Tabloid Newspapers' Se-Anne Rall, the guest judge of Phase Six

She doesn't seem like a conventional journalist when you meet her, but Se-Anne Rall, who regularly rubs shoulders with the rich and famous, is fast becoming one of the most popular names in print media with regular features appearing in the Tabloid Newspapers. She's also the face behind some of the fantastic print media coverage that #ProjectScouted has been getting and now she has taken on the new task of being our guest judge for Phase Six.

            This time, Se-Anne was the one answering the interview questions.

            Lee Folkard Photography: Who is Se-Anne Rall?

            Se-Anne: Se-Anne Rall is fun, quirky, not scared to say what everyone thinks and never takes herself too seriously. She is a mummy to the best 3 year old ever and she is also the most amazeballs sister and daughter. She likes the beach (but not sea sand), cold weather, Woolies lemon cheese cake and popcorn. She loves fashion and photography. Oh, and she is a stand-up comedian on a bit of a sabbatical right now.

            LFP: How did you hear about Lee Folkard Photography and #ProjectScouted and how did you become a guest judge for Phase Six?

            Se-Anne: I met Lee a while ago through work when he launched last year's Project and I fell in like with the concept. I had come by to the Phase Six shoot and Lee asked if I wanted to be a guest judge and I said yes. I think all my #lurking paid off!

            LFP: Having been at the Phase Six shoot at the Essenwood Park, what did you think of the concept of the shoot and of the girls?

            Se-Anne: The shoot at Essenwood Park was very creative. It was an 'out the box' concept and I thought the photographer did really well. The girls were on point and most followed instructions to the tee.

            LFP: What inspired you to become a journalist?

            Se-Anne: When I was 8, a family friend asked what difference I wanted to make when I was older and without thinking twice I said "by being a journalist". My parents taught my siblings and I to be strong-minded and independent thinkers, so my decision never wavered. I enjoy the adrenalin rush of my job and where it has taken me so far.

            LFP: What advice would you give to anyone wanting to become a journalist?

            Se-Anne: If this is what you want to do, prepare to work hard before you see your name out there. Many youngsters are ill informed and rock up ready to rule the world with no common sense whatsoever. It takes hard work, determination and balls of steel to be in this industry. You can't allow anyone to bully you but you must remain teachable.

            LFP: What has been the highlight of your career?

            Se-Anne: I got to interview Julio Iglesias and I have met some of my favourite stand-up comedians. I also get to attend a few premier events.

            LFP: Do you think competitions like #ProjectScouted are relevant or beneficial for young girls?

            Se-Anne: Yes! Yes! Yes! #ProjectScouted offers the everyday girl a taste of the modelling world and a chance to pursue a career in the field. It brings out their confidence because judges are not looking for perfect girls, or at least what the media portrays as perfect girls.

            LFP: Do you have an idea of what you will be looking for when judging the girls' photos?

            Se-Anne: I will be looking for a girl who looks at the camera and you see her innocence and realness. Her personality must shine without her having to try. Just a girl who is confident and natural.

            LFP: You must have some funny stories from your job. What's been the most interesting or weird story?

            Se-Anne: I get the weirdest calls. Last year, a woman called and wanted me to do a story on the fact that bald men could get sick when it rains because somehow the water gets into their brains. The other was a few weeks ago when a guy called to tell me he could be related to Naomi Campbell - the model! He was watching the Victoria Secret fashion show and thought he and Naomi had the same skin colour!

            With Phase Seven on the way and our Top 9 having been chosen, Se-Anne, Lee, Jerome and Samantha no doubt had great difficulty cutting even just one of the girls. The images shot by Samantha Duckworth, who is a part of the resident judging panel, will be released on her Facebook page soon; the images revealing the softer, vulnerable sides of our beautiful #ProjectScouted girls.

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?

