Unsung beauties short and shy are enjoying a taste of the model life, thanks to an Umhlanga photographer's initiative. #Project Scouted began five years ago as a Facebook status by self-taught photographer Lee Folkard."Initially, I did projects on Facebook and created a Facebook photography page as a means of giving back to the people who enjoyed my photography."The enthusiastic response made the marketing and business graduate realise he could provide exposure to aspiring models looking to build their portfolios, and market his own business.Ordinary Durbanites were asked to "scout" for women aged 16 and older . Ninety aspiring models showed up for the audition , said Folkard.Entrants are whittled down on the results of the photo shoots. "The judges judge based purely on images," said Folkard.The shoots involve nine photographers, six videographers, four designers and several hairstylists and make-up artists.Nobody gets paid. All those involved, including the 90 models, give their services in exchange for the experience, professional networking and exposure it gives them. The models receive copies of their pictures.Folkard said: "Everything is very proudly Durban. We use Durban people, Durban designers, Durban locations, Durban photographers."Said one of the photographers: "What the scouts look for is unique beauty. Last year's winner, Lieché Joyce, is a small girl with big hair. I only noticed her when she fell. When the camera was on her, however, she transformed."#Project Scouted ends on May 31...