#ProjectScouted kickflips into Phase Two

"Skateboarding teaches you how to take a fall properly. If you try to kickflip down some stairs, it might take you thirty tries - but you just learn how to take a tumble without getting hurt."

- Bam Margera

If you don't know that it’s there, you may stumble upon the Skate Park on the Durban Beach Front as if it were a desert oasis. But of course, the breathtaking Indian Ocean is only a few meters away making the Skate Park a perfect addition to the beachfront's attractions. This was our location for Phase Two of #ProjectScouted, where our ladies arrived in their all-black attire ready to make an impact. Even on a Sunday morning, the Skate Park was abuzz with activity; making it a perfect #ProjectScouted venue. Nilufer Yucel, our stunning Turk and Phase Two photographer, aimed to capture the essence of the skateboarding lifestyle during her shoot. Along with her brother, Yashar Yucel, also a photography enthusiast, assisting her and shooting some photos himself which can be seen on his Facebook photography page – Golden Spider Photography – Nilufer aimed to encompass the daring and intense aspects of the action sports practiced at the Skate Park.

Being quite a demanding first Project shoot to be shot by one of the official photographers, the girls had to put their best foot forward as only 40 ladies will be going through to Phase Three. This may seem like an intimidating number but it is also a portrayal of the gravity of the Project. Along the way the girls will learn to be able to handle difficult shoots, sometimes harsh weather conditions like the blistering sun on Sunday morning, and the often ferocious nature of the industry. Yet despite the girls being so focused on their goals for the Project, it was obvious that everyone present had an awesome time. Even the parents who accompanied their daughters were captivated by the talent showcased at the Skate Park – that of their daughters and the skateboarders.

The amazing #ProjectScouted ladies did not miss a beat. With the expert guidance of professional model, Iman Sheik, who will be mentoring the girls throughout their Project journey, along with some of the dedicated and motivated scouts, made sure the girls channelled their edgy and fierce personas to the best of their ability. With the Skate Park as their set, the girls had the freedom to experiment with their posing making for some extremely interesting and unique shots. Our #ProjectScouted videographers, Tayla-Rae Coetzer and Stefan Rust, were also in their element capturing the energy of the shoot and the park – the video of which will soon be shared on the Lee Folkard Photography page – along with the photographers who shot the behind-the-scenes action, all of which will have their awesome work shared on the Facebook page.

Proving their devotion to and love of the Project, scout and graphic designer, Helen Borg, and participant, Jamie De Bruine, even attended the phase on their birthday! The Project could never be possible without the aid of many hands; assisting in ways big and small, or even just dropping by shoots, making the Project the spectacular experience that it is. This is what #ProjectScouted is all about; an experience invested in by inspired people who aim to inspire.

Phase Three is already approaching next weekend and we want to see you there. You don’t want to miss out on this. The #ProjectScouted ladies are just getting warmed up, learning the tricks of the trade that will keep them producing excellent work. And as Bam Margera would put it; even if they take a fall, they will only come back stronger and hungrier.

Images used by: Golden Spider Photography

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.

Scout and behind-the-scenes photographer, Nilufer Yucel, turns guest judge for #ProjectScouted

If you've had the good sense to visit any of the #ProjectScouted events or photoshoots so far, chances are you've seen this pretty young lady with her camera earnestly but casually taking pics behind-the-scenes. Nilufer Yucel started off as a scout in the Project and although unfortunately none of the girls she had scouted have made it thus far, she is now the guest judge of #PhaseThree and will play a pivotal role in choosing the lucky ladies who will go on to be a part of the Shoelaced Clothingby Ryan Francis fashion show at the SMG Rocks Mini Showroom on 15 June for #PhaseFour of the Project. We got to know the girl behind the camera.

            Lee Folkard Photography: Who is Nilufer Yucel?

            Nilufer: When people ask me what my name is, they always end up saying "That's a strange name, where does it come from?" Well, I'm actually Turkish. I'm a first year student studying for a Higher Certificate in Business. I have studied Photography part-time and will probably lean towards a Degree in something design-related. I love my photography because one of the advantages are meeting and interacting with new people. I also love helping others out, I always care for other people before I do for myself. I also love travelling and hope to see many more places. I have this never-ending bucket list of things to do and places to go.

            LFP: How did you hear about Lee Folkard Photography and how did you become a scout in #ProjectScouted?

            Nilufer: Last year, Lee was a guest judge at one of my school functions. So like any other person would, I checked out his Facebook photography page and I started following his work. He also gave me a lot of great advice and motivated me to better my photography. I knew that I wanted to work with him at some point so when I got the opportunity to do so in the Project I jumped at it.

            LFP: How do you feel about now being a guest judge in #PhaseThree?

            Nilufer: I feel so honoured and excited to be a guest judge for the Project. It's also a great feeling for me to be exposed to this new aspect of having to look at the images in a different way. In terms of experience, it's also great because it will teach me to think more objectively.

            LFP: What has been the most enjoyable aspect of the Project so far?

            Nilufer: I think the best part for me would be meeting new people. I have made friends with many of the models as well as the other photographers involved. I really enjoy taking some of the behind-the-scenes images for #ProjectScouted too and am looking forward to the upcoming phases, especially the fashion show!

            LFP: You were a part of Project Trinity in 2013. Are you still interested in modelling? How did you become involved in modelling and how did that evolve to photography now?

            Nilufer: I found out about Project Trinity via Facebook. My friend and I decided to enter not knowing that we would actually make the Top 15. This was the first time I had been involved in modelling. It made me much more confident as a person and I would love to do something like it again. It was nice to be the person in front of the camera for a change too! I was actually involved in photography as a hobby before I entered Project Trinity and had done a few photoshoots of my own, so that Project helped me quite a bit when it was my turn in the spotlight. It was after Project Trinity that I became more interested in my photography and have decided to become more serious about it.

            LFP: How are you going to be approaching the judging? Is there anything that you will be looking for specifically in the girls' photographs?

            Nilufer: I believe that its not only about appearance. The girls have to be confident and one should be able to see their personalities come through in the images. They shouldn't look bored; I need to see that they're serious about what they're doing but are still enjoying themselves at the same time. I want to see emotion - lots of it!

            LFP: If you were stuck in any television show, which would it be?

            Nilufer: The first show that pops into my mind is Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Its so great to see people who work together get along so well (even though there might be a prank or two involved). I am really passionate about what I do but I like to have a good time while doing it - just like the people in the show do.

            As we head towards a major phase in the Project with the fashion extravaganza less than a week away, Nilufer along with the other regular judges Lee Folkard, Jerome Stoffels and Samantha Duckworth, all have their work cut out for them in choosing the 25 ladies that will go through. So watch this space.

See more images and work by Nilufer at: Nilufer Yucel Photography