"CBD Exploration" with Carmen Haines

Carmen is an air hostess with Qatar Airlines.

We used two of Durban's newest hotspots.
8 Morrison Street and 320 Pixley

Makeup by: Michelle P
Images: Lee Folkard

Behind the scenes can be seen on snapchat: leefolkard 

Quote by Jiro Ono

"Once you decide on your occupation... you must immerse yourself in your work. 
You have to fall in love with your work. 
Never complain about your job. 
You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. 
That's the secret of success... 
and is the key to being regarded honorably." 

"Forever Young" with Sansha Lambert

Sansha won #ProjectScouted cycle II.
She's on instagram: @Sansh_Lambert

Venue used: 320 Pixley

Images by Lee Folkard Photography

See behind the scenes live on shoots on snapchat: @leefolkard

Instagram and Twitter: @leefolkard

Quote by Mario Testino

"The more I photograph women, the less it is about transformation. 
Women are beautiful. 
All that really matters is enhancing that."

About Me

Hi!

I'm Lee Folkard, a South African based photographer.
Residing on the east coast of South Africa, Durban, the warmest place to be is my hometown.

I am a marketing graduate who has been working in the photography industry since 2010.
Over this time I have worked to create a good cohesion between all my different media platforms.

The blog has been all over the place, from movie reviews to various self promotion posts. I have also used it to promote and house various aspects of a project in 2013; Project Scouted.

Project Scouted now has a website and life of it's own and  I am ready to give this blog a more structured feel.

Join me on my journey.

Please feel free to interact with me:
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Email: leefolkard@icloud.com

The awesome #ProjectScouted sponsors – Cathy Vere of Hedgehog Party Service

Durban is a treasure trove. Think of all the awesome venues that #ProjectScouted shoots and events have taken place at and you will see that this is true. Upping our game from last year, this cycle of the Project sees us calling on the professional and unique services of Cathy Vere, owner of Hedgehog Party Service, to be a scout in her own right – a venue scout, that is.

Lee Folkard Photography: How did you hear about #ProjectScouted & how did you get involved?

Cathy: I've known Lee for years. As a Marketing Consultant for Barclays/Absa, Lee Folkard was one of our preferred suppliers. I have followed the Project from day one. Now that I have opened my own events company I can finally get involved. Lee invited me to be part of the Project in order to provide him with support.

LFP: What made you want to become a #ProjectScouted sponsor?

Cathy: I just want to share my knowledge and expertise and services. It’s also a great way to build on my business relationship with Lee Folkard Photography and also to network with other business owners.

LFP: How did you get involved in the events industry?

Cathy: I applied for a job as a Compliance Officer but my manager identified my strengths and skills in planning our head office functions. It wasn’t long before I became an Events Consultant for Absa Group Marketing.

LFP: What advice would you give to someone wanting to work in the events industry?

Cathy: Definitely invest in a short Project Management course. Find your niche and know your stuff! Keep updated with what’s in and what’s not. It takes more than just a love of a great party to succeed in this fast-paced field; you’ve got to have an eye for detail and an ability to handle constant deadlines and pressure.

LFP: What is the best part of your work?

Cathy: I love selecting food and décor with my clients, working with different people, and spending my days at cool venues instead of behind a desk. It’s also awesome conceptualizing with my client’s to bring their dream and ideas into reality and then watching the reaction of my clients at the event. Its great seeing the end product.

LFP: What is a typical day like for you?

Cathy: It’s incredibly busy, especially having two little ones! We have also just opened up a new store so I have been spending lots of time there. Juggling my family and upcoming events is lots of hard work.  But it all pays off at the end of the day.

LFP: With Durban being a relatively small city, how do you constantly find trendy, new venues for events?

Cathy: Social networks are my most useful tools. Print media is also very helpful. I tier my information according to clients’ requirements.

                           

LFP: What criteria are you using when scouting for venues for the Project?

