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Author Topic: Yuri new studio..!  (Read 19481 times)

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« Reply #25 on: February 23, 2011, 14:45 »
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Photographers honestly wanting to learn something about the business of photography from that video stop looking at the gear. That's really not what's impressive about it at all. What's truly impressive about that video is all the wood molding, beautiful floors, columns and ceiling tiles. A successful photography studio is primarily based on marketing. Which doesn't just mean forms of advertising media. A big portion of that is atmosphere. Your environment reflects on your work even if the environment is completely invisible in your work. If people see your studio atmosphere as rich, elegant and valuable then the services and products you supply are obviously valuable .. regardless of if they are or not.

If somebody told you they would give you $100K in equipment or only $10K to invest in your appearance as a professional which would you choose? Only a fool would take the gear. So if it's a tossup between another lens and hardwood flooring .. go with the flooring.

Awesome studio space and a big improvement over the greenhouse idea. If you really want to start posting videos regarding educational information though I think you should focus on psychology and marketing. That's where you would honestly shine best and make an impact on photographers striving to succeed. Kudos :)


« Reply #26 on: February 23, 2011, 15:39 »
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Call me a fool. I would take the 100K.

« Reply #27 on: February 23, 2011, 16:21 »
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Photographers honestly wanting to learn something about the business of photography from that video stop looking at the gear. That's really not what's impressive about it at all. What's truly impressive about that video is all the wood molding, beautiful floors, columns and ceiling tiles.

Sounds like all that stuff was there:
"The roof and "boarding" are antiques and are listed so I am not allowed to change them in any way by government rules. We had to build the whole studio around the antique elements."

« Reply #28 on: February 23, 2011, 16:29 »
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I wanted to share my choices with you guys. That is what I would want to watch myself. I don't like the "show-off" music-video cutting style photography blogs that are out there. They provide no information and are actually just boring in that sense. I wanted to make a video that had information in it. :)

Happy watching. :) And help me out. SHARE IT because i need another 5k view in the first 24hours to make it to the youtube front page. :)

There ya go. So much for sharing just because Yuri's a great guy who loves to share.  ;) There's always some benefit to the sharer.

And yes, count me as one of the negative posters. Bill Gates doesn't give away millions of $$ ONLY because he's charitable and a good guy...his accountant tells him he has to.  :o

« Reply #29 on: February 23, 2011, 17:59 »
0


I wanted to share my choices with you guys. That is what I would want to watch myself. I don't like the "show-off" music-video cutting style photography blogs that are out there. They provide no information and are actually just boring in that sense. I wanted to make a video that had information in it. :)

Happy watching. :) And help me out. SHARE IT because i need another 5k view in the first 24hours to make it to the youtube front page. :)


There ya go. So much for sharing just because Yuri's a great guy who loves to share.  ;) There's always some benefit to the sharer.

And yes, count me as one of the negative posters. Bill Gates doesn't give away millions of $$ ONLY because he's charitable and a good guy...his accountant tells him he has to.  :o


Seldom are things done for 'only' one reason no matter how nice the are.  That said, I think there are quite a few tax loops that Bill Gates could have found that don't involve giving money away (Corbis comes to mind :)).  I believe he is giving immense wealth away because he simply feels that is what is right - and enjoys the benefits that come with it.  Also the amount is in the billions, not millions.

« Reply #30 on: February 23, 2011, 19:32 »
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i, for one, have no problem how he got the equipment; what does it matter if was free or discounted.  Yuri is the top microstocker and sets the bar for all of us to achieve.  I am proud of him; happy to be trying to achieve some success similar to his; and delighted to see that this industry is not all doom and gloom-there is success for those that work hard.  Judging by his numbers, even if there was no discount, he has sufficient capital to afford all this stuff.

Disclosure:  I have not seen the video; even though I am in Russia-my internet signal comes from China and they block all video sites.
« Last Edit: February 23, 2011, 19:34 by visceralimage »

« Reply #31 on: February 23, 2011, 19:51 »
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i, for one, have no problem how he got the equipment; what does it matter if was free or discounted.  Yuri is the top microstocker and sets the bar for all of us to achieve.  I am proud of him; happy to be trying to achieve some success similar to his; and delighted to see that this industry is not all doom and gloom-there is success for those that work hard.  Judging by his numbers, even if there was no discount, he has sufficient capital to afford all this stuff.

Disclosure:  I have not seen the video; even though I am in Russia-my internet signal comes from China and they block all video sites.

U didn't miss too much - he is just showing off his toys and his new space. I too don't understand why anyone would have a problem with any of this - it's nice to see someone enjoying this business as much as Yuri is.

lisafx

« Reply #32 on: February 23, 2011, 19:55 »
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it's nice to see someone enjoying this business as much as Yuri is.

