The Brissett Brothers - Durban's Infamous Identical Twins to be a part of Phase Twelve

Chad and Keelan Brissett are probably the most well-known identical twins in Durban. Their modelling career has rocketed in just a few short years and this is no doubt thanks to their relationship with one another that has evolved into the #BrissettTwins brand.

            We got to know the brothers ahead of the #ProjectScouted Phase Twelve shoot where the twins will be posing with our Top 5 beauties in the "Day of the Dead" concept shoot shot by Jerome Stoffels.

            Lee Folkard Photography: Who is Chad Brissett without his twin brother?

            Chad: Chad Brissett is a young career-driven guy who enjoys the world of fashion as well as nature and all things beautiful. He is someone who enjoys all spheres of life and enjoys experiencing new things that he isn’t accustomed too.

            Lee Folkard Photography: Who is Keelan Brissett wirhout his twin brother?

            Keelan: Well,  I'd say that I'm a very driven person who loves to keep busy and excel in everything that I do. I really love fashion and not just because I model but I just want to feel good all the time and quality clothing does it for me. I'm generally a very chilled, laid-back guy but I do have a wild, fun side which comes out every so often.

            LFP: What do you think about the "Day of the Dead" concept for the #ProjectScouted Top 5 shoot?

            Chad: I personally am a guy who enjoys more of the happy, fun style of shooting which is complete opposite to this shoot. But I believe it’s awesome to broaden your horizons so I think the shoot will be really fun and it’s always nice to try something different.

            LFP: How did you become involved in the #ProjectScouted Top 5 shoot?

            Keelan: #ProjectScouted has been trending everywhere and luckily enough I've had the privilege to meet and spend time with the talented Lee Folkard. I've seen him at all the big events and he is often with many friends that I know so it was bound to happen that we’d work together. I'm very happy to be able to take part in #ProjectScouted, it’s also an ego-booster to have Lee Folkard want to work with us.

            LFP: What's it like being an identical twin?

            Chad: It’s honestly the most amazing thing ever! People always say there’s nothing like a mother’s love for her child but I would say a twin's love is beyond the boundaries of love; it’s a connection that is unbreakable. My twin brother is my best friend, barber, stylist, psychologist, etc.

            LFP: What's the worst thing about being an identical twin?

       Keelan: In all honesty, there's not much I dislike about being a twin but the worst thing I'd say is if there's something available and there's only one of it, then Chad and I would have to fight over it which tends to happen more than I'd like.

            LFP: How did you form your own identity when you have an identical twin?

            Chad: It’s quite hard for us as we are both so closely linked. But we do have different personalities as much as they are similar and I think once people have taken the initiative to get to know us they will realize we are different and do portray our own identities.

            LFP: Do you think that you and your brother will be able to carry the #BrissettTwins brand forward until you're much older?

            Keelan: I really do believe we will, we’ve just started building the #BrissettTwins brand and we have so many ideas and goals we want to achieve and that means pushing it through even until we’re older. The brand and name can never disappear as long as we’re alive so I'm almost certain we’d find away to get the #BrissettTwins trending through the ages

            LFP: How did you begin modelling and how did the decision happen to market you and your brother as the #BrissettTwins?

            Chad: We started modeling about 3 years ago which we really loved. We created a strong bond with our former agent who helped catapult our career in the modeling world. We basically realized that us together was not just a team, but that we are a label which can be used to be marketed to the world. And people seem to be loving it so far!

            LFP: Is there any jealousy or sibling rivalry between you two?

       Keelan: We don’t have jealousy or rivalry at all actually, we are however competitive with each other and want to beat each other when it comes to sport to campus marks, etc. This competitive nature is actually good because it keeps us pushing at a high intensity and grows us as people together.

            LFP: How are you and your brother different?

            Chad:  We are really not so different at all. I would say in terms of physical attributes, I am a bit taller and I have a beauty spot on my nose. But in other aspects I would say he is more of a neat freak as opposed to myself.

            LFP: Have you guys ever pulled a prank on someone or fooled someone?

            Keelan: Many times, but more so in our younger days. I remember we pulled an infamous twin-prank on a girl where we swapped clothes and she had no idea. The details I would have to share in person, though.

            LFP: What's the funniest/weirdest thing that has ever happened to you guys because you're twins?

