Brief for Phase Nine of #ProjectScouted

Hi Team.

Brief.

Location- Midlands.

Simz and myself will leave at 12.30

We have a location in mind - indoors in one of the little store which has very boho furniture from Bali. This can only be confirmed on Monday. 

The second location is a forest which we will still need to scout once we are up there while hair and make up is being done. 

Vintage feel // Bohemian // fee- spirit. 

Girls make up simple, dark brows and nude lips. Hair messy as per ref pic attached. (Kylie Jenner on right)

5 looks: one for each girl.

1. Black Crochet Gypsy Dress with hats boots necklaces...

2. Long Lace Kimono, printed tee and shorts, hat and accessories. 

3. Long Lace Kimono, printed tee and shorts, hat and accessories.

4. Statement tee with lace shorts and accessories. Barefoot. 

5. Denim Wait Coat, loose dress and grungy shirt. boots hat and accessories. 

We hope to start the shooting at 2pm 

Trust all is on order.

Looking forward to shooting :)

Regards

Bianca 

The #ProjectScouted team behind the camera – Simphiwe Mkhwanazi

Anyone who has met Simphiwe Mkhwanazi has not been able to resist his infectious warmth and passionate spirit – both of which he brings in volumes to his work as a photographer. Having been one of the photographers involved in the Project last year, Simphiwe rejoins the crew this year with even more experience behind him. Currently in his final year studying towards a Bcompt Degree in Accounting Science, this ‘rural boy’ – as he refers to himself – has a keen eye for fashion which translates into magnetic images. Working with Simphiwe is as much an enjoyable experience as it is a learning one as he always improving and honing his skills behind the camera, with his shooting and editing. It’s no wonder that his work is always on point and on trend.

LFP: What do you think is the coolest thing about Simphiwe?

Simphiwe: I'm always myself; just a really happy guy who’s always laughing and kidding around. I'm really the same person every day. I am a bit weird but I’m worth getting to know, I think. Haha! Actually there are many cool things about me but I won’t blow my own horn! Haha!

LFP: Having been one of #ProjectScouted’s photographers last year, what do you love the most about the Project?

Simphiwe: I really love the interaction with likeminded people; I mean we are all similar in the fact that we love art. Although our sense of art may be different, it's great to learn new techniques and share your views and passions with others. I also feel #ProjectScouted has done a great deal for promoting individuality while teaching the girls and even everyone involved to be a team player. And that’s a really valuable lesson to learn in your working life.

LFP: What were some of the best moments during the Project last year for you?

Simphiwe: Where could I even begin? I enjoyed all the shoots I attended but I especially loved being behind the camera and taking pictures when I could. It's impossible to pinpoint any actual moments; I just had some really boss times.

LFP: How did you discover your passion for photography?

Simphiwe: Well, I've always been really interested in fashion and beauty. I had always loved taking pictures; I remember my dad had an old film camera many, many years ago. When he was away at work I'd borrow it (without asking) and play around with it. Then at school we would take pictures of one another with our cellphones. Eventually, I managed to save up and bought my first camera in 2013 and started taking pictures of my friends on campus and I guess things escalated very quickly. I’m loving the direction my photography is taking!

LFP: What do you love most about photographing people?

Simphiwe: I really enjoy photographing humans, because you get to interact with them in a whole different world. It's all about creating art and going through the emotions for those few minutes but then the image lives a lifetime. I mean, you can literally see a person in a different view and that, my friends, is pretty awesome.

LFP: What is beauty to you?

Simphiwe: To me, beauty is art; something that is pleasing to the eye. I find beauty in many things and in some things that other people may not even consider. I believe beauty is not definite as some things require more attention than others. I think that we see things the way we are and if we can nurture beauty within us, we can see beauty everywhere.

LFP: What are some of the images you’ve shot that you are most proud of?

Simphiwe: It's really difficult to say which series of images I am proud of the most, because I always put in 100% effort on set and I always try to get great images. And if I release the images, I am proud of them. Therefore all the images you'd find on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/simphiwekevinphotography), I am extremely proud of. Every image has a different message and a different memory behind it.

LFP: Any tips for the #ProjectScouted girls?

Simphiwe: Take a lot of selfies! Feel the emotions with each selfie. Also check out online magazines or even Tumblr and check out posing guides on the Net. The Project is a serious platform for opportunity and being prepared will definitely help.