So right!  I admit, I am more envious of the pleasure he seems to get from his work than of his sales record :)

« Reply #33 on: February 23, 2011, 20:07 »
0
i, for one, have no problem how he got the equipment; what does it matter if was free or discounted.  Yuri is the top microstocker and sets the bar for all of us to achieve.  I am proud of him; happy to be trying to achieve some success similar to his; and delighted to see that this industry is not all doom and gloom-there is success for those that work hard.  Judging by his numbers, even if there was no discount, he has sufficient capital to afford all this stuff.

Actually to some degree I do find such wholesale expenditure obscene, unnecessary and ultimately damaging to the industry. Success is being bought through sheer weight of resources rather than simply earned and grown organically through talent and skill (like SJL and many others for example).

It reminds me of over-fishing or the plundering of any natural resource way beyond the level at which it can be sustained. Stock sales are finite, the market is only so big and to throw money at it in a vain bid to grab the biggest possible slice of the pie is just being plain greedy and inconsiderate to others.

Yuri complains about an ever-reducing RPI but he and the other photo factories are doing far more than anyone else to flood the market with excessive numbers of new images and thereby reduce the earning potential for all images. Why do you need to produce up to 1000 new images per month? So that you can buy even more equipment, an even bigger studio, hire even more staff ... and produce even more images? Whats the point? Is there never a point at which you actually have 'enough' and can be content with a comfortable life?

« Reply #34 on: February 23, 2011, 20:52 »
0
i, for one, have no problem how he got the equipment; what does it matter if was free or discounted.  Yuri is the top microstocker and sets the bar for all of us to achieve.  I am proud of him; happy to be trying to achieve some success similar to his; and delighted to see that this industry is not all doom and gloom-there is success for those that work hard.  Judging by his numbers, even if there was no discount, he has sufficient capital to afford all this stuff.

Actually to some degree I do find such wholesale expenditure obscene, unnecessary and ultimately damaging to the industry. Success is being bought through sheer weight of resources rather than simply earned and grown organically through talent and skill (like SJL and many others for example).

It reminds me of over-fishing or the plundering of any natural resource way beyond the level at which it can be sustained. Stock sales are finite, the market is only so big and to throw money at it in a vain bid to grab the biggest possible slice of the pie is just being plain greedy and inconsiderate to others.

Yuri complains about an ever-reducing RPI but he and the other photo factories are doing far more than anyone else to flood the market with excessive numbers of new images and thereby reduce the earning potential for all images. Why do you need to produce up to 1000 new images per month? So that you can buy even more equipment, an even bigger studio, hire even more staff ... and produce even more images? Whats the point? Is there never a point at which you actually have 'enough' and can be content with a comfortable life?

I sure don't know for sure, but apparently not. I'd like to give it a go sometime, though.  :)

« Reply #35 on: February 24, 2011, 01:04 »
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An awesome insight. Thanks for that. First time I've seen you, I never realised that you were using a photo of one of your models in your profile pic.

RacePhoto

« Reply #36 on: February 24, 2011, 01:18 »
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Yuri,
  Thanks for the behind the scenes look.

Others,
   Fine example of someone at the top of his field sharing knowledge. Successful people like Yuri do this. Almost without fail. Less successful folks will guard their expertise and will look for ulterior motives of those who share theirs. My forecast is that half the replies here will be negative, human nature being what it is.

Surprise, Surprise (or is it Golllll-ly?) I'm a Gomer.

I like the introduction the tour and the look at the lighting selections. I find nothing wrong with a personal video about some new adventure and moving inside instead of paying a high price to shoot on location.

Mark this as a positive please.

« Reply #37 on: February 24, 2011, 01:58 »
0
Yuri, congrats on a wonderful studio in an awesome old building. Wish you lots of success and loads of fun
Oh...and saw your advert regarding looking for people in your Cape Town office....welcome to our shores :) :)

Yuri_Arcurs

  • One Crazy PhotoManic MadPerson
« Reply #38 on: February 24, 2011, 02:35 »
0
Photographers honestly wanting to learn something about the business of photography from that video stop looking at the gear. That's really not what's impressive about it at all. What's truly impressive about that video is all the wood molding, beautiful floors, columns and ceiling tiles. A successful photography studio is primarily based on marketing. Which doesn't just mean forms of advertising media. A big portion of that is atmosphere. Your environment reflects on your work even if the environment is completely invisible in your work. If people see your studio atmosphere as rich, elegant and valuable then the services and products you supply are obviously valuable .. regardless of if they are or not.

If somebody told you they would give you $100K in equipment or only $10K to invest in your appearance as a professional which would you choose? Only a fool would take the gear. So if it's a tossup between another lens and hardwood flooring .. go with the flooring.

