Carl L Smith lll aka Blaksmif - Based out of New York City, Known as Mr Grindking, A man with many hats in the entertainment biz such as a Booking Agent, Artist Manager, A&R record exec and now he is currently known as a celebrity photographer. Carl became passionate about photography in late 2000's and decided to refine his craft hands-on as a apprenticed to veteran celebrity photographer Ronnie Wright. Carl has also been inspired and / or mentored me over the years by veteran photographers such as Ernie Paniccioli, Joe Conzo, Derrick Williams, Erskine Issacs, Kenya Smith, Louis Mendes, Walik Goshorn and the late great Gordon Parks to name a few.
Carl specializes in the entertainment business, covering live shows, shooting celebrities and exclusive social events such as BET Awards, Hot 97's Summer Jam, Jay-Z Tidal event, BET's Black Girls Rock, P. Diddy Bad Boy 20th year Anniversary, Adam Torres Concerts, Ice-T’s Art of Rap Festival, Circle of Sisters Expo name a few. Carl also worked at many Weddings receptions, private family functions and party events throughout the United States.
Carl photographic experiences inspired him to start Grindkings Photography in 2009. His photo images are in books such as the hip hop author Antoinette Banks "ALL THAT GITTERS", Pinoeer DJ Cool V's "NEVER SLEEPS" and "THE SYMPHONY" and his photography work have appeared in various advertisements and promotions in nightclub websites such as Stage 48, BB Kings, The World Famous Apollo Theater, SOBs, Sony Hall, The Barclays just to name a few. He is also known to be hired to do Cinemagraph, 3D and 360 Photography images at a few events.
Carl is a videographer and video editor that been also been hired to do videomercials for Talent Buyers and Promoters to promote at several clubs, venues and Special events. Also as a traveling videographer, hires to record tour footage and shoot pictures while traveling with artists nationwide and overseas in Europe, the U.K, Brazil, Asia with various artists like DMX / Ruff Ryders, Jaheim, R. Kelly, and classic hip hop artists like The Sugar Hill Gang, Slick Rick, Rampage, Lil Flip, Jungle Brothers, CL Smooth, NINE just to name a few and DJs too.
Carl style brings out the unique characteristic in his clients, which turn the photograph into something very special. He recently did a private photoshoot for Michael Bivins clothing line “Sporty Rich” and R&B's legend Jaheim's photoshoot for his upcoming Christmas album and many other artists and professional clients. Currently, Carl lives in Bronx, New York and he continues to take his talents nationwide and aboard from the exclusive red carpet events to exclusive parties to charitable events that empower change, in which he is there to always to shoot. To Book Carl for your any event, email him at Grindkingsphotography@gmail.com or Call @ 347-688-2014