Author Topic: Professional Models: The secret of Yuri Arcurs success (Read 16579 times)

Graffoto · « **on:** September 21, 2011, 11:41 »

Ok, we all recognize the technical perfection. The clean, bright, albeit somewhat flat look. The well thought out sets and compositions.

However, I would argue that above all else the secret to Mr. Arcurs success are his models.
He has mentioned on several occasions that he uses agency models and it shows.
I even remember reading on one occasion that he flew in a Russian model for a shoot.
All of his models; male, female, young & old are stunning. Who would not want these people to represent their product or company?

So how is this done? In the Los Angeles region where I am, agency's frown on their models being used for microstock. It dilutes their value.
Not to mention the additional cost of going through an agency to hire models. Ideas? Insights anyone?

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #1 on:** September 21, 2011, 12:13 »

Quote from: Graffoto on September 21, 2011, 11:41

All of his models; male, female, young & old are stunning. Who would not want these people to represent their product or company?

Companies who want to make a connection with the people they are advertising to. I mean, overly pretty people can't hurt in most situations, but in some, they can.

All of my models are real people - they have other jobs. I do ok.

Around here, agencies won't work with you either without paying an arm and a leg. Another way that contributors can keep costs down is to use "non-pro" models.

Graffoto · « **Reply #2 on:** September 21, 2011, 12:17 »

Yes, Sean we all know you do OK

But think how much more 'OK' you could do if you have the same quality of models and sets that Mr. Arcurs has!

ProArtwork · « **Reply #3 on:** September 21, 2011, 12:18 »

You don't need to go through traditional agencies for professional models. You can try ModelMayhem.com and seek experienced models.

Graffoto · « **Reply #4 on:** September 21, 2011, 12:20 »

Quote from: ProArtwork on September 21, 2011, 12:18

You don't need to go through traditional agencies for professional models. You can try ModelMayhem.com and seek experienced models.

I do use MM models. A lot of them are flakes and none that I have found are as good as a true pro.

Elenathewise · « **Reply #5 on:** September 21, 2011, 12:31 »

Quote from: Graffoto on September 21, 2011, 12:20

Quote from: ProArtwork on September 21, 2011, 12:18
You don't need to go through traditional agencies for professional models. You can try ModelMayhem.com and seek experienced models.

I do use MM models. A lot of them are flakes and none that I have found are as good as a true pro.

I used some MM models. Most of them are flakes

Sometimes you'd get lucky and get someone who can actually show on time and remember some of the instructions, but that's rare.
I also use "part-time" models that have other jobs. These people don't usually have aspirations to get an exclusive contract with some brand (in which case being on stock agencies can hurt). So I guess it'a a matter of getting lucky - finding good models that agree to do stock and being able to afford them. Yuri himself was very lucky to have a beautiful photogenic girlfriend when he was starting out:)

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #6 on:** September 21, 2011, 12:35 »

Quote from: Graffoto on September 21, 2011, 12:17

Yes, Sean we all know you do OK
But think how much more 'OK' you could do if you have the same quality of models and sets that Mr. Arcurs has!

I'm not sure if "uber pretty" people would fit into all the sort of themes I cover.

ProArtwork · « **Reply #7 on:** September 21, 2011, 12:37 »

Quote from: Graffoto on September 21, 2011, 12:20

Quote from: ProArtwork on September 21, 2011, 12:18
You don't need to go through traditional agencies for professional models. You can try ModelMayhem.com and seek experienced models.

I do use MM models. A lot of them are flakes and none that I have found are as good as a true pro.

In the search criteria just seach for experience paid only models, that should avoid flakes.

Graffoto · « **Reply #8 on:** September 21, 2011, 13:14 »

Yes, paying them will help cut the flake percentage, but you still are not guaranteed that they will do well in front of the camera. A lot of profiles say 'very experienced' but when you look at the port they look stiff or only have one expression.