            Chad: Well, we had exams and we wrote for each other before and it was awesome as we could study for one test less. Also when we get stopped by the police while driving, we sometimes use each other's license. (LFP: These guys definitely have a naughty streak!)

            LFP: What do you want the world to remember about you?

       Keelan: My humble nature and respect I have for all people.

            LFP: What's the one thing you want people to know about you?

            Chad: I'm just a really humble guy.

            There is no doubt that these guys, combined with our beautiful Top 5 models and Jerome's photography skills, are going to make our Phase Twelve shoot all the more memorable as #ProjectScouted draws to a close.

#ProjectScouted : Phase Twelve : Brief

In the words of the photographer:

With Project Scouted drawing to a close I had a few ideas for my shoot and seeing as we are close to the end I decided on a celebration theme.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) which is a Latin American celebration.

I get to work with Charelle one of the best makeup artist and I’ve asked her to take full control of the skull makeup and hair.

We will have two male models on set Chad and Keelan Brissett [The Twins] who will pose with the models.

Venue: Colombo Coffee / Factory Cafe Address: 369 Magwaza Maphalala St, (Umbilo)

Dress code: Black suit jacket and black trousers, white shirt, bowtie or tie and high heels.

The jacket does not have to be fitted so you could use a friends one. I’ll also bring along my jacket in case one of the models can’t get hold of one.

Times: 07:30 Charelle to arrive to set up

Keelan & Chad (1 hour each makeup) 9:30 done.

09:30 -  Lieche makeup starts (45min each)

10:15- Taliya 

11:00- Toni

11:45- Sarah

12:30- Samantha

13:15- all models complete with make-up

Let’s have fun ;)

Thanks Jerome

Sassy Sporty ladies at Moses Mabhida Stadium for #PhaseTwo of #ProjectScouted

Its difficult to believe that the FIFA World Cup was held in South Africa 4 years ago! Depending on the way you look at it, the time has either passed extremely slowly or extremely quickly. Now that the world has been hit with football fever once again with the World Cup set to take place in Brazil just around the corner, we thought that a fitting theme for #PhaseTwo of #ProjectScouted would be Sassy Sporty.

            Are there many things in the world as appealing as beautiful girls and sport? Combining these two elements, the 40 girls chosen to be a part of the second phase of the Project caused quite a stir at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 31 June. Shooting in spots around the stadium, the girls were in their element working the angles of sports like boxing, soccer, surfing, and basketball, just to name a few, with added sex-appeal and femininity. This year's group of girls featuring in the Project are proving to be tough competition for each other as all these models posed with confidence and ease, fighting through having the sun in their eyes. Their determination is definitely going to be evident in the pics.

            This leg of the Project saw Lee Folkard Photography's own Lee Folkard behind the lens, as he made up one half of the duo to shoot the girls on Saturday, taking the portraits that they will be judged on. Jerome Stoffels, who you can learn more about from our Q&A session with him featured on the blog, shot the full-length images of the girls as well as lurked about with his iPhone taking the candid shots we all love as well as some selfies too, of course. This is a tough photography duo to beat and these girls who got the chance to pose for them can count themselves lucky.

            This time, the parents decided to drop off their girls with the team or just stick around at the restaurants at the stadium. There were a few other visitors who made a morning of the shoot too. Jessica Van Goeverden of Van.Go Photography who shot the girls in #PhaseOne; Nilufer Yucel of Nilufer Yucel Photography, one of the scouts of the Project; as well as Roy Esterhuysen of Firsthouse Photography, who will be shooting the girls at a later stage, all took care of the behind-the-scenes pics that can be seen on their respective Facebook pages.

            Photography enthusiast and model, Zak Ashley Faurie-Williams, also came by and shot some candid pics. The guest judge of Phase Two, Lyle Young, also stayed for the morning, no doubt making some mental notes to assist with the difficult decision of judging the girls. And there were also several of the scouts who came by - Tyra Horsley, Ryan Francis who is also a sponsor of the Project and will be hosting a fashion show in #PhaseFour (keep an eye on the blog), Daniella O'Brien, Lailah Osman, Jami De Vries, Camo Clothier and Janay Manning who was also the winner of 2012's Project Exposure.

