Surprise, surprise! #ProjectScouted introduces the wildcard entry

Something that has never been done in a Lee Folkard Photography Project before is going to shake things up immensely this year in Cycle 2 of #ProjectScouted. For the first time, there will be a chance for one of the eliminated girls to re-enter the Project as a “wildcard” entry and have another chance to prove her mettle. Ryan Francis, owner of Shoelaced Clothing, and an integral part in choosing the wildcard entry, tells us more about the process below.

Lee Folkard Photography: This is something completely different for the Project. Why was the wildcard entry introduced?
Ryan Francis: The "wildcard" entry was introduced to give an opportunity to one girl to re-enter the Project. However, it's not just an ordinary call-back to take part in the Project again. It’s a special call-back at the most exciting time of the Project (even if I say so myself!), which is the Shoelaced Clothing fashion show. In my past experience in #ProjectScouted, sometimes girls have an "off day" and don't get to truly show their true and full potential. So this year we will change that. This year the girl that stayed involved in the Project once she was eliminated could stand a chance to be called back to give it a second try.

LFP: How many girls will be selected?
Ryan: Only one girl will be selected!

LFP: What do girls have to do in order to stand a chance of being selected as the wildcard entry?
Ryan: Like, Comment, Share!!! The girl that stays the most active on social media, helping to promote #ProjectScouted will be chosen as the wildcard entry. By all means, even attend upcoming phases.

LFP: Who will be choosing the wildcard entry and how will the girls be judged?
Ryan: I, as designer of Shoelaced Clothing, will be keeping a close eye on all girls that have been eliminated from the Project while keeping the above criteria in mind.

LFP: When will the fashion show take place?
Ryan: Phase Six – Saturday, 18^th April 2015

LFP: Whet the girls' appetite a bit... What do you have planned for the fashion show this year?
Ryan: Hahaha! Well, the girls this year will be sharing the ramp with two amazingly talented professional male models and brand ambassadors of Shoelaced Clothing.

LFP: Any final pieces of advice for the girls or last words about the wildcard entry?
Ryan: Fight for it because it’s worth it! Shoelaced Clothing is a young, unique clothing brand that is all about empowering and supporting local talent. And being a part of this amazing movement is priceless.

Well girls, there is no reason to lose hope! By following Ryan’s advice, your #ProjectScouted journey can continue even after you may think it is over. We wish all the stunning young ladies the best!

The #ProjectScouted Open Casting a huge success

Having a look at the finds of the scouts for this year’s cycle of #ProjectScouted, it’s difficult to imagine that their teams could be bettered. That was until the Open Casting took place on Saturday, 21 February, at the #Hashtag social restaurant and bar on Windermere Road.

#Hashtag was also a sponsored venue by Durban entrepreneur, Brendon Kader, for last year’s Project and everyone was thrilled to be back – and not just to shoot selfies at the “selfie zone” of the restaurant.

Tasked with interviewing and screening the girls in the VIP area of the restaurant, the Open Casting panel did not have an enviable job on the day. Daunting as any casting or audition may be, the panel – consisting of designers Becca Blair of Becca Blair Designs and Ryan Francis of Shoelaced Clothing; Sholene Ramdass, Lee Folkard Photography’s blogger and former Miss Teen Kwa-Zulu Natal; as well as model and Miss South Africa 2014 semi-finalist, Iman Sheik – did their best to put the girls at ease and assure them that the process was not as intimidating as it may have seemed.

Most of the girls, once they found their footing, sailed through the casual, conversational questions asked by the panel and posed with confidence for their portraits shot by Dalton Green, who is also one of our Instagram photographers for the Project. Once again, Durban did not disappoint in delivering talent and beauty.

The aspirants who attended the casting, coming from as far as Richard’s Bay and Hillcrest, varied from high school students to even a high school teacher, with their ages ranging from 16 to 25. This kind of array is definitely going to be one of the reasons why this year’s Project is so successful.

Several familiar faces paid a visit on the day, as well as some new ones, from scouts – previous and present – to photographers and family of the #ProjectScouted team. The Open Casting turned into a reunion of sorts and it was clear that these guys were sorely missing the Project’s shoots and events.

The casting was the last opportunity for girls to get to be a part of the Project and now the scouts’ teams have been finalized. The excitement is tangible as Phase One and the official launch approaches next week Saturday, 28 February, which will take place at #Hashtag once again, coming full circle from Cycle 1 last year.