I have worked with real agency models (not for stock) and there is a world of difference in the posing ability and ease of expression in front of the camera. You have to experience it to really appreciate the difference it makes in your images.

Eyedesign · « **Reply #9 on:** September 21, 2011, 13:23 »

One suggestion, stop using models and start uses actors.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 21, 2011, 13:24 »

Quote from: Graffoto on September 21, 2011, 12:17

Yes, Sean we all know you do OK
But think how much more 'OK' you could do if you have the same quality of models and sets that Mr. Arcurs has!

you talked about Sean like his work is minor and unsuccessful, sort of a "newbie" that need some advice, incredible how can someone talk like that about one of the most important contributors in IS! some people just don´t have sense of reality and don´t even know how to approach other! Sean doesn´t need a "lawyer" but hey sometimes I cannot be here without telling what goes in my mind

leaf · « **Reply #11 on:** September 21, 2011, 13:52 »

Quote from: Eyedesign on September 21, 2011, 13:23

One suggestion, stop using models and start uses actors.

I think this is one of the best bits of advice here. The problem with experienced models is they have the habit of looking and standing like a model. You want people to look like people doing stuff.. not like a perfume model pursing their lips and sticking their hips out to the side.

Many of Yuri's models are also his friends.. he hasn't used pro models exclusively. .. and on a side point, what is a pro model? Very very few people make a living as a model and if they do I could almost guarantee they wouldn't do RF stock work. They would have to much more careful about where and how their image is used, it is their livelihood. The models you are going to get for RF stock are models that generate their income from something else and do modeling as a hobby or for fun on the side.

but I agree, getting good models really does make a difference. I have had some good luck on ModelMayhem. About 1 in 20 models I am really happy with and use again. Paying for models for their first shoot (when you don't know how good they are) is just part of the cost of doing business. I double the rates for models that I use a second time and know are good and work well for stock. The model agencies I have called simply don't want to work with a stock photography shoot.

Elenathewise · « **Reply #12 on:** September 21, 2011, 13:54 »

Quote from: Eyedesign on September 21, 2011, 13:23

One suggestion, stop using models and start uses actors.

Where do you go looking for actors? Willing to pose for stock??... I would think any actor wants to make it big and it would be same problem as with pro models - they'd want to be able to choose where their face appears...

Eyedesign · « **Reply #13 on:** September 21, 2011, 13:59 »

Not really a problem Elena, since most actor are not working actors.

I post notices in acting schools in my area and have no problem filling spots. At this point I started to turn away people. Give it a try!

lisafx · « **Reply #14 on:** September 21, 2011, 14:03 »

Quote from: Graffoto on September 21, 2011, 13:14

A lot of profiles say 'very experienced' but when you look at the port they look stiff or only have one expression.

Yes, but if that expression is "blue steel" then you have a superstar on your hands

RT · « **Reply #15 on:** September 21, 2011, 14:07 »

You know one way to do it is book a model through an agency for a commercial job, then when they're there ask them if they're interested in doing some stock work in the future, you may come up against the old adage of "my agency tells me not to do stock because it devalues my chances of future work" when you explain to them that the reasons agencies tell them that is nothing to do with any future work appeal but more to do with agencies being fully aware that even models aren't stupid and that they'll go direct to the photographer for future work and the agency loses out on commission. I've got four models I use regularly all recruited through this method.

The vast majority of decent agency models are self employed and will take any work they can get, I agree with what most people have said about MM, I get lots of contact from models from the private sites and generally speaking they all seem to think they're experienced because they've done a topless shoot for one of the lads mags - talk about devaluing your future modelling chances!

As for Yuri, don't worry about what he does, just do what works for you.

lisafx · « **Reply #16 on:** September 21, 2011, 14:13 »

Quote from: Eyedesign on September 21, 2011, 13:23

One suggestion, stop using models and start uses actors.

This is great advice! All my models are "real people", but the majority are also involved in acting in local theater productions.

And no, none of them is movie-star gorgeous like Yuri's models, but I do okay too (not as "okay" as Sean though).

