"Free" with Jade Colbert

Jade is a tattoo artist, find her on:
Instagram

Images by Lee Folkard Photography
venue: Pixley House

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

Instagram and Twitter: @leefolkard

Kirsten Dunst for W Magazine by Sofia Coppola

There have only been a few Hollywood starlets who have managed to remain relatively normal and likeable in the presence of fame and fortune; and Kirsten Dunst is definitely one of those stars. At 31 years old now, she has spent over 25 years in the film industry and she is just as hot property now as when she first arrived on the scene debuting in an uncredited role in Woody Allen’s New York Stories in 1989. She also had several small roles in television in the 90s. Having worked with Oscar-winning director and writer, Sofia Coppola, way back in 1999, Kirsten was interviewed by Sofia for the May edition of W Magazine, which was also guest-edited by Sofia.

Sofia met Kirsten when she was only 16 years old and auditioning for a role in The Virgin Suicides, in which she was cast as the lead opposite Josh Hartnett, in Toronto. Kirsten was Sofia’s first leading lady – although she was just a girl.

Sofia grew up loving photography and fashion, which obviously stems from her passion and affinity for art and, more importantly, making good art in her own way. Sofia wanted this May issue of W Magazine to pay homage to the world that she grew up in as a child – a world of glamour that is still refined where we take time out to enjoy life and live well.

The interview by Sofia is revealing and shares quite a bit of insight into Kirsten’s career and how she got started in Hollywood, having been urged by her mother to start early in the business. Kirsten’s latest film, The Two Faces of January, was released earlier this year and Sofia’s last directorial work was The Bling Ring released in 2013. If there’s one thing that these two powerhouse women have in common, it’s their discernment for picking films that will add quality to their body of work.

Sofia says that she has filled the magazine with things she loves and admires, having grown up reading the magazine and admiring the strong female figures represented on its pages. With Kirsten’s images shot by regular W Magazine contributor, Juergen Teller, she looks every inch the essence of old-world Hollywood glamour and sophistication. While Sofia also looks the part of ace filmmaker and magazine editor in her shot for the magazine taken by Andrew Durham, another regular photographer for the magazine.

Sofia says that Kirsten is her favourite California blonde while Kirsten says that she looks up to Sofia’s fashion sense. The bond the two share is one of female camaraderie and understanding. Having both got their breaks in Hollywood so young, they know what it is like to spend most of their lives in the spotlight.

Location vs. Studio Shooting

“Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer.”

-       Ansel Adams

Once upon a time, only the elite few made it into the realm of professional photography, and these professionals almost always had a studio. However in the digital age we currently live in, you can find a photographer on practically every street corner. But not all these photographers have their own studio. Some people question the professionalism of those photographers known as “on-location” photographers. But here are just a few ways on-location photography can be more powerful than studio shots.

A studio setting often creates a bit more anxiety, tension and a feeling of being trapped. It doesn’t matter if the session is for kids or adults, getting your photo taken can be stressful. There’s the worry of how you look, a new place, a person you don’t really know, whether your kids are going to behave, and so on. But for some reason meeting at a location you choose and often outdoors seems a lot more relaxed and a lot less intimidating.

This reduction in stress makes an on-location session much more fun than a studio session. Another benefit of on-location photography is that it gives you a chance to pick a location that holds meaning for you. It puts you in a picturesque location that will trigger an emotional connection every time you look at your photos.

Of course there’s also the benefit of natural props. In a studio you’re most likely sitting on stools or standing on boxes to create this perfectly organized group of people. But in an on-location session you’ll be utilizing the things that are present at your location. It may a tree, a bench, a little cafe table, or maybe it’s just the ground. Using these natural pieces makes your photos seem more like they framed a moment in your life. They weren’t posed; they were a spontaneous capture of your life.

While studio photography will always be a beneficial option, and sometimes a far better option than an on-location shoot, for those who prefer to maintain complete control of their session, on-location photography is becoming a much greater factor in professional photography sessions. Whether it’s for family photos, senior sessions, or portraits, you just can’t beat the natural beauty and simplicity of the great outdoors.

Rihanna for Armani

Rihanna’s look changes as quickly as her hairstyles do but she never loses her sex-appeal or allure no matter what trend she sports or sets. And her lingerie advertising campaign for Armani was voted the sexiest set of 2011 so it’s no surprise to see her back showing off the latest line.

