Sarah Thompson – One of the #ProjectScouted Top 3

She might be the youngest girl in our Top 3, but Sarah Thompson knows that she’s a feisty package even in her small frame. A born and bred Durban girl and currently a grade 11 pupil at St. Henry’s Marist College, Sarah has been the firm favourite of many throughout the Project. Her striking green eyes, inviting smile, and strong posing are only just some of the qualities that got her into the Top 3.

This is what Sarah, whose warm and classy demeanour has lightened up the shoots at #ProjectScouted, had to say.

Lee Folkard Photography: When Sarah walks into a room, what does she bring with her?

Sarah: Hopefully laughter and a smile to people’s faces, I love to make people happy!

LFP: What makes you different from the rest?

Sarah: I have serious determination and drive, if I want to achieve something I work hard to do my best.

LFP: What was your first ever modelling experience?

Sarah: When I was about 12, I modelled for a small clothing line.

LFP: When have you been most satisfied in your life?

Sarah: To be honest, right now! Things have just been great lately!

LFP: If we meet a year from now, what do you see yourself having achieved?

Sarah: Don’t you worry; you’ll be hearing a lot more of this name! I love to act and be on stage, so hopefully by that time I would have done more shows and be working towards fulfilling my dreams of being an actor!

LFP: Who scouted you to be a part of #ProjectScouted and how do you know them?

Sarah: Dakota Baptist, she scouted me through Facebook.

LFP: What has the experience of being a part of #ProjectScouted been like from being scouted at the very beginning to now being in the Top 3?

Sarah: Going into this, I had no idea what to expect. I just thought I’d go for it and have a bit of fun. Never would I have imagined it turning out to be the most amazing journey! It’s been an absolute pleasure and I’ll never forget this experience!

LFP: Did you expect to come this far in the Project?

Sarah: To be honest, not at all! When I first started the project I didn’t think I had a chance, but as the competition went on I really got into it and strived to do well.

LFP: If you could choose the winner of #ProjectScouted, who would it be?

Sarah: My two other competitors really are beautiful girls, inside and out. But nonetheless, this is a competition and I’m in it to win it!

LFP: If you could do something differently in the Project, what would it be?

Sarah: Perhaps take a bit more risks, in the way I posed and dressed.

LFP: How has #ProjectScouted impacted your life? What are you taking away from the Project?

Sarah: This project has opened my eyes to how much work really goes on behind the camera. I’ve learnt so many new skills and met some insanely talented people!

LFP: Have you learnt anything about yourself from being a part of the Project?

Sarah: It goes without saying that this competition has made me more confident but it has also taught me to always stay true to myself and my beliefs. 

LFP: What was the highlight of the Project for you?

Sarah: Being in the top 3 of course, what a privilege!

LFP: Tell us something about you that will make us remember you.

Sarah: Dynamite comes in small packages!

After thirteen beautiful and nerve-racking phases, #ProjectScouted has come to an end. The images from the last concept shoot, shot by Jerome Stoffels Photography and Roy Esterhuysen of Firsthouse Photography, will be uploaded onto our Facebook page on Wednesday the 23^rd of July and the final results will be released on Friday the 25^th. It has all come down to this.

See images from Sarah's''s journey in #ProjectScouted below:

Lieché Joyce – One of the #ProjectScouted Top 3

She might be only 19 years old, but when looking into Lieché Joyce’s eyes when photographed, there is a deepness and a poignancy that is rare even in those who have experienced much more of life. There is great power in her images, many of which have won the Best Image prize during the Project, and she has managed to keep up her high standard to now make it to the final three girls.

We found out more about this girl with the enviable afro who is currently taking a gap year, modelling, and, according to her, starting a company and writing an anthology of poetry.

LFP: When Lieché walks into a room, what does she bring with her?

Lieché: Mystery.

                                                                      

LFP: What makes you different from the rest?

Lieché:  I'm extremely deep, I'm abstract, I never follow the crowd, I'm very quiet at first as I tend to observe people though once someone gets to know me I'm extremely talkative, random and I love to laugh a lot.

LFP: What was your first ever modelling experience?

Lieché:  It was last year when I was with Mobile Model Management.

LFP: When have you been most satisfied in your life?

Lieché: After having made a life changing impact in someone's life.

LFP: If we meet a year from now, what do you see yourself having achieved?

Lieché:  I'd be studying Sociology; I would also have a company started and doing well. I'd be modelling too.

LFP: Who scouted you to be a part of #ProjectScouted and how do you know them?

Lieché: Cameron Clothier, we know each other since high school.

LFP: What has the experience of being a part of #ProjectScouted been like from being scouted at the very beginning to now being in the Top 3?

Lieché: It has been the most humbling, challenging and life changing of experiences yet.

LFP: Did you expect to come this far in the Project?

Lieché: No, it has really been a pleasant surprise to have made it so far despite having doubts along the way.

LFP: If you could choose the winner of #ProjectScouted, who would it be and why?

Lieché:  Sarah; she's gorgeous, has a great personality and will respect #ProjectScouted well.

LFP: If you could do something differently in the Project, what would it be and why?

Lieché:  I'd change nothing, I know I've done my best and had a great time doing it.

LFP: How has #ProjectScouted impacted your life? What are you taking away from the Project?

Lieché: It has shown me that there is more to life than that which meets the eye. Never take anything or anyone for face value as there's always a deeper story behind the ones we assume. Always be yourself no matter what.

LFP: What have you learnt about yourself from being a part of the Project?

Lieché: That I can actually go beyond the limits which are self-created and concur all that I set my heart and mind to.

LFP: What was the highlight of the Project for you?

Lieché: Meeting everybody who has been a part of the team as I've learned a lot from each individual which I'll carry for life. 

LFP: Tell us something about you that will make us remember you.

Lieché:  I'm the best Pixie ever... On a more serious note, I thrive on making a difference in education and people’s lives as well as being the best example for my younger siblings to look up to.

After thirteen beautiful and nerve-racking phases, #ProjectScouted has come to an end. The images from the last concept shoot, shot by Jerome Stoffels Photography and Roy Esterhuysen of Firsthouse Photography, will be uploaded onto our Facebook page on Wednesday the 23^rd of July and the final results will be released on Friday the 25^th. It has all come down to this.

See images from Lieche''s journey in #ProjectScouted below:

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.

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?