I think it is very simplistic to say that Yuri's success is down to the attractiveness of his models. That's like saying Kelly Kline's success at photographing food is mostly due to the tomato, the salmon, or the creme brulee, etc.

When you photograph people, the people are the props, basically. It is up to the photographer to dress them, light them, direct them, mold and shape them to get what the he or she wants.

There are lots of wannabe photogs photographing gorgeous models for stock, and most of them are not all that successful. In fact, most of my lowest selling images are the ones of stereotypically "beautiful" girls.

leaf · « **Reply #17 on:** September 21, 2011, 14:18 »

Quote from: RT on September 21, 2011, 14:07

As for Yuri, don't worry about what he does, just do what works for you.

Some more very good advice

Graffoto · « **Reply #18 on:** September 21, 2011, 14:24 »

Hi Lisa!

I never meant that was the only driving force for Mr. Arcurs' success. I just meant that with all other factors being equal (lighting, location, set etc...) that the quality of the models is what puts him over the top.

I know from my own port that the handful of truly stunning models I have used outsell everything else in my port by a wide margin.

@ Luis. I know darn well who Mr. Locke is and have nothing but respect for his accomplishments.
I also know that he is capable of handling a little good hearted ribbing without getting offended.

Graffoto · « **Reply #19 on:** September 21, 2011, 14:26 »

Quote from: Eyedesign on September 21, 2011, 13:23

One suggestion, stop using models and start uses actors.

Excellent advice.
I have found that the best models also know how to 'emote'. ie they are good actors.

I must look into this more.

Elenathewise · « **Reply #20 on:** September 21, 2011, 14:27 »

Quote from: Eyedesign on September 21, 2011, 13:59

Not really a problem Elena, since most actor are not working actors. I post notices in acting schools in my area and have no problem filling spots. At this point I started to turn away people. Give it a try!

He-he:) Well that does makes sense then - thanks for advice!

Pixart · « **Reply #21 on:** September 21, 2011, 15:47 »

I've read a lot of posts "I find my models at the gym", but the best real people models that I've worked with are dancers. Not only do they have gorgeous figures, but they really know how to emote, they follow directions without question, and do exactly what you ask and more. Oh, and they always bring such great shoes

pancaketom · « **Reply #22 on:** September 21, 2011, 15:51 »

Quote from: lisafx on September 21, 2011, 14:03

Quote from: Graffoto on September 21, 2011, 13:14
A lot of profiles say 'very experienced' but when you look at the port they look stiff or only have one expression.

Yes, but if that expression is "blue steel" then you have a superstar on your hands

Forget "Blue Steel", I'm looking for "Magnum"

lisafx · « **Reply #23 on:** September 21, 2011, 16:12 »

Quote from: pancaketom on September 21, 2011, 15:51

Quote from: lisafx on September 21, 2011, 14:03
Quote from: Graffoto on September 21, 2011, 13:14
A lot of profiles say 'very experienced' but when you look at the port they look stiff or only have one expression.

Yes, but if that expression is "blue steel" then you have a superstar on your hands

Forget "Blue Steel", I'm looking for "Magnum"

Suljo · « **Reply #24 on:** September 21, 2011, 18:08 »

Quote from: lisafx on September 21, 2011, 16:12

Quote from: pancaketom on September 21, 2011, 15:51
Quote from: lisafx on September 21, 2011, 14:03
Quote from: Graffoto on September 21, 2011, 13:14
A lot of profiles say 'very experienced' but when you look at the port they look stiff or only have one expression.

Yes, but if that expression is "blue steel" then you have a superstar on your hands

Forget "Blue Steel", I'm looking for "Magnum"

Imagine
You wake up in the morning and while you are digging you nose with leg big toe (best image of photodune) you see movement in you backyard and see how Chuck Noris have Pewee on you electricity cable....

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Author Topic: Professional Models: The secret of Yuri Arcurs success (Read 16579 times)

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