References for Shaun Solent

Angel.

Another wonderful shoot with the fab Carl Grim at his home studio.

Firstly Carl will never run short of ideas, he is constantly coming up with unique and eccentric concepts before the shoot and during, which I love- I feed off his enthusiasm for creating quality photographs.

He not only is a passionate person regarding photography, but a great person to chat to, warm, fun and considerate. We had many lunch breaks and he was aware that I was recovering from a not so pleasant flu so I highly appreciate that.

Carl always shows the results on the back of the camera and I have to say there are seldom there which I thought weren't of an outstanding quality. All his work is flawless because he is highly meticulous with lighting, considering the minuscule change in angles such as even 3 degrees!

He works you hard, but we get the best results out of it.

I love working with Carl, so thank you for yet another awesome shoot

Highly recommended by me and I look forward to working together again!

Angel

Gyokko

Having admired Carl's work for quite sometime I asked if he would ever do tutorials... After a short bit he got back to me with a plan and off we went.

I was greeted very warmly by Carl to his beautiful home and after a cup of tea he went about explaining different types of lighting and went on to give me hands on tutorial on each type, their effect and the very precise nature of angling needed to achieve results...

Carl is a very strict but very patient teacher and his precision shows in the works produced... I had a great time and within 4 hours we covered quite a lot of ideas, what works and what doesn't and creating the exact image we want rather than just letting things happen.

I had a great time, took away a lot for me to work on and can't wait until our next masterclass.

Thank you Carl you are a star...

Stephen Edwards

Lighting the Nude - Masterclass with Carl Grim

I attended the first ‘Lighting the nude’ masterclass with Carl Grim. It was a great day and in no small part to the beautiful Freespirit working so hard on a very bright but cold day.

I found the day well structured and the instructions clear and concise. The masterclass covered various tried and tested methods demonstrating how to make the most of light in most situations. This was available light, reflectors and additional light and was very valuable. For me the most important item was attention to detail, just how much difference such a small change can make between a good image and a great one.

Notes were provided and these are very useful as an aide-memoire as well as containing additional background information. I have a short shoot tonight and another on Tuesday and plan to do these a little differently based on this course. The day was fun, the atmosphere was friendly positive and everyone appeared to enjoy the day. The coffee and lunch were excellent; I have never had a home cooked lunch on a course before.

I can highly recommend this course to other togs, it's not for beginners but the techniques are easily understood as they were explained from the basics. Many thanks Carl and Cat for a great day.

Highly recommended!

freespirit

I am so grateful to have the experience of working with Carl.

It reminds me of the first time I saw the work of Helmut Newton, as a child (I was an odd child :)). I remember being conscious that here was a photographer of a whole different order to everyone else. And I used to think- wouldn’t it be wonderful to model for Helmut Newton?

When I first had the opportunity to work with Carl, I felt so lucky. Just to get to work with him that once. But I’ve been so exceptionally fortunate to work with Carl for one year now, and it’s made me think- perhaps this is actually better than working for Helmut Newton. Because Carl is so good, such a great man, in addition to being a great photographer.

Because- It is not only his treatment of light- (which is so much admired- understandably)- but it’s his treatment of people- models in particular- which has a rightness about it... It is the first time I’ve had a satisfying, regular, long term working relationship. Because he is so fair, honest,trustworthy, and understanding. It is the happiest, most fulfilling, long term creative relationship I’ve ever had. And I am so grateful for that, for however long it lasts, more than I can say.

Absolutely recommended, of course. :) Xxx Huggsss….

tigerbelle

I have just got back from shoot number two with Carl, another whole day on the Isle of Wight but this time alongside Freespirit. We shot in a derelict location with a cool theme.

Carl has so much energy and infectious enthusiasm, there is absolutely nothing not to like!!

As usual, pre-shoot communications were great and Carl was professional and respectful throughout.

Absolutely hope that we have the opportunity to work together again in the future!! Thank-you for another fab shoot :D

AnnaRose

Had the absolute pleasure of shooting with Carl again recently. WOW! What an awesome shoot and day! Carl, is very talented, knowledgeable, creative, enthusiastic and has a real passion for photography.

Through out the course of the day I was also well looked after and Carl made sure I was comfortable at all times!

Despite a few difficulties we managed to do a variety of sets and every one was different to what I have done before. We worked outside, inside, near /in his pool and played around in his wet area. Very productive shoot that produced images of me I have never seen before! Carl even managed to get beautiful outdoor nude images of me. Something many have found difficult to do!

Thank you ever so much and I do hope we are able to shoot again.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Anna x

Rachelle Summers

Well there is not much to be said about Mr. Grim that I haven't said in the tonnes of references I've left him in the past..