            Although many of the girls are participating in the Project just for the experience and to get some great portfolio pics shot by some of Durban's best photography talent, the competition is definitely heating up and its going to be quite interesting to see how it plays out. Every girl has something uniquely special about her, now what matters is how they use that to their advantage to stick out from the group.

Images supplied by: Firsthouse Photography & Van.Go Photography.

Project Scouted photographer profile: Jerome Stoffels

Describing him as a photographer with a twist is an understatement. He’s a photographer who is interested in art, travelling, exploring and cattle farming. Yes, cattle farming. Jerome Stoffels is full of surprises and takes with him an easy smile and welcoming demeanour everywhere he goes, which is probably why his images of the people he shoots are always intimate and intriguing. This will be the third year that Jerome is back to a part of a Lee Folkard Photography Project and, through the way he has with people, especially those he shoots, this definitely won’t be the last. And now you can get to know more about this cool guy.

Lee Folkard Photography: Who is Jerome Stoffels?

Jerome: Hi, I’m Jerome Stoffels and I like taking and making images. Photography is like another language that I speak and I'm using it to say something!

LFP: What was your inspiration to begin photography and how did you start off in the business?

Jerome: Inspiration comes from everything around me – my family, colours, thoughts, emotions, dreams and travelling. I want people to relate to my work. For me, photography is about the stories – the lives I get to inhabit. And I attempt to capture these and then share them. Photography is like a relationship to me. I think it all started in Europe with the different architecture, cultures and spaces. I knew I would one day leave so I decided to document everything I saw with photography. I fell in love with the art and photographic galleries in London. I also joined underground photography clubs. But my first real break came when I was booked to shoot a Mercedes Benz Fashion show and it just continued from there.

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

Jerome: This is actually my third time collaborating in Lee's Projects. Following the success of the last Projects, I jumped at the chance to be involved again. I also really enjoy hanging out and meeting new folks at the shoots and events. Project Scouted is probably the biggest one so far; which is an indication that everything has been organised in a very professional way. The calibre of the photographers involved and the ladies that have been scouted is like BOOM! I'm a massive fan!

LFP: What is ‘beauty’ to you?

Jerome: Beauty – Everyone is created differently. I embrace that uniqueness and celebrate it. Everyone should do that in their own way.

LFP: If you could photograph any person, alive or passed, who would it be and why?

Jerome: Wow, there are so many! But one that is at the top of my list right now is the legendary Bob Marley. He is an obsession to me, really! As much as he was a musician, he liberated people through his words. No matter what mood I am in, I can always listen to his music. I was actually doing some research on him recently and I found out he read palms when he was really young. His mother was overwhelmed with the strangers turning up at their home to have their palms read so she asked him to try something different. And that's when he started playing the guitar. A conversation and couple pics with him is all I'd ask for. But not forgetting a selfie with him too!

LFP: What would an advert advertising you, for any purpose, say?

Jerome: #TravelArtPeace

Having been born in Durban, grew up in the Eastern Cape and lived the UK, Jerome carries with him a wealth of stories and experiences; all of which he brings to his photography. His identity is made up of these places and he has been working to create images evoking the experiences of the stories, beauty, energies and emotions he has been witness to over the years. Be on the lookout on the Lee Folkard Photography Facebook page to see Jerome’s inspired images of the girls in the coming stages of Project Scouted

#ProjectScouted – The First Phase

18 Windermere Road was abuzz with a bevy of beauties this Saturday, the 10^th of May, as the first photoshoot for Lee Folkard Photography’s 2014 project, Project Scouted, took place at the uber trendy hotspot, Hashtag. The restaurant’s cool and casual setting provided the perfect atmosphere for the kick-off of Phase One in the project and although the morning was a chilly one, the energy and excitement was tangible. Hashtag also treated the girls and their parents to coffee while they waited for their spot in front of the cameras, with The-Wiz, Dj Alleyne Morton, on the decks keeping the awesome vibe.

The girls who fit the criteria that the scouts were on the lookout for were instructed to dress in a way that portrayed who they are. Some girls went for a more natural and subtle look, to suit their personalities, but some also went all out for dramatic and striking looks. There was an array of different styles and tastes on show for the morning with every girl working it in their own unique way.