Lee Folkard Photography’s enigmatic blogger, Sholene Ramdass, the guest judge for Phase Four of #ProjectScouted

Sholene Ramdass might be an elusive freelance writer, but she has still had substantial experience in the spotlight and time in front of the camera having come from a beauty pageant and photographic modelling background. The face (and hands) behind much of the Lee Folkard Photography blog, Sholene will now play a vital part in choosing the 15 girls of the 25 who will go through to Phase Five based on the images captured at the Fashion Extravaganza featuring the designs of Ryan Francis of Shoelaced Clothing. Sholene was also a part of the Top 10 in 2012’s Project Exposure, and although this Project was structured differently, she has a pretty good idea of what the #ProjectScouted girls have to bring to the competition. This humble Durban-girl has her heart set on penning some great literary works in the future, and we got to know her a little better.

Lee Folkard Photography: Who is Sholene Ramdass?

Sholene: I'm a simple girl living life from one experience to the next. Currently a Creative Writing and Literature student, I'm also a freelance writer. I find solace in all things art, creative, and beautiful; whether it’s a photograph, a film, or even people going about their lives every day. Naturally as a writer, I'm a lover of stories and although I may not say much, I am always listening to the world around me. I think I’m full of contradictions too; I’m introverted and extroverted, I love being behind the scenes but also a part of the action, I go to fashion shows with girl friends and car exhibitions with my brother and help my dad with DIY at home. I’m a chameleon. I’m still discovering the answer to this question everyday but there’s much more to me than a description. I've been called an enigma once or twice, so I wouldn't be able to sum myself up anyway. But I think you get the picture.

LFP: What inspired you to choose your qualification and to be a writer?
Sholene: No matter what I may have tried my hand at; I have always had a great passion for language and literature. I am, and have always been, unashamedly, the girl reading a book or the girl wanting to go to the theatre or film festivals. In this way, I've grown into myself; I've always had different tastes and interests. Public speaking is another passion I have which also involves using words to evoke emotion in your listeners and having excelled at this over the years, especially at high school, I found that having a command of the English language is crucial in more ways than one can imagine. I'm still finding my way as a writer but being a writer is who I am and whichever career I choose to pursue, writing will be the focus. I’m insatiably curious about life and the world around me; I'm always jotting things down and when I'm typing on my phone, I'm more likely making a note of something than texting. For me, the written word is emotion. Literature is man’s memory.

LFP: What are some of the misconceptions about being a writer?

Sholene: A lot of people think that it’s easy – you just sit at your computer and type away. But the depth, thought, and planning that goes into writing any piece of worth and quality is profound. When it comes to short stories, poetry, novels and any other piece that involves the creation of characters, especially, a writer has to create a world with people who have emotions, histories, and personalities through words. This is extremely difficult to do if one desires to write with substance and meaning. Being a writer requires extreme perseverance and patience; two qualities I am still trying to master.

LFP: What inspires you?

Sholene: Life inspires me. So often, I find myself in complete awe of the world and the life around me. There’s beauty and intricacy everywhere; in people, nature, art. I’m inspired by good writing, a good film, a memory, a conversation; everything that I experience is a source for creativity. I’m in love with life – the good and the bad of it – and all the emotions that come with it. There’s unfathomable beauty and depth everywhere, all we have to do is be open to it.

LFP: What will you be looking for when judging the girls on their images from the Fashion Extravaganza?

Sholene: Being Lee Folkard Photography's blogger, I've been involved in the Project from the beginning and have had the chance to meet some of the girls and be at the photoshoots. So I feel like I have gotten the chance to know them a little. I’d like to see that they have become a bit more comfortable in front of the camera and that they aren’t being generic. Being a successful model is about having an x-factor and that's what I'll be looking for. Also coming from a beauty pageant background, I know the importance of a strong ramp presence and walk that translates to great images – which will be another factor I will consider. Unattractive girls don't exist; I believe a good photograph comes from personality, character and daring to be yourself.

