Project Scouted featured photographer profile: Jessica Van Goeverden (aka Jessica Van.Go)

She’s young and extremely enthusiastic about photography. Photography student, Jessica Van.Go, as she likes to be known, is one of the first two photographers who will be a part of the first phase of Lee Folkard Photography’s Project Scouted to be held at one of the latest Durban hotspots, Hashtag Restaurant on Windermere Road. Lee Folkard Photography had a brief Q&A session with this vibrant and eager photographer about her passion for photography and her involvement in Project Scouted.

Lee Folkard Photography: What was your inspiration to begin photography and how did you start in the business?

Jessica: I have always been the “arty” type, mostly interested in painting and drawing. But in 2010, I found a new interest in photography when I received my first Point and Shoot camera. Ever since, I have been in love with photography because I found I could express my artistic side through photography too. So in matric, I decided to turn my passion into a career, and during my first year studying photography at the Durban Institute of Photography, I created my own brand and am now trying to build my name.

LFP: How did you find out about Lee Folkard Photography?

Jessica: I found out about Lee Folkard Photography on Facebook. A lot of my friends had seen Lee's page and had liked it so the page's notifications were always popping up on my newsfeed.

LFP: How did you become involved in Project Scouted and what motivated you to be a part of it?

Jessica: A friend of mine who had entered the previous years’ projects had tagged me in a comment on a status about Project Scouted that asked for anyone who knew young photographers who might be interested in participating in this year's project and I immediately took the chance!

LFP: What do you think makes a good photo?

Jessica: To me, a good photo is made up of two elements; one is technique and the other is the message that the photo portrays. If the photo speaks, it is good.

LFP: What does photography mean to you?

Jessica: My grandfather has always loved photography and has always been a keen wildlife photographer in his spare time. When I found that I too had an eye for a good shot, I felt quite proud to say that I could one day be a well-known photographer. I would like to be known as an artist.

Be sure to look out for Jessica Van.Go's images from the girls who were chosen to be a part of the first stage of Project Scouted shot at Hashtag Restaurant!