LFP: Are you willing to share any info about the phase you are shooting in the Project?

Simphiwe: I think surprises are the best!

Simphiwe will be one of the many photographers shooting the Shoelaced Clothing fashion show happening on Saturday at 17:00 at Factory Café. The girls need to be prepared to be judged on any of the images taken on the night, meaning that they will have to be in to win it. Don’t hesitate to say “hi” to Simphiwe at the show to see why he manages to bring out the best emotions in people.

#ProjectScouted : Phase Nine : Brief

In the words of the photographer: 

Hectic City

Time: 07:00 AM

Meet point: Royal Hotel  (267 Anton Lembede St)

Ayt ladies lets step it up a little bit..

Okay here's whatsup, we going for a classy fashionable stylish business woman. 

So that means gorgeous dresses, heels a bit of jewelry and purse (no handbags)

Cool so we going to be roaming the city a bit and luckily we shooting on Sunday so it's going to be less busy. You see the business woman is always in a rush, time is of the essence to her yeah? So ladies please portray this in your outfit choices

Your poses should show attitude, classy independent woman.Like you know your story and aint nobody can tell you different Hope this is making sense.

Okay lets look at some essentials

Hair: should be a bit straightened.

outfits : okay classy short dresses(long dresses will just collect dust while walking), 

I've attached loads of images below as to illustrate the type of shoot and the size of dresses you should go for.

Okay if you have any questions let me know.. If possible if you can send me two options of your outfit choices on facebook inbox.

ayt sweet lets do this for the people. 

PS if you can't walk in heels, you have a couple days to practice hahaha

kind Regards

Simz

The #ProjectScouted girls go off the beaten path for Phase Seven

Our #ProjectScouted models deserve to be especially applauded for being such sports at all the photoshoots in the chilly weather that Durban has been having as of late. This Tuesday was no different; with the Top 9 girls in the competition so far, having been chosen from their images portraying vulnerability by Samantha Duckworth, braving the elements at the Phase Seven shoot in Umhlanga.

With the official Phase Seven photographer, Simphiwe Mkhwanazi, at the helm, the girls trekked on a bit of an expedition through a marsh near the Breakers hotel in Umhlanga. Dressed in their hippie attire, as per the brief issued by Simphiwe, who was aiming at a low-key but enchanting look with the girls appearing as if nymphs in the forest, the #ProjectScouted models did affably well to shake off the cold and channel their inner free-spirits. This phase of the Project appears to be less demanding than the others in terms of wardrobe and styling, but the girls still had to be at their best to capture the whimsical and capricious spirit that every girl possesses.

Many parents and other family members came along to make an outing of the shoot which started with the girls getting their make-up done once again by the talented students of Make-up the College at the BTW in Umhlanga, where everyone also got their caffeine fix and some of the models enjoyed pizza for breakfast. The #ProjectScouted ensemble at the restaurant was quite a sight – everyone is relaxed in each other’s company and although this is a competition, there is not even a hint of rivalry or bad-humour. Seeing these girls grow through each phase is what the Project is about.

With many of the models still being at school and it currently being the school holidays, the photoshoots are scheduled to take place in short gaps with one girl being eliminated in each round until the Top 3 are chosen. This means that although one girl being cut at each phase does not seem threatening when it comes to each girl’s chances of making it through to the next phase, it is also going to be extremely difficult for our judges to make their decision. But the #ProjectScouted girls are extremely fortunate as they are getting the opportunity to work with the photographers involved in the Project on more than one occasion and they are getting brilliant images to add to their portfolios in the process.

The images shot by Samantha for Phase Six at Essenwood Park were incredibly beautiful on so many artistic levels that the girls were treated to a large print of their photos which they received at this Phase Seven shoot. The images from the Project continue to defy expectation and exceed limits. The #ProjectScouted team – and everyone who has been involved thus far, from the models themselves, to their parents, the scouts and the photographers – are extremely proud of the manner in which the Project has been executed and know that what they have created, are creating, and will create throughout the Project is nothing short of amicable.

#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

#ProjectScouted – The First Phase

18 Windermere Road was abuzz with a bevy of beauties this Saturday, the 10^th of May, as the first photoshoot for Lee Folkard Photography’s 2014 project, Project Scouted, took place at the uber trendy hotspot, Hashtag. The restaurant’s cool and casual setting provided the perfect atmosphere for the kick-off of Phase One in the project and although the morning was a chilly one, the energy and excitement was tangible. Hashtag also treated the girls and their parents to coffee while they waited for their spot in front of the cameras, with The-Wiz, Dj Alleyne Morton, on the decks keeping the awesome vibe.