Images from the day can be found as they are uploaded on the #ProjectScouted Instagram account as well as on the Instagram profiles of photographers, Zaheera Engar and Dalton Green. Also be on the lookout for the footage of the day shot by the Project’s videographer, Robbie Muller, to get the behind the scenes action of what went down at the casting.

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.

Shoelaced Clothing by Ryan Francis – An official sponsor of #ProjectScouted

Shoelaced Clothing has been a loyal and favourite sponsor for Lee Folkard Photography's Projects. This year he also happens to feature as a scout in #ProjectScouted. Headed and owned by Ryan Francis; a husband and father of three kids, Shoelaced Clothing is a fresh, edgy and daring brand. Ryan is always at the top of his game and this home-grown Durban boy is bringing that A-game to #ProjectScouted this year.

 Here's our Q&A session with the designer:

Lee Folkard Photography: What was your inspiration to become a designer and how did you start off?

Ryan: I have always had a great love and passion for designing and wanted to be a part of the fashion industry from a very young age. I've always loved expressing who I am and my personality through designing and creating clothing. I later found that by doing this I was also inspiring other people to be creative and unique too. So I decided to launch my own brand in 2011, Shoelaced Clothing, which has grown amazingly over the last few years.

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

Ryan: The concept behind Project Scouted is one I live for, something I believe in and try to live by everyday through Shoelaced Clothing – and that is taking art to the next level. I believe that everybody has that special something about them but not all of us are brave enough to show it. Not all of us are willing to take the chance or the risk to go out and get what we love or do what we love. So I try to be that person that helps others by inspiring them to unlock that potential through my designing. I try to show people that no matter who you are or what your circumstances are, you can achieve your goals. I'm a passionate person that believes that if you don't try you will never know. So that's why I'm a part of a Lee Folkard Photography Project for the second time; because I believe in it.

LFP: Which designer's work do you admire or inspires you and why?

Ryan: I don't really have a favourite; I just love all designers and all creative, passionate people that love doing what they do.

LFP: What is the average day like for you?

Ryan: Coffee, coffee, coffee, meetings, meetings, coffee. And then designing after the sun goes down.

LFP: As a designer, what do you think about only certain looks and body types being portrayed as attractive in the media?

Ryan: I think it’s pretty ridiculous that the media portrays that you have to have a certain look to be attractive. For me it’s simple; fashion is an expression of personality which is something that everybody has and is different from the next person. So express yourself the way you want to, where you want to, and in whatever way you want to, no matter how big or small you think you are. It’s important to be proud of who you are. You may just inspire someone else to do the same!

LFP: If you were a drink, what drink would you be and why?
Ryan: Jack Daniels - with lime & ice. It’s smooth, like me!

Ryan and Shoelaced Clothing made their mark on the project as they hosted Phase Four with a fashion show at SMG Rocks. Those that were there would know that it was a memorable one. 

Images from the show can be seen at: 
Firsthouse Photography
Nilufer Yucel Photography
Street Pulse Photography

P.S. For anyone who hasn’t figured it out yet, Ryan is the one always ‘clowning around’.

#ProjectScouted Phase Four rocks the Mini showroom

Even the resounding success #ProjectScouted has had so far with three of the phases having being completed with photoshoots at the Hashtag restaurant on Windermere Road, Moses Mabhida Stadium and the Skate Park on North Beach, couldn't have prepared us for the amazing turnout at the SMG Rocks Mini showroom in Umhlanga for the Phase Four Fashion Extravaganza featuring the designs of Ryan Francis of Shoelaced Clothing, an official sponsor of the Project.

Parents, family, and friends of the girls in the Top 25; media; photographers; and, of course, many of the proud scouts were present to support the girls gracing the ramp amidst some very sexy Mini Coopers - the perfect accessory to the signaturely daring designs of Ryan Francis. Fashion-lovers and other members of the public interested in the Project for it having been receiving a vast amount of attention in the media, especially The Tabloid Newspapers and on social networks, revelled in the casual but sophisticated atmosphere of the venue while getting the chance to meet the faces behind the names associated with the Project.

#ProjectScouted has been extremely fortunate with having some amazing brands on board as sponsors. Ice Tropez South Africa, specializing in their signature sparkling wine and fruit cocktail, provided the refreshments for the guests for the afternoon with Red Bull also helped the girls and the team keep their energy up before and during the show. Some of the already-expert students of Make-up theCollege, owned by Jacqui Bannerman, prepped the girls with gorgeous, dramatic runway makeup highlighting their features for the camera. Hashtag restaurant's Brendon Kader also dropped by - the restaurant having been the venue for fittings on Friday.