The only thing I can say this time round is that this guy can literally take anything the world chucks at him and make a good shoot out of it! We were in Spain stuck in some blooming dreadful weather (chucking it down both days) so were confined to the apartment for the entire 2 days .. or in fact 3 for himself as he had a third day with another model during my day off!!

Despite not having great circumstances he rolled up his sleeves and made the most he possibly could, producing nothing short of perfect images as he always does!

A true testament to his work ethic and creativity!!

Always fun spending time with him and can't wait to shoot with him in October :)

Highly recommended!

Rachelle Summers

Yet another blooming fantastic shoot with this incredible photographer!

I really look forward to shooting with him, knowing for sure that I will have an enjoyable day but also that the inspiration flowing will be off the chart! Carl has a serious passion for photographer, he is so enthusiastic and it really pushes you to do the best you can possibly do! He is also bloody good at it! He knows his light down to a tee and always makes you look incredible in the images!

This time he booked me for a location shoot over in Ireland and we had a super day! The locations were mind blowing! Like jaw droppingly cool! And I am uber proud of the images I saw on the back of the camera :D Can't wait to see the final results!

One of my favourite people to work with, and still to date I had my most memorable and favourite shoot of my career with him which after 7 years of modelling says it all really!

Without a shadow of a doubt recommended and can't wait til the next time!!

freespirit

I consider myself fortunate to work regularly with Carl, most recently on his yacht (which was a real treat for me- an extraordinary shooting experience). For me, working with Carl is the closest I've come to having long term working relationship based on trust, and a mutual desire to create exceptional, memorable imagery. I've had the opportunity of spending time with him, and studying his work, - and as photography is naturally somewhat autobiographical, I've learned more and more about Carl's interests, his tastes, and his loves (for example not only his love of photography, and his lighting preferences and directorial style, but also his love of sailing, or his love of sculpture). Carl is very fair and honest in his treatment of models, which I really appreciate. He is not only a great photographer, but also a great man.

My sole complaint is that I don't get to work with him as often as I would like- he's too popular, so we must all share him. :)

Highly recommended, of course. xx

Jimmy Colombaio

Had the most wonderful evening with Carl at his home a few weeks ago.

I have long been an admirer of his work and decided to contact him in the hope that we could meet up and discuss his style and techniques.Being the gentleman he is he responded and invited me to his home to see him at work.

It so happened that my visit coincided with a home shoot he had arranged with the lovely Tillie from P.P.and he was able to show and explain his compositions and lighting techniques.

It was a beautiful evening and we shot in his garden and then in the studio with superb results.

Carl is an outstandind teacher and with Tillie as his model the outcome was a photographer's dream

So thank you Carl for pointing out the way ahead for me and being such an informative and generous host and I hope to perhaps see you in Italy next year.

Best wishes.

Jimmy

Marmalade

i had the huge pleasure of spending another day shooting with Carl yesterday at one of my favourite locations again! As we were shooting rope suspension this time we were joined by Frank, and both he and Carl went out of their way to look after me and make sure I was warm and comfortable, even when we were shooting complicated work in the most exposed parts of the building, and my first completely inverted suspension :) Wherever and whatever we shot as always Carl's lighting was impeccable and ideas bounced back and forth very freely, with some spectacular results!!

Thanks again Carl and Frank for yet another truly awesome day, and not dropping me on my head! :)

Helen x

Rose Magdalene Child

WOW WOW WOW! Another couple of days with Mr Grim shooting, this time I got to shoot on board his beautiful yacht and then a full day in his superb wet studio. The two days were just so much fun and we were incredibly productive which has in turn produced mind-blowing images. Our best shoot to date.

I don't know what more to say about Carl other than that he's the most creative photographer I've ever worked with. He knows about light, how light falls on the body, how to light in every possible situation and location and he makes me very proud of my body when I see it in his images. He is always respectful, looks after me very well keeping me warm and comfortable with breaks in-between shooting. He is enthusiastic and his passion drives me to push myself to my limits...which I love.

If I could, I'd work with him every day. I'd be tired, but I'd ALWAYS love the images.

Can't wait until next time :)

Tillie xx

Rachelle Summers

I spent another wonderful 2 days with Carl this week! As usual it was blooming amazing!

We went sailing on the first day which was super fun and exciting, whilst getting some stunning shots in the process. We then spent the second day shooting underwater at his home again, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and it was great getting to do some solo underwater shooting - I am soooo happy with the shots we achieved and cannot wait to see the final results (though I haven't managed to choose my faves from my last shoot with him yet so god knows how I will choose once more are added to the mix - they are all just too good!!)

He was also super kind to me when I got ill at the end of our second day, which I greatly appreciated as I wasn't feeling well at all!