Rihanna is taking her second stab at being the brand’s face and body and is looking as seductive as ever. The singer showed off a cropped blonde look in her first campaign but she has gone dark for the new adverts. Her figure is something to be envied and admired as she looks as good in the Armani jeans as she does in the underwear.

Her latest album, Unapologetic, is in stores now and the 23-year-old is sure to not disappoint especially with the success of her latest single Diamonds.

Carisa Saul : Project Exposure Q&A

1.How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
Sweet 16!! ... I would love to be young&innocent all over again.


2.If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
This ones easy! It would definitely be along the lines of designing (interior deco or a designer)

3.If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Do what u LOVE,and do it to the BEST of your ability!

4.What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
The thing I notice about me.. As that I don't learn through Trial&Error.unless like most people,I choose not to make MY OWN mistakes but rather learn from mistakes that others make.. I'm not saying I'm Perfect, but I try very hard to perfect my ways.

5.What are you most grateful for?
Family!-nothing comes close

6.Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
I wouldn't .. Would not change a single thing about me!I'm as REAL as they come.

7.What do you do in life?
I'm studying at VC bcom management and I run my own beauty salon.

8.What did you enjoy most about your Top 10 shoot?
I enjoyed working with Lee.amazing person and he makes u feel comfortable in every frame shot!

9.Which is your favourite part of the winning prize?
Everything!love it all!

10.Why should you win Project Exposure?
I should win project exposure reason being -not only do I have the looks but I am a young independent,driven woman!and I have so much to offer


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

Natalie Buitendach : Project Exposure Q&A

1.How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
21, i think that 21 is the perfect age to be in life, its the age of full responsibility and adult hood, its where your life begins, some people feel that responsibility isn't for them but i see it differently.


2.If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
Interior design/decorating, i absolutely love designing and decorating a house and making it a home, or a lunch table with a few girlfriends over.

3.If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Live life with no regrets

4.What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
The way i dress, most people have a certain style and they stick to it, then theres me, i can wear my hair blonde red or brunette and people still say wow your hair style/color suits you,
one day im miss sporty and the next very elegant and chic, i love being around people and showing that i can be who i want to be, once again living life with no regrets.

5.What are you most grateful for?
My charity business,, being able to help people who truly need help.

6.Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
NO, theres more to life than being extremely attractive or famous

7.What do you do in life?
In life i strive to do my best in everything i do,, what i do in life is setting goals and reaching them no matter what gets me down, because you have to be down to get up again...

8.What did you enjoy most about your Top 10 shoot?
Having a photographer just be the camera,that was the best part, posing and having fun with the sound of the camera klicking away.

9.Which is your favourite part of the winning prize?
The birthday party being covered by lee folkard,, my idea of making memories is by taking pictures,, i take a picture everyday of my life of my family my loved one or my animals,, and so by lee taking photographs of my birthday party would mean making more memories.

10.Why should you win Project Exposure?
Project exposure is not just a competition to me, its an opportunity for me to experience more things in life and also to see who is out there and the different looks all of us can produce,, we chose our own themes that meant something significant to us and so we interrupted it to our characters, i have produced many different looks with different photographers and they are all so different, i am able to produce a different look every time, the task given to us by lee folkard was that he was only going to BE THE CAMERA,, and not in any way help us with the shoot, that way we were able to show off our skills and whether we interpreted the theme or weren't able to, and thats why i think i should win project exposure.


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

Safety Tips for 'Models'

Safety is a major concern for female models, particularly if you are a freelance model working online. The Internet allows anyone to portray themselves in any manner they choose with virtual anonymity. Many profit from the dreams and aspirations of naive young women. Sometimes their motives are not as presented.

 

 

An amateur photographer can pose as a prominent professional or a guy working out of his basement with an elaborate website can claim to be an agency or model management company. Many of these individuals will offer models high pay, free photos with unrestricted use, free websites, paid travel etc...Due to the intimate nature of this business, some of these individuals may also have other motives than creating beautiful images or helping models succeed. Legitimate photographers or companies rarely offer amateur models anything for free, except perhaps a test photo shoot if they believe they have real potential.