Cathy: I look at what the new generation is into these days. The 21^st century girls and boys are always inventing a new fashion or trend. They have their regular "chill-out" spots that I've taken note of. Venues also need to enhance the week’s theme.

Like the Hedgehog Party Service Facebokpage to keep updated on all Cathy’s events and to also see the interesting venues she discovers for the various Project shoots and events. Don’t forget that Phase Three takes place this Sunday, 15 March, at Fairway on Northlands Pre-Primary with the theme “Let’s be kids again”, and we want to see you there!

The #ProjectScouted team behind the camera – Our Instagrammer, Zaheera Engar

She is a self-professed Instagram addict and has a passion for capturing and sharing images that tell a story and express emotion. Who better than Zaheera Engar to be one of the Instagram photographers capturing and sharing images in real-time from the #ProjectScouted shoots and events?

1.    What do you currently do?

I am a full-time housewife and part-time bookkeeper.

2.    How did you hear about #ProjectScouted and how did you get involved?

I heard about the Project about a year ago when I met Lee Folkard on an Instawalk.

3.    What motivated you to want to be one of the Instagram photographers for the Project?

I am an Instagram and editing slut (mind the word) which means I always want to try new and different types of photography and this is my chance at a different type of photography.

4.    What do you love most about social media?

I love how it takes me off the couch and into the streets, opens my eyes to see things in a whole different light, and of course all the wonderful people I meet!

5.    How did you discover your passion for photography?

Through Instagram, of course!

6.    What do you love photographing most?

Mostly landscapes and cityscapes but recently I enjoy playing around with editing to create some surreal escapism

7.    How does one take a really good Instagram photo, be it a selfie or in terms of general editing?

I think timing and light are most important and not to layer your shot with too many filters.

8.    For you, what makes a beautiful photograph?

I love photographs that capture a story or a feeling, and stirs up the senses in me.

9.    Any tips for the #ProjectScouted girls?

You’re young, beautiful and amazing; don’t take life too seriously! Enjoy all the moments, especially these coming up in the Project!

#ProjectScouted, having taken on a life of its own, now has a dedicated Instagram page. 

IG: @ProjectScouted

Also keep an eye out for the website that will be going live soon as well! Remember, all events and shoots are open to the public free of charge but even if you can’t be there, Zaheera will be making sure that you don’t miss anything!

Zaheera on instagram: zah_za

First Post for 2015

#365byLeeFolkard is still running.

Facebook album can be found here: #365byLeeFolkard


So, after taking an almost 5 month break, the Lee Folkard Photography blog will be back in action.

#ProjectScouted : cycle II will dominate the blog for the next few months.

If you enjoyed #ProjectScouted last year, you're in for some awesomeness this year.

Thank you for your continued support and feedback.

Jessica Chastain turns Blonde for the next Marilyn Monroe biopic

Jessica Chastain has been somewhat of an enigma in Hollywood. With a name resembling royalty and glamour; Chastain has bagged some enviable roles in her career and has given brilliant performances to match and now her name is being attached to the next biopic, titled Blonde, on one of Hollywood’s most legendary stars that filmmakers cannot stop being obsessed with, Marilyn Monroe.

The film, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel by Joyce Carol Oates, is going to be different from the other films recently produced about Marilyn. Blonde is said to be focused on the inner, spiritual and emotional life of the star that has captivated the world for generations, along with her aura of beauty and glamour that was tinged with depression and strife.

Oates's 700-page novel, published in 2000, accounts many of Marilyn's infamous relationships, including one with United States president John F. Kennedy. Many of her alleged lovers haven’t been named, but they are clearly identified by the nicknames given to them by Marilyn and the context in which she talks about them. A male co-star from Some Like It Hot is labelled "C", who can be presumed to be Tony Curtis while Marilyn's husbands, Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller, feature as "the ex-Athlete" and "the Playwright" respectively. It’s no wonder Marilyn is famous for her illustrious and tumultuous affairs.

