The #ProjectScouted Open Casting a huge success

Having a look at the finds of the scouts for this year’s cycle of #ProjectScouted, it’s difficult to imagine that their teams could be bettered. That was until the Open Casting took place on Saturday, 21 February, at the #Hashtag social restaurant and bar on Windermere Road.

#Hashtag was also a sponsored venue by Durban entrepreneur, Brendon Kader, for last year’s Project and everyone was thrilled to be back – and not just to shoot selfies at the “selfie zone” of the restaurant.

Tasked with interviewing and screening the girls in the VIP area of the restaurant, the Open Casting panel did not have an enviable job on the day. Daunting as any casting or audition may be, the panel – consisting of designers Becca Blair of Becca Blair Designs and Ryan Francis of Shoelaced Clothing; Sholene Ramdass, Lee Folkard Photography’s blogger and former Miss Teen Kwa-Zulu Natal; as well as model and Miss South Africa 2014 semi-finalist, Iman Sheik – did their best to put the girls at ease and assure them that the process was not as intimidating as it may have seemed.

Most of the girls, once they found their footing, sailed through the casual, conversational questions asked by the panel and posed with confidence for their portraits shot by Dalton Green, who is also one of our Instagram photographers for the Project. Once again, Durban did not disappoint in delivering talent and beauty.

The aspirants who attended the casting, coming from as far as Richard’s Bay and Hillcrest, varied from high school students to even a high school teacher, with their ages ranging from 16 to 25. This kind of array is definitely going to be one of the reasons why this year’s Project is so successful.

Several familiar faces paid a visit on the day, as well as some new ones, from scouts – previous and present – to photographers and family of the #ProjectScouted team. The Open Casting turned into a reunion of sorts and it was clear that these guys were sorely missing the Project’s shoots and events.

The casting was the last opportunity for girls to get to be a part of the Project and now the scouts’ teams have been finalized. The excitement is tangible as Phase One and the official launch approaches next week Saturday, 28 February, which will take place at #Hashtag once again, coming full circle from Cycle 1 last year.

Images from the day can be found as they are uploaded on the #ProjectScouted Instagram account as well as on the Instagram profiles of photographers, Zaheera Engar and Dalton Green. Also be on the lookout for the footage of the day shot by the Project’s videographer, Robbie Muller, to get the behind the scenes action of what went down at the casting.

Pro model, Iman Sheik, the guest judge for Phase Five of #ProjectScouted

As a professional model with Ice Modelsin Durban, Iman Sheik might only be 17 years old, but we couldn't have asked for a more qualified guest judge for Phase Five of #ProjectScouted. She's stunning, yet simple and down to earth, and isn't unwilling to pass on what she knows about the modelling industry to aspiring models. Having been at the Phase Five photo session at the Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga this past Saturday morning, she has had the chance to not only see the #ProjectScouted girls in action but also to help with their posing while Phase Five photographer RoyEsterhuysen, who you can also read more about on the blog, did his thing behind the camera.

            Lee Folkard Photography found out more about this beauty who has success for modelling in her name.

            Lee Folkard Photography: Who is Iman Sheik?

            Iman: I'm a 17 year-old-girl from sunny Durban who is currently studying Clinical Psychology. I was really lucky to start my schooling earlier than usual. I'm also a model for Ice Models Durban, South Africa. I absolutely love fashion, food, family and friends.

            LFP: How did you hear about #ProjectScouted and how did you become a guest judge for Phase Five?

            Iman: I'm actually friends with Lee on Facebook and was sent an invitation to the Shoelaced Clothing fashion show in Phase Four at SMG Rocks. I absolutely love the whole concept of what #ProjectScouted aims to achieve and I knew I needed to be a part of it! I couldn't pass up the opportunity to be a guest judge! I love meeting others who have similar interests that I have and who are passionate about the modelling industry.

            LFP: How did you enter the modelling industry?

            Iman: I was still in school and my best friend encouraged me to enter a modelling competition that was taking place. I reluctantly agreed. And to everyone's surprise, I was suddenly being offered contracts by some of the local agencies. Now three years in, I absolutely love every minute of it! And its all thanks to my best friend, Sonam! Its so important to have friends who motivate you and want to see you succeed!

            LFP: Being a model is tough work. What has been some of the challenges? Would you change anything about the modelling industry in Durban?

            Iman: For me, a challenge has sometimes been my age. Most of the girls start their careers a lot earlier on. It is hard in Durban as the fashion community is still on the rise. A model also needs to have a more mature image sometimes, and I'm still coming to that place. But I know how lucky I have been!

            LFP: What do you love the most about being a model?

            Iman: I love the confidence it has given me. I have learnt to love myself for who I am and not what society wants me to be. This can be really hard for a teenager to do but modelling has taught me how to. At the same time, I'm also obsessed with getting dressed up. And I get to do it on the grandest scale ever!

            LFP: What inspired you to choose Clinical Psychology as your qualification and what do you plan to do after you complete your studies?

            Iman: A few years back, I actually had to visit a Clinical Psychologist after being in a hijack situation. Sitting in that doctor's office, the doctor made me realize in that moment that one day I could have the opportunity to council children who have been victims of far worse situations than I had experienced. I intend on counseling war, rape, and abuse victims. I plan on making a difference!

            LFP: How do you balance your studies and model work?

            Iman: I have a really strict dad who expects nothing less than A's! To be honest, time management and being a perfectionist comes in very handy! I just believe that if you really enjoy what you do, you can do it all!

            LFP: It seems like the destiny to be a model is written in your name.

            Iman: I was named after Iman Abdulmajid and from a very young age I have aspired to be at least half the woman she is. Not only does she have an amazing career, but she truly embraces her African heritage and being a woman of colour!

            LFP: What has been the highlight of your modelling career?

            Iman: Last year I received the opportunity to enter the Elite Model Look competition and made it to the Top 3 in Durban! It was such an honour and experience being one of the youngest girls!

            LFP: What will you be looking for in the photographs of the #ProjectScouted girls when judging?

            Iman: I am definitely looking for girls with a unique factor; I believe that always give you an edge.

            LFP: What goes through your mind when you're posing for a photo?

            Iman: To be honest, I'm usually so focused on my angles and what the photographer wants. But there is that part of me where my inner diva comes out!

#ProjectScouted is getting more and more nail-biting as the phases go by. Iman will be a part of making the daunting and extremely difficult decision of choosing the girls who will make up the much-awaited Top 10. Along with photographers Lee Folkard, Jerome Stoffels, and Samantha Duckworth, all of whom you can read about on the blog, Iman knows exactly what a good photo comprises of. Who better to make that decision?