The girls scouted ranged from high school pupils to university students and some even employed. Previous years’ projects seemed to serve as a reliable reference point for those parents who wanted to check out the brand. Parents, mostly mums, who arrived with their daughters weren’t at all sceptical about the shoot as the Lee Folkard Photography name has become an established one in Durban with a strong social, as well as print, media presence.

There were a few surprises on the day too. The Clown, who has become a regular feature in the Project photoshoots, made an appearance and was also roped in for countless pics. Durban-based photographer who will be a part of the Project at a later stage, Jerome Stoffels, also stopped by to take some of his famous behind-the-scenes iPhone pics along with Nilufer Yucel, who is also one of the scouts. Ryan Francis of Shoelaced by Pow, a loyal and much-loved sponsor involved in a Project for the second time, also came by.

The first two photographers who had the talent to be scouted in their own way to be a part of this first phase were Simphiwe Simz Makhwanazi and Jessica “Van.Go” Goeverden. Simphiwe took the “selfie” to a whole other level, with the first shot of each girl being taken in the “Selfie Zone” at Hashtag, capturing the reflection of each girl in a full-length mirror, while Jessica photographed the girls in classic head-and-shoulders shots with whatever pose – or facial expression – that displayed their personalities.

This first phase of judging is going to prove to be extremely difficult. Be on the lookout for the images from this awesome morning at Hashtag soon to be uploaded onto the Lee Folkard Photography Facebook page. Also check out Twitter and Instagram as Project Scouted is taking over social media in a big way. The project has officially now begun.

Project Trinity : The TOP 15

Firstly, congratulations to:

Annelise, Kyra, Claire, Jamie-Lee, Kerry, Jodie, Kay-Leigh, Karen-Lee, Camilla, Nilufer, Samantha, Dakota, Tracy-Lee, Lungile & Christy.

The TOP 15 for Project Trinity. This stage will also be referred to as PHASE 2.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE TOP 15: 

By now you will know who's TEAM you are in.
Each photographer will work with their 5 TEAM members in PHASE 2.
You will liaise and plan with your photographer to set and plan your mini shoot.

We are wanting to get all shoots done by latest, Saturday 23rd November.

For this PHASE 2 photoshoot with your photographer, you are responsible for hair, make-up, clothing and your overall interpretation of the theme. Your photographer may assist with posing help as they see fit.

The aim of this phase is for your photographer to see which of their team members they work best with.
Remember only 3 per TEAM will progress to PHASE 3 (TOP 9).

Essentially this means in PHASE 2 you are competing against your TEAM members. As only 3 of you will move on.

In terms of outfits for your TOP 15 shoot - You may have a change of clothes. So two outfits for your two separate looks.

The theme for the TOP 15 shoot is : Emotions
We want one image showing a posed, structured, almost monotone feel and the other contrasting to this.
We want to see YOU in the latter image. Candid, natural and free...

In essence one image will be "SAFE" and the other more "RISKY"
It is also up to you and/or your photographer as to how you actually interpret this. This is merely a guideline.

We also encourage you to bring a "prop" or items that mean something to you - or that show us more about who you are.

Thank you,
Any further questions you may have - please contact your TEAM photographer and they will be able to further assist you.

Project Trinity - How it all works?

So, some of you have already entered. 
You don't know how this all works. 
You don't know what the prize is. 
You don't know what happens next... 

I thank you for the level of faith you have in Project Trinity.

What happens next? This gets posted today: Friday the 8th of November.
Entries close on Sunday the 10th of November.
You have just under 3 days left if you want to take part.

All people who meet requirements and submit their image will have their image uploaded to the Lee Folkard Photography Page on Facebook.
On Monday the 11th November the 3 photographers involved in Project Trinity will meet and go through all entrants.
A quick reminder about who these 3 are:

• Lee Folkard - Yes, that is me. Found on twitter, facebook, instagram, pinterest, youtube, tumblr- just search @leefolkard. 
• Samantha Duckworth - Blog: http://www.ducklingphotography.blogspot.com/
• Jerome Stoffels - Same deal; just search @jeromestoffels on instagram, facebook, twitter, tumblr. 

Okay back to the process. 

On the 11th we will evaluate, argue and debate - eventually deciding on a TOP 15! 

After getting a TOP 15. Each photographer will now get the chance to fight over who they would like on their "TEAM" 

If for example Samantha and Jerome both like PERSON A. We will call up PERSON A to ask them which photographer they would rather work with! 