It’s going to be pleasant to see Chastain as a blonde once again, ditching her natural red hair. She also played a blonde as a ditzy but spirited woman in the period drama The Help, for which she received a best supporting actress Oscar nomination in 2011. Her other Academy Award nomination was for 2012's Zero Dark Thirty. Chastain has been particularly busy lately. She will star in a number of movies this year, including Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi mystery Interstellar with Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey, as well as Miss Julie - based on the 1888 play - with Samantha Morton and Colin Farrell. She is also currently filming Guillermo del Toro's horror Crimson Peake.

Blonde will be produced by Brad Pitt's production company Plan B, with the actor reportedly having been key in convincing Chastain to take the role. The two had worked together on Terrence Malik’s The Tree of Life in 2011, for which Chastain also received critical acclaim. Blonde is set to be directed by Andrew Dominik, known for his work on The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and Killing Them Softly, having cast Pitt in both films, and will also forge the film from his own script.

The film was first reported for making back in 2010 and has been an infatuation project for Dominik. Chastain having been cast was a move to ensure that Marilyn is channelled as a lost and lonely movie star trapped inside a world of glamour and frivolity of her own volition. Judging from Chastain’s and Dominik’s previous work, Blonde might just be a step up from the other Marilyn biopics that Hollywood has turned out in recent years. Shooting for the film is set to start in August this year with a release in 2015.

Project Scouted photographer profile: Caroline Burne

Lee Folkard Photography asked Caroline a few questions ahead of her photo session to get a little insight into who she is and what her photography process is like.

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

Caroline: I only got into photography in my late twenties. My boyfriend was photographing the scene at the time and I was instantly drawn to it. I bought a Nikon D60 and started taking photos socially at nightclubs. Two months later, I sold my little D60 and upgraded to a D300 and haven’t looked back since. I reached a point where I felt it was important that I learnt the fundamentals in order to move forward. So I went to Vega and completed a year of studies, after which I began working for a studio.

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

Caroline: I met with Lee to talk about being a part of the Project. I really like what he is doing for Durban’s creative community.

LFP: When photographing people, what is your process? What's your favourite aspect to capture?

Caroline: I like trying to create something complex out of otherwise ordinary, simple elements. When you are able to evoke an emotion rather than just an expression, you’ve achieved your goals and I think it reflects in your work.

LFP: What inspires you artistically?

Caroline: The pioneer photographer, Ansel Adams said, “You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.”

LFP: Has Durban always been your home? What do you love most about Durban?

Caroline: I’m a born and raised Durban girl. It’s hard to say what I love the most. When you've lived in one city all your life, you form a love/hate relationship with it. One minute you pack your bags and get one foot out the door and the next you’re hugging your pillows promising you will never leave.

Caroline's passion for photography is clearly evident and she has the talent and drive to match. It’s always refreshing to see more photographers who bring depth and intellect to their work. Be sure to keep an eye on the Facebook page for her and the other featured photographer’s pics.

South African at heart, Larisa MODA – An official sponsor of #ProjectScouted

It takes courage, determination and several leaps of faith for one to follow their dreams. But Larisa Terblanche of Larisa MODA, moda translating to fashion or in style in Spanish, did just that. As a full-time designer, Larisa is somewhat of a fairy godmother to the clients who value her opinion and her craft. Living in South Africa for the past nine years, she has also managed to admirably create a reputable and highly sought-after brand in the fairly smaller fashion industry of Durban – a feat not to be scoffed at.

Get It Magazine - Ballito.Umhlanga

She was born with a love and affinity for beautiful things, starting to draw dresses in pre-school and developing a love for clothing over the years. Coming from a family that was not well-to-do, she designed and sewed her own matric dress. Attention to detail and achieving the highest possible quality is a trait that has always been inherent in Larisa and that is a characteristic of her garments that she has become known for and that she has honed over the years. Her philosophy when it comes to the garments that she creates is that just as a woman should not only be beautiful on the outside but also beautiful on the inside, so should clothing be. The way in which a garment is created is of utmost importance to Larisa and she says that one could even wear her dresses turned inside-out!

