“You can look at a picture for a week and
never think of it again. You can also look at a picture for a second and think
of it all your life.”
― Joan Miró (Painter, sculptor, and
artist)
Every once in
a while, if we are fortunate enough, we find ourselves feeling as if we are a
part of something far larger and more beautiful than we could have ever usually
experienced. The Phase Ten
#ProjectScouted shoot held at the Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel on Umhlanga
Rocks Drive made everyone present feel exactly this way. As if the concept of
the photoshoot was not breathtaking enough, the morale and sheer will-power of
the Top 6 girls and the Phase Ten official photographer Roy Esterhuysen of
Firsthouse Photography and Blush Boudoir, was inspiring and admirable beyond
description.
The
#ProjectScouted girls have braved some trying weather in the Project so far,
but none of it could have properly prepared them for the underwater concept
shoot that Roy had planned. This is Roy’s speciality and one that is not often
ventured into by photographers, but even he was pushed to his limits in bearing
the unbelievably cold temperature of the pool at the hotel. Despite coming
prepared for the cold with layers of swimming gear (a Charlie Chaplin-type
video of Roy getting dressed can be seen on Instagram), he pushed himself for the
creation of art and an unforgettable experience.
The Top 6 girls
have every reason to be extremely proud of themselves, and everyone present at
the shoot can attest to that. Not only did they have to maintain their
composure when in the water, they had to display the outfits sponsored by
renowned Durban designer, Larisa MODA, who was also on location personally
dressing the girls. Her graciousness is unmistakable – as she didn’t even think
twice about the girls jumping into the water with her garments on. There were a
few screams of shock from the icy water and a bit of breathlessness but with
Roy’s patience and expert photography skills along with everyone’s support, the
girls got their shots.
The Phase Ten
shoot was quite an eventful morning and there were many visitors and spectators
who came by who have selflessly given off their time to support the
#ProjectScouted team and the models. The Make-up the College students and Charelle McAllister of Make-up by Charelle had their work cut out for them in giving the
girls a waterproof make-up application. And as each girl stepped out of the
pool, it was amazing to see that their faces were still exquisite with not a
smudge or a smear in sight. Charelle will be exclusively handling the hair and
make-up from Phase Eleven forward where she will take care of the Top 5 girls
and so on.
Jerome
Stoffels who is also a resident judge, Nilufer Yucel and Ryan Francis (aka The
Clown) lurked around shooting behind the scenes with Ryan seeming to be
completely comfortable in the freezing water with just his infamous clown suit
on. Se-Anne Rall of the Tabloid Newspapers took some time out of her hectic
journo’s schedule to come by; as well as past guest judge Lyle Young; parents;
siblings and friends.
The shoot was
completely engrossing and while we all cannot wait to see the images that will
be undoubtedly breathtaking, we can also appreciate the lengths the girls and
Roy went to for those shots. These images will definitely be those that you
look at once but can never forget.
