Interview
Leigh Kloppers, Model
The Johannesburg based model talks to TYG about her career so far in the industry, the early struggles she overcame and her dream job.
Images 1, 2 & 3 by Hein van Schalkwyk @heinventures Images 4, 5 & 6 by Shann Daniels @shann.daniels Images 7 & 8 by Isabela Rusconi @isabelarusconi
TYG: How long have you been modelling for? How did you get started with it?
Leigh: I started modelling in 2020, so when I was 16 years old. To be honest I never imagined myself as a model and modelling never crossed my mind. From an extremely young age I have always battled with my self-confidence and body image. In early 2020, my self confidence and body image worsened and I developed eating problems and never wanted to leave my house. I went to see someone, and she suggested I got for a photoshoot to help with my confidence. I received the photoshoot pictures and my mom suggested that I do modelling to further boost my confidence. I then applied to agencies in South Africa and the res is history. Modelling has really had a positive impacted on live, and I am extremely grateful that it has helped me become the person I am today.
TYG: Living in South Africa, what is the fashion/modelling scene like there?
Leigh: South Africa has many diverse modelling agencies and models all over the country. The fashion and modelling industry in South Africa are very inclusive which I think is amazing. The modelling and fashion scenes are more prevalent in Cape Town and Johannesburg compared to other cities in South Africa. Both cities host major fashion events, have prominent modelling agencies, and are considered hubs for the country's fashion industry. My agencies, Pulse Models Cape Town and 3D Model Agency Johannesburg treat me extremely well and do not force me to do anything I am not comfortable with.
TYG: Do you prefer location or studio shoots?
Leigh: I prefer location shoots. I specifically love being photographed in nature. Location shoots allow me to express myself more freely and allow me to pose in many ways compared to studio shoots. I do like studio shoots, but location shoots are always very special to me as I can connect a specific location to a specific shoot.
TYG: Do you have any preferences when shooting? Do you like to have a mood board of inspo to refer to/much direction from the photographer?
Leigh: When shooting I always like to have a clear idea of what the photographer wants so a mood board is always great to have. I always enjoy working with photographers who allow me to be myself and who are easy going. Other than that, I am not picky at all.
TYG: Who or what inspires you and why?
Leigh: Former Miss World and Miss South Africa 2014, Rolene Strauss is my inspiration. Like me and many other people, Rolene struggled with her self-confidence and body image. I really admire Rolene as she was not afraid to share her self-love journey with others. I have read both of Rolene’s books and they have really helped me work on myself and have made me realize that not even a Miss World and Miss South Africa are ‘Perfect’.
TYG: Do you have any favourite shoots to date that you have shot?
Leigh: My favourite shoot tends to change with every new session. Currently my favourite shoot is one I did with photographer Wouter Jooste for Style Cruze Magazine. We did this shoot in the area in which I live in. This photoshoot will always be very special to me as one of these pictures were used as the magazine cover. This was my first magazine cover which was a surreal moment for me as I never thought I would be on the cover of a magazine.
TYG: Any specific ideas/concepts you want to shoot in the future?
Leigh: I would love to do a super artistic shoot for a big magazine such as Vogue.
TYG: What are your plans for the future?
Leigh: I am currently a full time BIS Information Science student at the University of Pretoria and finish my degree at the end of 2025. My plans are to get my degree, move to Cape Town and continue modelling part time whilst I work as a business analyst. I plan to continue to model for many more years as it really is my passion and hope to model overseas one day.