It was love that brought Larisa to Durban, having met her husband, a South African, while he was on holiday in Russia. Having now relocated here and also being a mother to two beautiful little girls; it is the love for her family, South Africa and fashion that has made Umhlanga her home. Larisa, like many working mothers, takes special care to balance her family and work so that neither of these priorities is neglected.

Larisa’s speciality is creating custom-fitted and client-specific wedding gowns, evening wear, matric dance dresses and special occasion outfits. Of course her dream is to grow and expand her brand but Larisa’s heart lies with her one-on-one work with clients and she derives great pleasure and satisfaction from giving her clients the gift of looking and feeling beautiful through the creation of a distinguished garment.

Some of Larisa MODA’s career highlights have been achieving second place at SABIA’s (South African Bridal Industry Association) Couture category for the K.Z.N. province; being selected as a K.Z.N. designer for the Fashion Design Capacity Building Programme, "21 STEPS TO RETAIL" in 2013; and also showcasing her Autumn/Winter 2014 collection at S.A. Fashion Week in Johannesburg in 2013.

Larisa was also a part of Project Trinity last year and this year she rejoined Lee Folkard Photography for the unmatchable underwater concept shoot for the Top 6 shot at the Endless Horizons Hotel in Umhlanga. She graciously offered for the girls to wear her garments, achieving the effect of making our stunning Top 6 appear as if they were mystical creatures emerging from a submerged paradise. Thanks to Larisa, Phase Ten of #ProjectScouted was one for the books. She has been an integral part of creating something incredibly beautiful.

Old-world glamour meets an old Durban at #ProjectScouted Phase Eight

"What counts more than style is whether architecture improves our experience of the built world; whether it makes us wonder why we never noticed places in quite this way before."
                                                                                    - Ada Louise Huxtable

            Some of the best images are created when different elements are combined to create an alchemy of beauty. At the Phase Eight photoshoot, the official photographer for this phase, Jessica VanGoeverden of Van.Go Photography, thought up the concept of fusing old-world Hollywood glamour with an edgy urban twist.

            The shoot took place just outside uShaka Marine World in an abandoned building along the Point Waterfront. Durban is a city saturated with history and much of this history has its foundations in the buildings and architecture within it. The Phase Eight photoshoot captured this history, which unfortunately now only remains mostly in rundown and dilapidated buildings, by juxtaposing their rawness and sharp edges with the soft, ethereal beauty of old-world Hollywood glamour. Lee and Jessica even went a mile further to give the images a unique ambience by carrying the props to the location themselves; their dedication to the Project being completely admirable.

            Hollywood glamour of the Fifties and Sixties cannot be created without the hair, make-up and wardrobe to match. The graduates of Make-up the College were on location bright and early once again to create this look for the girls, who interpretted the theme excellently with the appropriate hair and outfits. Photographers Roy Esterhuysen of FirsthousePhotography and Blush Boudoir as well as Nilufer Yucel joined the group with Nilufer capturing the behind-the-scenes pics that has gained quite the following on Facebook. Mums, sisters and brothers - who we are always thankful for as an extra pair of hands is always appreciated at a photoshoot - also joined the #ProjectScouted models.

            It is definitely a bonus that our #ProjectScouted ladies are a group oozing class and sophistication, making it quite natural for them to portray the message of the photoshoot - that despite the kind of situation or circumstance a woman might find herself in, her poise, grace and elegance has the power to outweigh even the harshest surroundings. The official #ProjectScouted photographers have produced a brilliant and highly creative body of work throughout the Project; from selfies and sassy-sporty to a live fashion show and now vintage glamour. At Phase Eight its hard to imagine how the Project could get any better but estimating from the work so far, there's no way that it can't.

            Phase Nine with the Top 7 girls will take place this coming Sunday with the theme and location soon to be announced. The shoots are open to anyone who would like to come along and watch the magic happen. Keep an eye out for the images and don't forget to comment, like and share on Facebook. Spread the #ProjectScouted love because #WeDoItForThePeople.

