I have known of Joel Grimes for as long as I have been involved with photography. Joel is one of those artists that can be described as a “master of their craft”, and that skill has earned him the rare designation as a Canon Explorer of Light. I am not saying that lightly, his photography and lighting skills are, simply put, second to none. If you get a chance to take one of his masterclasses, I’d suggest that you do. His course list is pretty much everything you’d want to know. Hoping to check out the courses myself someday, and even see his live workshops when things are back to “normal”.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Joel at WPPI earlier this year, you know, way back when people actually ventured out into the world. That interview made me think about the craft of photography possibly more than any I have ever done. In prepping for the interview I did a little research on Joel. His about page is full of amazing quotes, like:

“For me art is an extension of life. I believe my passion to create is built into my very DNA. Art is not simply defined by the finished product, but by the process one pours into the very act of creating.”

Wow. This is what real artists do, they live their passion.

Joel Grimes is a trained photographer, having received a BFA in photography from the University of Arizona. That led to him starting his commercial studio, originally in Denver, Colorado, but now Joel is based in Phoenix, AZ. What is interesting in all of this is that Joel never saw “commercial” photography as just creating a product for a client. Even in this commercial space he saw what he was doing as being an artist, and that comes through in his work.

His resume has had him working for the top advertising agencies across the globe, covering every state in the USA, and over fifty countries. His first coffee table book ‘Navajo, Portrait of a Nation’ was awarded several photographic and design awards, and that led to an eighteen-month solo exhibit at the Smithsonian American History museum.

Going back to Joel’s About page, there is a quote there that sticks with me:

“I view myself as an illusionist; creating images larger than life.”

An illusionist… just a brilliant way to look at one’s work, and with Joel it is so very true. His work will transport you to the scene and story of his choosing.

Join photographer, educator, and Canon Explorer of Light, Joel Grimes and me as we take a look at one of the most amazing examples of Portrait Lighting you’ll see, and as we chat about how you can elevate your lighting skillset, on this episode of Behind the Shot.

Website: joelgrimes.com

Website: joelgrimes.com

Dan Winters: danwintersphoto.com