigh said he was her favorite photographer.

I always felt conscious, though, that it is unfair to all the other truly lovely photographers I work with for me to say that Carl is my favorite. What I have with Carl- which is rare in the unstable/shallow modelling world- is a long- term creative relationship, which has allowed me to develop ideas with him over time, on the basis of free communication, and loyalty. For example, I have long sent Carl moodboards, on the understanding and with the all- important trust that he would not use my ideas with other models. And, as another example, we use our free, unconstrained discussion of fantasies for inspiration for our photoshoots- and for the “Fantasy Tales” book he recently published, as a celebration of our years of working together.

Working with Carl is not simply “fun”- for me, that epithet seems too shallow. What I experience is far deeper than that. For me, the fulfilment has intellectual aspects also- links with literature, with his Grimm heritage - and it’s so nice to meet a man who I can have a conversation with on these levels. There’s a real affinity in our creative partnership- people who’ve seen us together always recognize us as a “team”- indeed, even members of his own family seem to have appreciated the real affinity we have! Not merely in photoshoots, but it has extended far beyond that- into exhibitions, and book publications, and tutorials. I was surprised when he told me I’m the model that he’s shot with more than any other. Of course, I would like to work with him even more (we’re unfortunately impeded by the distance between us) and we would get even better results- that would be a dream come true. But the sad, grim reality is that I have to make the most of the little time we have.

My creative brain is inextricably entangled with Carl’s genius, and with his “Tanglewood” studio and his Grimm lineage. My commitment to Carl is absolute, and continues into the forseeable future. And our inspiration runs both ways- I’m about to embark on a dream shoot commencing this weekend, which I’ve been planning and preparing for more than a year, which was entirely inspired by Carl- I would never have thought of doing it, had he not inspired me with the idea. It’s based on a dream he’s held in mind for 20 years, and which I was so looking forward to realising/reifying- to use the word “enthusiastic” just doesn’t go far enough.

I believe so much in Carl, and in his art. I believe in him, and I back him. I continue my ongoing work with promoting him internationally, his tutorials, and with fulfilling his 20 year dream. (Apologies for the “War and Peace” reference- but as ever with me, I mean every word- and I'll follow through).

Hugggggsssss. 😊

Eva Ready

So I guess he knows his stuff....!! There aren't enough superlatives for the fabulous shoot we had today. Carl is so on my wavelength in how I like to work. He is clear and precise with direction but also gave me free reign to try things. I was introduced to Mr 5 Degrees and was chuffed to be called a pretty sausage (yes really).

Carl was a lot of fun to work with and his creativity just flowed from set to set. Can't wait to see the results. Thanks, Carl, jy is 'n ster :)

Serenity.

I shot with Carl just over a week a go and had an absolute blast!!

I love his energy, passion and creativity! From the get go Carl was really lovely, warm and friendly. I feel as though he definitely brings out the best in models when he shoots with them.

His studio is absolutely incredible and the 6 hours of shooting just flew by.

Carl is a pro at lighting and I was blown away by the images we produced. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Miss mae_

Had a very lovely shoot again with me grim for the third time on a duo shoot with my partner James for our anniversary and as aways he is just superb! We had a fab time Pre comms were great as usual he was on time to start and very polite as always. Each shoot gets better and better :)

I can’t recommend him enough in all honesty he’s an absolute trooper :) such a professional and lovely guy! Can’t wait to come back and shoot with him again

Regards

Tann

Jezebelle

Woweee, what can I say about this epic individual!

Carl was enthusiastic from the start, with his huge personality and amazing sense of humour that had me giggling throughout....his studio is truly breathtaking, so his ideas were just as awesome, wonderful to put into practice!

This has to be my favourite shoot of this year, it was no holds barred creativity and it was an honour to see this legend in action - I cannot recommend this fantastic photographer enough to all, he is a star, such a unique and fun human that just blew me away :)

Em x

chloesul

Had my first shoot with carl, oh my il so glad we agreed to shoot!!

This was by far the most creative shoot I have done so far. We had ideas from being in the water to art nude! The back of the camera photos were amazing can't wait to see what we have achieved! Carl is such a lovely, chatty man who always makes sure you are okay. He even acts out the pose which is quite funny!

Totally recommend 😌

Sallyjanerain

I had a lovely shoot with Carl in his amazing home studio on Saturday.

He had picked me up from Fareham station as I was traveling from London and even picked up some lunch for us both on the way back.

Carl was amazing to shoot with, he defiantly knows his stuff and knows exactly how to make the image just perfect.

we tried out many different ideas and I am very pleased with what we have achieved.

Carl is friendly and Professional and really makes you feel amazing!

I would love to work with Carl again and i would 100% recommend him to anyone.

Lily Thorne

I messaged Carl asking where he does his underwater shots, next thing I know we're arranging a shoot. And I am so glad we did! Not only is he incredibly talented, but his enthusiasm for photography shines throughout the whole shoot. He is so much fun to work with and professional at all times.

