Justin Bieber

We are living in a time when legends do not exist anymore, celebrity rules, and music sounds all the same. But then Justin Bieber came along and made people believers again, or rather Beliebers. There could be no better way to describe Justin’s fans; because that is the effect he has had on them around the world. The soul in his voice – so rare in general and not just for his age – inspires and rouses.

After months of rumours, he was confirmed for a South African tour. But the real surprise came when tickets were sold out within the first day of going on sale. It has never happened before in South Africa – two 90 000-seater arenas sold out in one day five months before the actual concert. That’s proof that we do Belieb.

The entertainer will be traveling the world in 2013 for the Believe tour. Warming up with a partial leg in North America, it seems fans around the globe can hardly wait to see the superstar. Justin Bieber won’t just be going to South America either; the entertainer has concerts sold out in Europe too.

Oprah Winfrey said that Justin Bieber is perhaps the biggest star since Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. But he is unique because of his beginning that stemmed from what is so intrinsically the 21^st century – technology. Since his discovery on YouTube and him signing a record deal with Usher, he has become bigger than even those who mentored him.

Lana Del Rey

“The road is long, we carry on.

Try to have fun in the meantime.”

-       Lana Del Rey, Born to Die

Lana Del Rey, or Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, describes herself as a “self-styled gangsta Nancy Sinatra”. It’s a strange description but fans have come to love the 26-year-old’s husky bedroom voice with that hint of ominous melody. Better than her distinct voice though, are her poignant and haunting lyrics that speak true artistry.

Lana began singing at clubs at 18 and was signed to a record label at 20. But her real break came when she released her single Video Games on YouTube which went viral and got her album Born to Die released selling 2.8 million copies worldwide. Her music has been noted for its cinematic sound and its references to various aspects of pop culture, particularly that of the 1950s and '60s Americana.

She has endorsed clothing line H&M, serving as the model for their Fall and Winter 2012 collection. And this year, Lana became the face of the Jaguar F-Type luxury automobile. Her creativity even comes across in her cover art, as seen in Born to Die, the Paradise Edition.

Perhaps, Lana is what people have been waiting for when it comes to music – someone to write about those heartbreaking truths of life with poise and glamour.

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!