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.

#ProjectScouted bombards Essenwood Park

On the Friday before many Durbanites were preparing for the Vodacom Durban July, the girls of #ProjectScouted - the extremely fortunate Top 10 - were busy creating art at the Essenwood Park for the Phase Six shoot. Having read Phase Six official photographer, SamanthaDuckworth's, brief for the photoshoot, some may have raised their eyebrows a little. But as is often the case, those who are sceptical are soon blown away by the amazing results.

            The theme for the shoot itself was eye-catching and intriguing; vulnerability. Each girl would have 10 to 15 mintues with Samantha lying on a mattress with white sheets and a pillow to capture a shot that exposes not their body, but their inner selves. Portraying the emotion of vulnerability and being completely unguarded is not an easy task. Its far easier to strike a pose full of fierce attitude but to portray strength through being open takes a skilled model. And this is what Samantha endeavoured to draw out from the girls who have excelled in the other shoots so far.

            The images were shot from an angle above the girls with Samantha teetering on a step-ladder and they were encouraged to pose in a way that felt comfortable to them, either showing their face or not. It might seem deceiving when taking a look at the images, but the girls wore strapless tops and shorts, allowing them to experiment with the shape and lines they could create with the sheet on their bodies while not being provocative or inappropriate. Iman Sheik, model at Ice Model Management, Durban and our guest judge from Phase Five, was also there to help direct the girls in their posing and to occasionally fluff up their hair.

            Following the success and popularity of the students of Make-up the College owned by Jacqui Bannerman applying the make-up for the models at the Phase Four fashion show and the Phase Five Top 15 high-fashion shoot, some of the college's fresh graduates came along to prep the girls according to the concept. The #ProjectScouted models have really been getting a taste of what it feels like to be a professional model with these regular shoots and professional make-up applications!

            Our regular lurkers were also in attendance as they would not have been able to miss such a unique shoot with such a distinct concept. Jerome Stoffels, Roy Esterhuysen of Firsthouse Photography, Nilufer Yucel, Jessica Van Goeverden of Van.Go Photography and Simphiwe Mkhwanazi all came by to shoot behind-the-scenes and also to take pics of each other taking pics. Scouts Lailah Osman, Dakota Jude Baptist and Ryan Francis of Shoelaced Clothing were also there to rally their girls and keep the morale up. Our scouts have also been rather modest throughout the Project, not realizing how important they are! The beautiful Charelle McAllister of Make-up by Charelle also dropped by to meet the girls, three of whom will be given the full treatment by her with hair and make-up done for the Top 3 shoot. Another loyal supporter, Se-Anne Rall of the Tabloid Newspapers, also came by to check out the action which might help her in her duty as the guest judge of this phase.

            Keep up to date for the photos from the shoot as well as the behind-the-scenes images as they are released on the Lee Folkard Photography page and also read up on the fascinating people involved in the Project on the blog. We can't contain our excitement and neither can the girls of #ProjectScouted as we're skirting towards the end. Some of the first place prizes were also revealed this week; the Apple iPad mini and a MAC make-up hamper, being the two prizes which have lit a fire of motivation under the models. We can't imagine saying goodbye to some of these girls with the next cut ahead of Phase Seven with the Top 5 approaching, but this is a competition and there can only be one winner. Do you think you know who that might be?

#ProjectScouted : Phase Seven : Brief

Words from photographer: Simphiwe:


Ayt  here we go

Okay we going for a hippie look.

Hair : messy curly  whatever you like, hippie style

Clothing : Classy but chilled too, hope that makes sense even.  Okay so bright colors , solid colors patterns flowers,  except green (nothing totally or dominated by green). 

Accessories,: hand bags, necklaces,armbands etc nothing hectic

Okay bring your A game, lots of smiles, frowns , bored, fun and simple poses. so sleep well :)

Okay I've attached some images as reference, for planning outfits, remember nothing dominantly green. 

kind regards

Simz