Eventually we will each have 5 entrants each and these 15 will progress to PHASE 2. 

Official announcement on the TOP 15 will happen on Tuesday 12th November. 

Between the 12th and the 23rd November shooting will take. Dates will be decided by individual photographers. Themes and all details will be revealed once TOP 15 has been made public. 

I think that is enough for now... I will update this again closer to the relevant time. 

And the prize? I think you can wait a while longer to find out. 

Once again on behalf of all involved, I just want to thank you all for the support. 

Project Trinity - How to Enter

Requirements:
Aged 16 and older (If under 18, a parent will need to be present if you are selected)
Female
Able to commit availability during below timeline. Essentially from Tuesday 12th November until 13 December 2013.

How to Enter:
Email through to info@leefolkard.com

1 x close up image of yourself
1 x full length image of yourself
Full name as it appears on facebook
Age
Contact number

Please note: the project in its entirety takes place in Durban. By entering you are committing to make locations chosen for your photoshoots.

Once your images are submitted they will be loaded within a 24 hour period to the Lee Folkard Photography Facebook page. Entrants are encouraged to "SHARE" their image to create awareness regarding their participation in Project Trinity.

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS THE 10th NOVEMBER 2013.

NB: Lee Folkard Photography reserves the right to change any part of the project at any time. 

Project Trinity - Photographer #2

Lee Folkard Photography's Project Trinity will comprise of 3 photographers. (One of whom will be myself - Lee Folkard)

Choosing two other photographers was no easy decision. But when you see the work on offer by these - you will understand that they each carry their own story and journey and I am really happy and excited to see how things pan out. 

First up we have Jerome Stoffels. In his words: 

Hi, I’m Jerome Stoffels and I like making images.  

My passions are photography, art, travelling and cattle farming.  

I was born in Durban, grew up in the Eastern Cape and lived in the UK.

My identity is made up of these places.

I was raised around photography, most weekends my Mom would dress us up for her photo sessions and every family event was photo time, my Dad made portraits for teachers, doctors and nurses.  

Even though photography has always been around me, I only really started making images while I lived in London. Like any tourist I exploded and documented Europe with snap shots, eventually getting friends to sit in on sessions and capturing our social world.

I've been trying to create an overall image of the stories, beauty, energy and emotions of the all subjects I have captured. I’m not sure how to describe my style of photography yet but it’s always drifted between the four that most interest me documentary, street, candid and fashion (It is characterized by snapshots with strange colors, vignettes blurs and other imperfections).

Inspiration comes from everything around me colors, thoughts, emotions, dreams and travelling. I want people to relate to my work.

For me photography now is about the stories; the lives I get to inhabit, attempt to capture, and then share. A relationship

Thank you.

Jerome's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JeromeStoffelsPhotography

A Quick Q&A:

1. A song that sums up your mood at the moment is... 

New Look - Nap On the Bow

2. Your favourite subject to photography is... 

This changes from time to time; at the moment I'ts strangers in my street series.

3. Which one person would you most like to photograph to add to your portfolio? 

Kate Moss its an obsession

4. Best advice you ever received regarding photography?

Go with your instinct and keep practicing. Do what you love. My Mom I also found this quote from Andy Warhol who is an inspiration... its a process but I'm working on this “Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” I'ts pretty cool right!

5. Favourite movie? 

This is so hard... why only one?? The Godfather(all 3), Fight Club, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Whats Eating Gilbert Grape looks like I'm carrying on here...

6. What can people expect from you in Project Trinity? 

Firstly I'll like to thank Lee Folkard for approaching me to work with him. As we all know his images are brilliant with a high standard. I look forward to collaborating with Lee and the other mystery photographer...

We can share ideas learn off each other. I think we all have 3 different styles of photography, I'm looking forward to showing my side "raw-candid-hard-edged" documentary look to fashion photography. I look forward to Project Trinity!

7. Is there any website or app you regularly find yourself going to for inspiration?

Hunger Magazine/ Dazed & confused/ Erik Kim's photography blog and my favorite that I always refer too are known as the "The Terrible Three" David Bailey, Brian Duffy and Terence Donovan. Describing them "They can take a society portrait and later that afternoon one of a gangster and later that night a fashion magazine cover and run out the next morning and shoot a crime scene.”