Some of Sholene’s pieces can be read on the Lee Folkard Photography blog; her writing perhaps giving a deeper insight through her thoughts and ideas into who she is. She will draw from her exposure to different fields and avenues during the Phase Four judging process along with Lee Folkard, Samantha Duckworth and Jerome Stoffels. Don’t forget to keep checking the Facebook page and the blog to see who the crème of the crop is.

Lyle Young – A creative software developer and guest judge of #PhaseTwo of #ProjectScouted

Lyle Young is a really lucky guy to have gotten to be present at the #PhaseTwo photoshoot of #ProjectScouted on Saturday, 31^st May, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and also now getting to be a part of the judging process of this phase where the girls will be hand-selected to go through to the next round. Seeing as this is an incredibly daunting and difficult task with the high calibre of talent in the Project this year, we got to know this software developer a little better.

Lee Folkard Photography: Who is Lyle Young?

Lyle: In a nutshell, I think I’m a simple guy who loves life and always, always tries to make the best of every situation that confronts him. I think I am motivated and ambitious which makes me passionate about reaching my goals and fulfilling my dreams. I like meeting new people and making life-lasting bonds. I believe that people are amazing and everyone is different in their own unique way. I like travelling and seeing new places and doing new things. I still have a huge to-do and to-see list that needs ticking off because it’s always worthwhile to take something special away from any experience.

LFP: How did you hear about Lee Folkard Photography?

Lyle: Like many people, I first came across Lee on Facebook. Back then, he did quite a few one-on-one photoshoots with clients and did a lot of birthdays. I knew many of the people he shot, one even being my cousin, and so I noticed his photography a lot and followed his work because of the high quality and because it stands out from the work of other photographers.

LFP: How did you become a guest judge for #PhaseTwo of #ProjectScouted?

Lyle: As a supporter of Lee’s work from the beginning, and building a friendship with him along the way, he had asked me to be a guest judge and I jumped at the opportunity.

LFP: What did you enjoy the most about the #PhaseTwo photoshoot on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium?

Lyle: I think it was such a fun day overall and that was what I liked. I’d really encourage others to come to the Project shoots as they’re open to the public for anyone to come watch or just say hi. Everyone had a good time and the mood was relaxed and friendly. I think the models enjoyed that especially so they didn’t become too nervous when they get in front of the camera. And there were lots of laughs as well! Plus, it’s never a bad thing being surrounded by so much beauty either!

LFP: What are the features that you will be looking for in the girls when judging their pics?

Lyle: Although I’m judging on pictures alone, I will take into account girls who didn’t need much direction and just got up and worked the camera naturally on the day of shoot. Beauty is an important factor but also their personalities need to shine through in their pictures. The theme was Sassy Sporty so they need to have nailed that aspect as well.

LFP: What's your favourite sport? Are you looking forward to the Fifa World Cup happening soon?

Lyle: Well, I am big supporter of SA rugby as well as our local sides in the Super 15. I try to see the Proteas whenever there is an opportunity and of course, I love soccer too which is really huge all over the world. So I am really looking forward to the World Cup. I really wish I was going though! Being in Brazil with the soccer World Cup on is definitely most guys’ dream. My favourite team has to be Spain.

LFP: Are you a creative person in any way?

Lyle: There’s a quote I read some time back, “Anything can be creative – you bring that quality to the activity. Activity itself is neither creative nor uncreative. You can paint in an uncreative way. You can sing in an uncreative way. But you can clean the floor in a creative way. You can cook in a creative way." So if creativity is seeing the world differently and doing things in a different way from the norm, then yes, I do think I am a creative person. As a software developer by profession, I also have to think out of the box.

As a guest judge in #PhaseTwo of #ProjectScouted, Lyle will be a big part of making the decision of who will go through to #PhaseThree of the Project along with the other regular judges; photographers Lee Folkard, Jerome Stoffels, and Samantha Duckworth. Lyle is definitely going to be bringing a fresh set of eyes to the girls that we have gotten to know thus far.