The girls who fit the criteria that the scouts were on the lookout for were instructed to dress in a way that portrayed who they are. Some girls went for a more natural and subtle look, to suit their personalities, but some also went all out for dramatic and striking looks. There was an array of different styles and tastes on show for the morning with every girl working it in their own unique way.

The girls scouted ranged from high school pupils to university students and some even employed. Previous years’ projects seemed to serve as a reliable reference point for those parents who wanted to check out the brand. Parents, mostly mums, who arrived with their daughters weren’t at all sceptical about the shoot as the Lee Folkard Photography name has become an established one in Durban with a strong social, as well as print, media presence.

There were a few surprises on the day too. The Clown, who has become a regular feature in the Project photoshoots, made an appearance and was also roped in for countless pics. Durban-based photographer who will be a part of the Project at a later stage, Jerome Stoffels, also stopped by to take some of his famous behind-the-scenes iPhone pics along with Nilufer Yucel, who is also one of the scouts. Ryan Francis of Shoelaced by Pow, a loyal and much-loved sponsor involved in a Project for the second time, also came by.

The first two photographers who had the talent to be scouted in their own way to be a part of this first phase were Simphiwe Simz Makhwanazi and Jessica “Van.Go” Goeverden. Simphiwe took the “selfie” to a whole other level, with the first shot of each girl being taken in the “Selfie Zone” at Hashtag, capturing the reflection of each girl in a full-length mirror, while Jessica photographed the girls in classic head-and-shoulders shots with whatever pose – or facial expression – that displayed their personalities.

This first phase of judging is going to prove to be extremely difficult. Be on the lookout for the images from this awesome morning at Hashtag soon to be uploaded onto the Lee Folkard Photography Facebook page. Also check out Twitter and Instagram as Project Scouted is taking over social media in a big way. The project has officially now begun.

Project Scouted featured photographer profile: Simphiwe Simz Mkhwanazi

A photographer who initially found his passion in fashion which turned into a love affair with taking photos, Simphiwe is one of the first two photographers who will be turning out images for the first stage of Project Scouted held at one of Durban's prime new locations, Hashtag Restaurant on Windermere Road. Lee Folkard Photography had a quick Q&A segment with this passionate and fashion-indulgent photographer about his beginnings in photography and his participation in Project Scouted.

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

Simphiwe: Well, it actually all started with my love for fashion. My mother is a fashion designer, specializing in Bridal, so I fell in love with fashion that way. I'd began to download cool fashion pics for no particular reason. I just always loved it! When I got to varsity, my friends and I would take pics of each other with our phones when we thought we were dressed well. And then the more I followed fashion blogs and read magazines, the more eager I was to have pictures of that quality taken. So I saved up for a camera and then continued taking pictures of my friends and me. I guess that's how it all started. From then on, I just kept taking pictures of people which I still do today.

LFP: How did you find out about Lee Folkard Photography?

Simphiwe: I found about Lee through a friend, Jerome Stoffels (LFP: Who will also be a part of the project) at the Durban Fashion Fair. I looked up Lee's work and I loved it, so I started following his work on Facebook.

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

Simphiwe: Lee and I met, as a recommendation from Jerome. I'm always eager to take photos of people, so the chances of me saying "no" to being a part of the project were very slim. I saw this project as an opportunity to meet new people. So here I am!

LFP: What do you think makes a good photo?

Simphiwe: I think when it comes to photography, there are no rules. It’s all based on how you see the photo. If you love what you see, then that's a great photo to you. A great photo for me is one that I look at and say "I'd print this photo and hang it on my wall".

LFP: What does photography mean to you?

Simphiwe: Photography for me is about more than just taking photos; it’s my passion, my love, and my joy. I sometimes find myself editing or just staring at one image for hours and I wouldn't have wanted to do anything else with that time. My mind is always buzzing with these cool images and my imagination can get very wild sometimes. I have found photography as a platform to express what my heart feels.

Be sure to keep an eye out for Simphiwe's pics of the pretty young ladies who were chosen to be a part of the first stage of Project Scouted shot on location at Hashtag Restaurant.