Such an amazing person who I love shooting with, not only because he creates superb images but also because I adore his company!

Thanks again Carl and see you in Ireland!!

Marmalade

I had the pleasure of shooting with Carl for the first time last week..and what a day it was! We packed in two locations and even a lovely pub lunch, with spectacular results at both :) Carl is great fun to work with, with an awesome eye for a shot and light, and highly respectful of his models comfort!

Looking forward to working with Carl again on future projects :)

Helen x

Joel Hicks

This was the forth time I've shot with Carl and it's always a blast! Pre-Shoot comms were excellent, as always, and on the day both Lulu and I (who I was shooting with) knew exactly what Carl wanted from us from behind the lens, whilst being given the creative freedom to do what we do. Extremely creative and knowledgable, and precise with his lighting, Carl is brilliant to work with. You won't get any run-of-the-mill images from Carl, they'll always be something different, something unique... and something you want in your portfolio! Superb!

Keira Lavelle

This photographer is the lighting master and I simply adore working with him! :)

Another one bites the dust with our most recent creative blast in Spain; Carl's eyes are just a radar for innovative opportunity and he knows exactly where to put his models for final images that will blow you away. Each time I look on the back of the camera I want to squeal! :D

Get ready for a truly smashing shoot ladies and gents - we have our next one lined up already and I just know it is going to rock.

Faith Starr Model

Carl is not just a photographer he is an artist. His mind works in the most beautiful way and the best way I can describe it is.....He is a total Genius! Never met anyone like him.....so enthusiastic about his art, he doesn't only photograph a model but also help bring out the best in his models. Worked with Carl a couple of times now and this time at his gorgeous home where I got to meet his lovely wife. Such a lovely couple, I was made to feel at home and well looked after throughout my stay. Carl is a very humble and respectable man with a kind heart. His art has no limit with so much to offer, I absolutely love working with him. Carl is W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L to work with.......it even gets better...... in his gorgeous home he has added a fun room with a massive shower!!!.......The fun just keep getting even more fun!!! I would go on and on but one word just sums it up......Working with Mr Carl Incredible Grim is "WOW"

freespirit

I love Carl. He is a genius. Enough said. :)

Well, that and I second everything that Natural Happy Girl has stated in her reference. I loved working in his new state of the art pool studio, designed, invented by himself, to create unique wet and underwater imagery... He is ultra considerate, keeping the climate at an absolutely balmy tropical temperature to ensure the comfort of nude models, whilst suffering in the heat himself. Plus, he kept me supplied with copious cups of warm tea and sandwiches. Plus, I got to be a mermaid! And the images are gorgeous, really special.I feel so grateful to have met Carl and to work with him. It's a wonderful creative collaboration.

Highly recommended, of course. :) xox

Rachelle Summers

A few weeks ago I had my BEST shoot to date - and I mean like ever!

My entire modelling career I have always wanted to try underwater shooting, and so I jumped at the chance when Carl invited me along to his new home to give it a go!

Carl is an amazing photographer, he has such a massive passion for his photographer that I really couldn't think of anyone better to of had my first underwater shoot with. Not to mention that the set up he has built for himself at his home is incredibly - like truly mind blowing!!

As always Carl had came up with ideas and inspiration ahead of the shoot so that I could get geared up and in the right mindset so that when I arrived we could hit the ground running.

We started with some amazing 1920s style images with his downright gorgeous car (that he even took me home in :D :D ) before moving into the pool area for the water shoot. He shows you images all the way through the shoot so you can see what you are getting and really collaborate/bounce ideas off each other to get the best results possible.

All in all I just had an absolute ball and I really cannot wait to go back in a few months time :D

If you haven't guessed already - I absolutely without a doubt recommend him !

Natural Happy Woman

Carl is a total legend and I adore him :>)

It goes without saying that's he's very experienced, professional, and produces fabulous images :>) however I must say I really do appreciate your excellent pre and post-shoot communications, and willingness to share the gorgeous pictures with me- thankyou Carl x

Working with Carl is like being with a ball of energy- he's so dynamic, positive and enthusiastic, which can only be good for encouraging ones inner goddess to run riot- lovved it! Both my solo shoot and my work with Chiara were super productive shoots with amazing results- fabulous!

What I have christened his "photogasm" moments can be explosive- be sure you are gripping onto that rock tightly when you're doing you're best art nude on a cliff and he exclaims at 80 decibels- "STUNNING DARLING"! These shoots were EPIC!!

I would work with Carl again and again- his passion for beautiful images is unbounded, he puts 100% into the preparation and to the shoot itself, never runs out of ideas, and it's completely contagious- just wonderful to work with, definitely allows the model to be the best possible version of herself :>) Huggggggggggssss!!!