Best stock photographer Yuriy Arkurs (Logos)

Today, I’d like to introduce Yuri Arcurs to those who may not be familiar with him. Danish photographer Yuri Arcurs, also known as Logos, is a prominent figure in stock photography and microstock.

He is among the photographers who have professionalized the stock photo industry. Yuri Arcurs exemplifies how stock photography can serve as both a hobby and a source of income.

Notably, ‘Yuri Arcurs’ is his creative pseudonym. Arcurs’s photographs are professionally executed, characterized by their sunny, bright, and positive qualities that captivate viewers.

Yuri Arcurs was born in Denmark in 1979. In 2005, while studying psychology, Yuri began collaborating with stock agencies to fund his education. Initially, his sole model was his girlfriend.

Today, her face is widely recognized from advertising posters and illustrations in various publications. After receiving his first check from stock agencies, Yuri transitioned to professional stock photography.

Notably, by 2008, Arcurs’s total sales exceeded one million licenses, with an average monthly income of $80,000 to $90,000 from stock agencies. A single shooting day costs him upwards of $6,000. His photographs have been purchased by prominent brands, including Time Magazine, MTV, Sony, MSN.com, Microsoft, Canon, Samsung, and Hewlett-Packard.

In 2008, Hasselblad sponsored him with their H3D-II 39 medium-format camera, featuring a 39-megapixel sensor—a privilege granted to only a select few top photographers worldwide.

Interesting facts about Yuri Arcurs: he began his career as a freelance journalist at a graphic design firm, served in peacekeeping forces in Kosovo, won a NATO shooting competition, completed a 100 km marathon in 15 hours, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, graduated from the Danish School of Photography in Aarhus, and owns a photography studio with two employees and 12 freelancers.

Although this interview dates back to late 2007, its insights remain relevant today. Let’s read it:

Is it true that you’re the world’s best-selling stock photographer?

Yes! I sell over 500,000 photos annually… quite a substantial number. 🙂

How do you maintain your status as the best-selling photographer despite having a relatively small portfolio on iStockphoto?

Due to upload limits, I’m only able to submit about 30% of my photos, resulting in a backlog of over 2,000 images awaiting upload to iStockphoto.

My reputation is largely built on sales across 16 other stock agencies worldwide.

Do you hold any business interests in stock agencies?

No. Several emerging microstock platforms have approached me with collaboration proposals. I nearly partnered with one but ultimately declined to avoid potential conflicts with other stock agencies.

In this industry, I intend to remain solely a practicing photographer

Have you personally taken all these photos?

Yes, though I have two full-time assistants – one American and one Danish – who handle editing, writing descriptions, selecting keywords, uploading, categorizing, and assisting with model releases.

Your models are quite striking – are they friends or professionals?

The days of using friends as models have passed. Now, I hire professionals and occasionally scout for them myself.

My website features a ‘model application’ section, through which I receive two to three applications daily.

What distinguishes your work from that of other photographers?

I aim to create authentic and natural-looking photos that exude character and individuality.

We avoid simplistic, contrived, and theatrical shots – precisely what many now consider ‘stock content’.

Can you describe your workflow?

• I begin by shooting in RAW format.
• Next, I discard any out-of-focus frames and test shots.
• I choose specific RAW files to convert into 16-bit TIFFs.
• My first assistant retouches all TIFFs, addressing issues like sensor dust, facial blemishes, and small specks. This process is supervised by my second assistant.
• The second assistant then re-edits the images.
• Next, I review the results and make any necessary corrections.
• All files are compiled into a calibration folder.
• I proceed to adjust color saturation, white balance, and exposure for each file.
• The files are then moved to a folder designated for keywording.
• A freelancer then provides titles, keywords, and descriptions for the files.
• I review their work.
• Subsequently, all files are saved in TIFF format (with layers) and JPEG format (at maximum quality), then grouped for upload. Once a batch reaches 50 images, we upload it to the first two stock agencies. If necessary, we then refine the keywords before uploading the images to additional stock agencies.

Two freelancers handle the remaining tasks. Organizing this process required assistance from 12 temporary helpers and two permanent staff members.

Is it possible to obtain personal information about your models, such as their phone numbers?

It depends on the purpose of your request. I do not disclose such information for non-professional inquiries.

As a microstock photographer, are you considered an amateur, and is your hiring fee relatively low?

Please refrain from contacting me for photo shoots or individual sessions unless you are prepared to offer standard compensation for a high-caliber photographer.

A day’s shoot costs approximately $6,000. Given the high demand for my services, I selectively choose which offers to accept.

Do you photograph nude models?

No.

How do you achieve such bright and airy photographs?

That’s my secret! But I can assure you that achieving this success took a lot of practice.

I spent numerous nights working to formalize various techniques and lighting methods. I often use HDR, capturing three frames at different exposure levels and then combining them in a graphic editor.

This technique results in bright images with vibrant colors.

Have stock agencies ever rejected your photos?

Yes, we upload around 400 photos each month, with approximately 5 to 10 being rejected. I accept this as part of the process, understanding that even exceptional photos may not meet someone’s specific standards.

This motivates me to take the process seriously. While rejections can impact business, I ensure thorough checks – often two or three times – before submitting to stock agencies.

Is it true that you’re a psychologist?

Yes, I’m currently completing my studies.

Do you ever complain about rejections?

No, never. It takes too much time. When possible, I try to learn from my mistakes.

I also don’t resend photos because it takes too much time from my assistants.

How much money do you make as a stock photographer?

I don’t think I’m the type of person who would answer that question. I’m able to make this pursuit a well-paid profession because I’m currently number one in the world.

But one must understand that very few will ever come close to the top 50.

Do you strive for perfection in everything?

Yes, very much. From my psychological perspective, it’s close to pathology.

Maybe you want to chat with me on Skype, so we can get to know each other.

I don’t like to say no, but I really don’t have time for that.

Are you a certified photographer?

Yes. In 2000, I graduated from the Danish School of Photography in Aarhus, where I learned to shoot with film cameras.

Do you work from home, or do you have a real studio?

I shoot at a studio in the center of Aarhus, where my assistants and I work from 9 AM to 6 PM (almost every day).

How many photo shoots do you usually conduct in a week?

It depends on what we find as a team and which models I can invite. I would say it’s about 4-6 photo shoots a week.

source: microstock.ru/articles/49.html

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