 There was undoubtedly a bit of nervousness in the air backstage as this was the first fashion show that some of the girls had participated in; but when they each took to the ramp for their walks with Kevin Hsu and Jessica Van Goeverden waiting to capture the shots that they would be judged on, they were each a model in their own right. Rivaling the stunning girls for attention, though, were Ryan's designs featuring casual wear as well as swimwear chosen for each girl to compliment their own style. But the highlight of the afternoon, and fitting for Father's Day, was definitely Ryan walking down the ramp holding the hands of his three little kids to take a bow after the girls' finale. Its clear that the next Francis generation has loads of style and confidence, certainly not unlike their dad.

With #ProjectScouted down to the Top 25 girls now, the competition is rising steadily to its peak. Only 15 of these girls will have what it takes to proceed to Phase Five, which will be the biggest cut so far. The girls had to bring all they've got to the fashion show! 

Don't forget to give the photographers', judges' and sponsors' Q&A posts on the blog and the behind-the-scenes pics on the Facebook pages of the loyal #ProjectScouted photographers (aka "the lurkers") Nilufer Yucel, Roy Esterhuysen, Jerome Stoffels, and Simphiwe Mkhwanazi a look. 

#ProjectScouted is #DoingItForThePeople and judging from the success of the Fashion Extravaganza this Sunday, the people are pretty chuffed with it.

Behind the Scenes Images will be available at:
Firsthouse Photography
Nilufer Yucel Photography
Street Pulse Photography
Jerome Stoffels Photography

Official Images will be up at:
Lee Folkard Photography

Give it time. Keep checking. Enjoy. Like. Comment & Share. 

Vicky Soutar : Project Exposure Q&A

1.How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
18

2.If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
Being the Easter Bunny or Father Christmas

3.If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Sebenzisa uthando nenhliziyo yakho njengoba bekuthanda nawe uzalwa, uzolunga.

4.What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
The way I live life. I once complained to my dad that I didn't seem to be able to do things the same way other people did, dads advice? "Don't be a sheep ,people don't like sheep. They eat sheep"

5.What are you most grateful for?
Everything !! haha my friend and family ..my boyfriend ..chocolate..oh and the environment ,we are all so lucky to have such a wonderful environment! We should all be grateful for that.

6.Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
No ,I am who I am for a reason.
7.What do you do in life?
Studying hard to get good marks for matric so I can get into the career path I want to follow ( Environmental law) and every day getting myself one step closer to that dream. Always helping others, doing a lot community service. And switching off unused plug points...being a Eco Ninja!
8.What did you enjoy most about your Top 10 shoot?
My designer! Working with Ryan and his wife was awesome! Such genuine people!
9.Which is your favourite part of the winning prize?
Wow that's tough ..I guess having a pro photographer at my 18th to catch all the memories.

10.Why should you win Project Exposure?
Why I should win? Well I guess its exactly that: "Exposure" .Thats what all aspiring models, actors, singers, dancers, actually everyone needs; to get their names out there, get that exposure to take them to the next level. As an aspiring model id like to get exposure and hopefully get more of an opportunity to model and work with different designers.


Please note: All answers were copy pasted from direct messages sent to each candidate via facebook.

Project Exposure : Themes 1-5 of 20

The Top 10 candidates chosen by the 6th July 2012, will have a chance to select one of twenty pre-selected themes for their mini shoot.

The candidates selected will randomly draw to see who gets to go first and the choosing process will start.

The images from this mini shoot will be used for the next phase of the project. To see the format of Project Exposure, click HERE.

These are themes 1 to 5. These are the designer themes. Each designer has sponsored a look for you to wear should you choose their theme.
Please note: Pictures used are just to indicate an example of the style/feel of the theme.

1. Eli Ball - Made in Africa

Eli Ball - Made in Africa

2. Senorita Elegantly Sassy - Nadine Martin

Senorita

3. Alexis Miller - Alexis Miller

Alexis Miller

4. Ryan Francis - Ryan Francis

Ryan Francis

5. Bianca Kim Clothing - Bianca Van Aardt

Bianca Kim Clothing

Please note: Pictures used are just to indicate an example of the style/feel of the theme.