 

  

Regarding both on and offline ads seeking female models. Anybody can publish those ads and pretend to be a photographer or agency. Often, these ads offer high pay with "no experience necessary" to lure unsuspecting young women into posing for explicit hardcore pictures. Some of these ads are legitimate and posted by companies in the adult film industry.

 

  

Below are some safety tips that may, if strictly followed and accompanied by common sense, help you as a freelance model avoid a dangerous situation.

 

Don't let anybody intimidate you into making a compromise. Follow these model safety tips every time.

 

• When looking for a photographer, if the individual or company has an online presence, check to see what kind of modeling they represent and how professional their work looks.

• Always ask for and check professional references.

 

• Be suspicious of extravagant claims that promise great pay with no experience necessary.

 

• If meeting for the first time, make sure it's in a neutral public location and notify a friend or family member of where you are going.

 

• ALWAYS bring a chaperone with you to all non-public meetings.

 

• Do not give out personal information or accept a friend request on your social networking profile until you have determined the legitimacy of the individual or company.

 

• Do not be persuaded into posing in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable no matter how great the money is.

 

• Prior to the photo shoot you may be asked to sign a model release. This is common and required for most photo shoots. Make sure that you understand what you are signing and don't be afraid to negotiate and ask questions. If you're uncomfortable, ask that it be amended or don't do the photo shoot. You should review the model release during the initial meeting with the photographer.

  

 

Don't be discouraged from pursuing your modeling aspirations. Many photographers, whether advertising online or in the local newspaper, are legitimate and conduct themselves professionally. The above model safety tips will help you determine which photographers or companies to consider.





[ VIVID ]

It's been a while since I have blogged. Been quite busy with shoots. I have been debating doing another Project 365 - most likely starting in August of this year! But we shall see about that one.

I have been having an awesome time using Instagram! An app for my iPad. A blog will follow within the next week about this amazing FREE app for all those who have an iphone, ipad touch or ipad.

Last weekend I did my 2nd "concept" themed shoot for 2011. One more to come!

Below find a few pictures from, [ VIVID ]

[ Project One ] - The Prize

And the winner gets *drum roll*

A themed photoshoot with Lee Folkard Photography valued in excess of R5000.00!
How awesome is that?!

 Consisting of:

- 3 hours plus shooting time
- 40 plus edits
- DVD Slideshow
- Post-Shoot Consultation Session
- Pictures from shoot displayed on net
- Blog post done with post-shoot interview
- Professional Make-Up artist on day of shoot
- Stylist on day of shoot
- 10 x A3 Prints

Because this is a themed shoot prize - the winner should be getting a unique concept shoot idea with all necessary props and extra's supplied by Lee Folkard Photography.

***********
Terms and Conditions apply
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Lee Folkard Photography reserves the right to change any prize specifics.



[ More details will follow. Entries still welcome* ]

Doll Me Up - The Concept Shoot

So, a few months back I had the idea to do a few "concept shoots".
They would be unique ideas/themes done to photoshoot and add to my portfolio of work whilst also including people that are part of my Lee Folkard Photography Fan Page on facebook.
This way I reward people that participate in my page and support my work AND I get to do something challenging and different whilst also building on my work. WIN - WIN - WIN.

I asked for people who were interested to forward me relevant info and then compiled a database of potential candidates.

After a botched attempt at Concept Shoot #1 - When all people involved are not on the same page things fall apart. On to Concept Shoot #2.

I got the idea to do a doll inspired shoot. Many ideas were played around with as dolls are a broad theme - at the end most inspiration was taken from the doll of all dolls - Barbie :)
With a lil twist - having one "bad doll" amongst the bunch. So 5 girls were selected and plans set in motion.

Saturday 12th March arrived and all 5 girls pitched. The Make-Up artist was there, along with the Stylist.
It marked my first photoshoot which featured video. This should be available more in the future of Lee Folkard Photography. With my uChannel launched on YouTube-> www.youtube.com/user/leefolkard
You may see a few videos that are already up.

Starting at 08:00 and going on till about 15:00 - a long day was had by us all. But I would hope a memorable one will be remembered.

I would like to thank all those involved in this successful concept shoot:
Angela, Nicci, Chandre, Chelsi, Kayla, Brett and Jessica - awesome work all round!

Doll Me Up! More pictures coming soon!