Awesome studio space and a big improvement over the greenhouse idea. If you really want to start posting videos regarding educational information though I think you should focus on psychology and marketing. That's where you would honestly shine best and make an impact on photographers striving to succeed. Kudos :)

WOW. I' really really impressed with your insights. Thanks for not being plain and average. Good post indeed

RT


« Reply #39 on: February 24, 2011, 07:13 »
0
What's truly impressive about that video is all the wood molding, beautiful floors, columns and ceiling tiles. A successful photography studio is primarily based on marketing. Which doesn't just mean forms of advertising media. A big portion of that is atmosphere. Your environment reflects on your work even if the environment is completely invisible in your work. If people see your studio atmosphere as rich, elegant and valuable then the services and products you supply are obviously valuable .. regardless of if they are or not.

That might apply in the family portrait business but certainly not in the commercial world, quality of work aside, easy access, free parking, wifi and a good coffee machine will beat "rich, elegant and valuable" every single day of the week. As for stock images apart from the obvious fact of being able to use the settings in your image what your studio looks like won't make a single difference.

It's a lovely studio with lots of lovely kit which would be a joy to work in, but the one and only thing that matters about a studio is what comes out of it.

If somebody told you they would give you $100K in equipment or only $10K to invest in your appearance as a professional which would you choose? Only a fool would take the gear. So if it's a tossup between another lens and hardwood flooring .. go with the flooring.

One of the funniest things you're written so far  :D
« Last Edit: February 24, 2011, 07:15 by RT »

« Reply #40 on: February 24, 2011, 12:53 »
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Unbelievable mix of people in microstock, indeed.

Me with my white sheet of paper, $500 DSLR and two lenses making hardly $300 per month and someone with such a huge investment into the equipment. And all those in between. Interesting that it all can sell in one marketplace.

« Reply #41 on: February 24, 2011, 13:31 »
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Congrats to Yuri, that is a palace!!!!!

It looks much more luxurious than iStock's corporate office, IMHO.  ;D


« Reply #42 on: February 24, 2011, 13:48 »
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 Hi All,

 *! That is toooo sweet! Let me know when I can come hang out in the best playground a photographer could ask for ;D You are not only the top Micro stock shooter but quite possibly the top in every market of Stock. So great to have someone really dialed in to their game and share it with us. You must feel like a proud father, well done sir.

Best,
Jonathan

« Reply #43 on: February 24, 2011, 14:43 »
0
What a wonderful studio!  I just love the wood molding, beautiful floors, columns and ceiling tiles!  Yummy!  The lighting is very nice and impressive as well.  Oooh, so have that much space and not trip over a prop, or the cat, or my grandson.... !

« Reply #44 on: February 24, 2011, 15:45 »
0
Great video, thank you for sharing.

All that antique outlook of the studio and the classical furniture reminded me of Vetta collection of Istock. Am I right if I say 'Yuri will start shooting Vetta-style images' ?

« Reply #45 on: February 24, 2011, 17:06 »
0
That might apply in the family portrait business but certainly not in the commercial world, quality of work aside, easy access, free parking, wifi and a good coffee machine will beat "rich, elegant and valuable" every single day of the week. As for stock images apart from the obvious fact of being able to use the settings in your image what your studio looks like won't make a single difference.

It's a lovely studio with lots of lovely kit which would be a joy to work in, but the one and only thing that matters about a studio is what comes out of it.

Doesn't apply to the commercial world??? It applies to all worlds. It doesn't matter if you're selling photography services or toasters for peoples kitchens. I can go to Wal-Mart and buy a plain white cotton tshirt off the clearance rack for $3 or I can go to a store in the country club plaza and buy the same shirt for $50. Either way it's a plain white cotton shirt. So, what makes the difference? Wal-Mart has a 90 yr old woman wearing a blue smock with a yellow happy face on it greeting me when I walk in the door. The store at the plaza has atmospheric lighting, designer dressed 20 yr old girls behind the counter, hardwood floors, trendy music, pleasant fragrances in the air, art on the walls, modern decor that isn't for sale and serves no purpose only to take up space and make the place look good and when I leave they don't throw my items in a thin plastic bag that rips before I get to my car. They neatly fold my shirt and place it in a designer bag with their branding graphics on it and a little thank you note stuck inside. Appearance of the business directly effects the value of the services and products for more industries than I can count .. photography included.

In terms of microstock photography, if Yuri would have invested in that studio and not shown it then no it wouldn't have any effect on his business. That's not the case though. He did show it and now that concept of luxury is associated with his name. Even if people dont realize it consciously it's still in the back of their minds. That is far more powerful than having 4 beauty dishes and however many lights there was in that video.