If you get the chance to shoot with him, do it, you won't be disappointed!

Storm Kitty

Had a great shoot with Carl today! We only had about 4 hours due to the train strIves, but we got so much done! His studio is amazing and so well equipped, of course we could've kept shooting through the evening! Great with direction and taught me a thing or two about low lighting! Very very happy with even the back of came4a shots and I'll definitely have to come back and shoot more to get everything we didn't cover! Highly recommended

Tasj

I had the pleasure of having my first shoot with Carl yesterday. What an absolute pleasure it was! From the moment I arrived, Carl was incredibly welcoming and gave me a clear idea of how the day was going to go. He took me around the studio and showed me where we would be shooting. Wow, what an incredible place to shoot. Stunning rustic feel and look to the barn.

When shooting, Carl gives clear instructions and created a comfortable and exciting environment. Every shot counts and the attention to detail in getting that perfect shot was wonderful! Very excited to see what we have created.

I was fortunate enough to shoot underwater. He talked me through everyone just perfectly and gave brilliant guidance.

I look forward to our next shoot!

Catchlight45

I had the greatest of pleasures being mentored by Carl today, blown away is an understatement. I was recommended to Carl by a model that I have worked with before and he came highly recommended. I was so stoked to have this opportunity that I grabbed it with open arms and went there today. We started of by going through is Studio where he described areas where we would be shooting in and images we could create in each area, I always wanted to shoot high contrast images like film noir and edge black and white's which I have never been able to create.

Carl was prepared to listen to what I need to understand and gave me clear direction on how to achieve the images and explained how the chosen modifiers were to work in conjunction with images. At no point did I ever feel intimidated or made to feel stupid asking questions just encouraged to feel I could create the style of image we set out to create.

I came away feeling very satisfied with myself knowing I have learn so much from a master of photography. I would highly recommend Carl to any photographer who wants to significantly improve there photography in leaps and bounds...... I can certainly can vouch for this.

Thank you so much Carl for a truly magnificent day of tutoring.

Vivian Blue

I had a lovely shoot with Carl last weekend. Pre shoot comms were great and I had a clear view of what to expect and what we were looking to achieve before our shoot.

Carl kindly let me stay in his guest house/studio area, which was very comfortable.

We shot mostly art nude and fashion nude. I told Carl that I hated my bum but he managed to get some rather fabulous shots of it! Making me re-think how I felt : )

He's a lovely man, easy to get on with, great host and amazing photographer.

I'd love to work with Carl again at some point in the near future.

Best wishes.

Viv

freespirit

Had an epic marathon 5 days shoot with Carl, mostly in his newly completed unique and extraordinary Tanglewood Studio. Carl kindly picked me up from my house, in order to circumvent ongoing train strikes. We started on Saturday evening, shooting with Soria, the multi- talented aria singing pole dancer, with us both performing on the silks and pole, and concluding late at night with an erotic wet duo shoot in Carl’s ingenious shower/ wet room. The second day, I was the model for Carl’s “Lighting the Nude” Masterclass with Wavepower, which generated lovely images and was highly educative.Third day, we shot together, experimenting with lighting. Then we tried a Yacht shoot, with Carl’s crew of philosophers and scientists debating U.S. politics and constitutional law, whilst I climbed the genoa naked :) - immense fun despite wintry/ frosty weather.  On the last day, we again experimented with lighting together in his studio. This time, I even got to be Mr Grim! (We did a Grim Reaper set).

I’ve said it before, but I love working with Carl. For his sheer galvanic creative energy and massive enthusiasm, he’s unbeatable. Of course, his superb lighting skills and beautiful bodyscapes are always much admired. But I find there are so many things to love it’s hard not to end up writing a reference the length of War and Peace. :) I love the opportunities he gives for shoots which are more like adventures (with whom else would you do a yacht shoot in November?), and I also love the storytelling aspect of his work, which lends the possibility of creating work which is deeper, more meaningful, unique.

No wonder we were worn out at the end. :) When you have in common the fact that you are both giving absolutely everything to every single picture, the process is exhaustive, and exhausting, but worth it.

Highly recommended, as always, of course. :) Better than Helmut Newton.

Vixen_Blackheart

Well what can I say, prior to our shoot carls communication was fantastic, the day of the shoot arrived he was absolutely fantastic to be around really fun and easy going, super intelligent! He knows his stuff And his lighening skills are mind blowing after seeing some back of the camera shots were incredible can't wait to see the images! Not only have I always been a huge fan of carls work but yesterday sold it for me, 8 hours flew by and we were both left questioning where the time had slipped off too! Aleady planning a second visit, 200% recommend him to anybody and he makes the best cup of coffee!

Thanks again for yesterday

All the best, il see you soon!

Kat x