WOW. I' really really impressed with your insights. Thanks for not being plain and average. Good post indeed

I have a business themed workshop coming up in a couple weeks for the Professional Photographers of America. I'm down for speaking 9 hours in one day so I'm thinking I might kill some extra time by throwing in a section on defining value through atmosphere .. maybe project a couple video clips from your old bright white studio and the new elegant one as an example and discuss the differences in terms of consumer perception of value. So thanks for posting .. it'll give me a few extra minutes to rest my voice and sit back while they watch the clips for comparison. LOL :)

« Reply #46 on: February 24, 2011, 18:34 »
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Hi Randy,

 Great observation and hats off for your work with the PPA we need more people like yourself around.

Best,
Jonathan

« Reply #47 on: February 24, 2011, 18:43 »
0
That might apply in the family portrait business but certainly not in the commercial world, quality of work aside, easy access, free parking, wifi and a good coffee machine will beat "rich, elegant and valuable" every single day of the week. As for stock images apart from the obvious fact of being able to use the settings in your image what your studio looks like won't make a single difference.

It's a lovely studio with lots of lovely kit which would be a joy to work in, but the one and only thing that matters about a studio is what comes out of it.

Doesn't apply to the commercial world??? It applies to all worlds. It doesn't matter if you're selling photography services or toasters for peoples kitchens. I can go to Wal-Mart and buy a plain white cotton tshirt off the clearance rack for $3 or I can go to a store in the country club plaza and buy the same shirt for $50. Either way it's a plain white cotton shirt. So, what makes the difference? Wal-Mart has a 90 yr old woman wearing a blue smock with a yellow happy face on it greeting me when I walk in the door. The store at the plaza has atmospheric lighting, designer dressed 20 yr old girls behind the counter, hardwood floors, trendy music, pleasant fragrances in the air, art on the walls, modern decor that isn't for sale and serves no purpose only to take up space and make the place look good and when I leave they don't throw my items in a thin plastic bag that rips before I get to my car. They neatly fold my shirt and place it in a designer bag with their branding graphics on it and a little thank you note stuck inside. Appearance of the business directly effects the value of the services and products for more industries than I can count .. photography included.

In terms of microstock photography, if Yuri would have invested in that studio and not shown it then no it wouldn't have any effect on his business. That's not the case though. He did show it and now that concept of luxury is associated with his name. Even if people dont realize it consciously it's still in the back of their minds. That is far more powerful than having 4 beauty dishes and however many lights there was in that video.

As you run a portrait studio, I can see your point. Very valid for direct business to consumer sales, which you show perfectly well in your wall-mart example. IMHO, your line of thinking is less valid for numerous other business models. In marketing for manufacturing - for example - , appearance and a fine studio don't mean that much. It's performance (in terms of output, working safely, and within time provided), as well as references, that count. In my experience, most business to business shoots are also predominantly organized on location.

In that respect, I tend to perceive stock photography as "business to business". Selling images online through agents, I have very little  - if any - interaction with clients, so what would they care what my setup looks like, nor do they care about the fanciness of my studio. All that matters is they can use the images I provide, at a price-license point they're willing to commit to.

The speculative thing that triggers me in Yuri's investment is not so much the  capacities of his gear, nor the stunning styling of his studio, but the business plan behind it. Of course, Yuri won't share that much. To me, the sole thing of the awesome set-up and facilities he had (has?) in his green house are two worlds apart from his - equally awe-inspiring  - current setup. Speculative, it could imply he's diverting his business setup to target his market share more directly - such rumors have been around for a while, and are also frequently addressed in the ktools thread. I can only presume it's stock related, but even that could be a stretch - and good for him! . 100k in gear or 10k in marketing? all fine, as long as you stay ahead of your competition. And Yuri seems to have a plan, and the cash flow to put it together. Good for him.

Time for us to stop telling how business is to be run, and start thinking how it should be run in the future.

RT


« Reply #48 on: February 24, 2011, 19:13 »
0
Hi Randy,

 Great observation and hats off for your work with the PPA we need more people like yourself around.

Best,
Jonathan

Thinking about it you're right, we do need more people like him around.

« Reply #49 on: February 24, 2011, 19:33 »
0
Hi Randy,

 Great observation and hats off for your work with the PPA we need more people like yourself around.

Best,
Jonathan

Thanks Jonathan. I don't even belong to the PPA but I'm a big believer in professional photographers helping one another to improve the industry as a whole.

In that respect, I tend to perceive stock photography as "business to business". Selling images online through agents, I have very little  - if any - interaction with clients,

which gives even more reason for the need to establish a greater sense of value and over the top recognition in any way you possibly can ... who do you want to impress people with big budgets or people with low budgets? Do you want to sell to the people that just stumble across you by chance or do you want to sell to the people who make the effort to track you down?


 

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