If you like traveling, photography and learning from the best, read this!

This year Yuri Arcurs Photography is putting together an elite international academy program in the hope of producing the most competent and gifted photography class of 2015. This private funded program runs for three years, during which participants will be given a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience travel to exotic locations, a first-class photography education from some of the industry’s leading experts, and working experience through interactions with real projects, clients and top models.

We are looking to recruit 10 – 15 candidates, who will have to prove they are motivated, ambitious and bright. You will be given the opportunity to prove you have what it takes at our two-week long photography boot camp in January 2012. Very little photography knowledge is needed, we will equip you with what you need to know.

During the 3 year education you will have exams in the following subjects:
• The technical skills required to use all Nikon, Canon and Hasselblad cameras.
• Video recording and editing with SLR camera’s, RED epic and others.
• Basic and advanced photoshopping.
• Advanced RAW processing.
• Advanced digital image theory.
• Shoot planning and execution planning.
• Creative research, Image Critique.
• Branding, Client managing, Invoicing, Legal aspects.

How to qualify:
In order to qualify for the program, you must pass a 2 week boot camp in Cape Town, South Africa. The boot camp offers all it’s participants an opportunity to receive first-class photography training, even those who do not get accepted into the program.
To be considered for the photography boot camp you must:
• Manage your own accommodations and travel into Cape Town for the boot camp duration.
• Bring your own digital SLR camera that can produce at least 16 mega pixel images.
• Bring at least one 50mm or 85mm lens that can shoot no less than 2.0 in aperture.
• Bring at least 16 Gb of memory for your camera (CF preferred).
• Be able to stay 2 weeks in Cape Town for training and assignments from January 3rd 2012.
• Be able to dedicate 3 years of your life for this education starting from January 23rd 2012 and have no problem spending up to half of the year in all parts of the world with the primary base in Cape Town, South Africa.
• Have no criminal record or any other criteria that would not allow you to travel to Europe or other places.
• Agree to potentially being part of a TV production about the boot camp for reality TV.

How to apply:
Contact us no later than DECEMBER 1st on jobs@arcurs.com and make sure to mark the mail “Photography student” and include ALL of the following to be considered for the education:
• Motivation letter – tell us why you are interested in this education.
• Your CV.
• Any reference letter from previous employers.
• Something about yourself.
• A photograph of yourself.
• A statement showing a clean criminal record.

The final class candidates will be announced on JANUARY 17th 2012. The best candidates will be offered a job at Yuri Arcurs Photography after graduation.

Click here to see the flyer!

NB: PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY ATTEMPT TO CONTACT YURI HIMSELF DIRECTLY WILL DISQUALIFY YOU FROM BEING CONSIDERED!

(195) Comments...What do you think?

  1. tania minnaar

    This is such an exciting opportunity and I have everything ready to send off, expect when I went to the police station yesterday to get a clearence certificate, they said it would take 4-6 weeks to get? That is crazy!! I just hope I get it before the 1st of December 2011 dealine, because you know how it goes with these institutions…I have so many instances where documentation or files have been lost in the system…. fingers crossed XXX.

  2. At what stage do you need to submit photos from your portfolio? I see you want the following submitted in the post above, but no sample images required??

    Tania, Yuri had already written a little about it. Check it:

    “The criminal record statement. Is this just a letter saying “Hey, I’m a nice guy” or is it something more official, such as the CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) checks used by schools in the UK?”
    Background checks will be done on everyone who is chosen after the end of the boot camp. We prefer letters of affidavit from police stations, but will accept a letter stating the applicants name, ID number and saying I declare I have no criminal record – we know that it takes a while sometimes to get these letters.”

  3. Sorry, wrong quote, but I hope you’ll understand me, guys.

  4. Jarba

    The course is awesome and I understand that this is a good way to recruit skilled photographers. But I wonder about the length of the course, three years is a long time. Who owns the rights to images that are taken during the course? Who owns the rights to reselling these images after the course? During the course a student must have taken thousands of pictures.

  5. Actually I not only don’t care who will own pictures made by me during this period of time (pictures made with studio’s cameras, studio’s lights and so on) but even want to payback this way for my tuition. As you could notice it was said that you won’t ever have an opportunity to pay for this kind of education. I wonder how much it would cost to rent a Hasselblad H4D+lenses for example and a set of ProFoto lights to learn operating it…

    People, this is like your personal investigation into your education! Personally I am ready to quit my job and leave my country chasing a dream. Three years? Damn, I finished 5,5 yrs at the university with like 3-4 trips per year to pass my exam sessions. I would really like to get into a team of motivated people, who would be crazy as me to travel the globe taking pictures, not just getting money.

    I noticed that my post looks just like mymotivation letter. Sorry, guys (:

  6. Jessica Styles…YOU JUST MADE MY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀 Will be applying as soon as I get my final year portfolio work back 😀 *excitement*

    Dear EttioneThe camera requirements have been reduced to 10mp RegardsJessica</block

  7. randall

    This is IT.. Best news of the year for me.. World here i come

  8. I agree Hank! I would eat dirt every day for 3 years for this! Bring it on!

  9. Jarba

    Yes, the course is ”awesome”, this one word can keep more inside as it suggests. One word can tell you more than thousand pictures.. or how it was 🙂

    Yes, I know that the Duracell bunny can run three hours or even more with one battery. But I also like to have a reserve battery after that 🙂 It’s my way of doing things, first I explore and after that comes action! That’s why I like to know about the rights.

    As a matter of fact, I have to solve a few other things than just to quit my job and leave my country: I have a house with a mortgage where I live with my wife and dog. Fortunately there is plenty of time to solve them 🙂

    And, you never know, maybe we see in SA.

  10. fatimah

    hey,
    this sounds super cool 🙂 but was just wondering if this program will happen again, after 3 years or is it just this one time opportunity?

    thanks 🙂

  11. randall

    ALL I CAN THINK OF IS THIS COURSE .. JUST BEING PART OF IT.. I LOVE LIFE .. THIS IS IT!!!!!!!!!!

  12. Eitan

    What an amazing opportunity. I recently quit my job in Singapore and boarded a sailing vessel headed to Cape Town. I have been focusing on my photography during the trip trying to capture some truly amazing shots from some pretty exotic places in the Indian Ocean. I read this two days ago 700 miles from land in the closest direction and considered grabbing my guitar and using it as a paddle to get me to the Cape faster…

    Good luck to everyone who applies andi hope tp see you there. Mid-December cannot come soon enough.

  13. tania minnaar

    Tania, Yuri had already written a little about it. Check it: “The criminal record statement. Is this just a letter saying “Hey, I’m a nice guy” or is it something more official, such as the CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) checks used by schools in the UK?”Background checks will be done on everyone who is chosen after the end of the boot camp. We prefer letters of affidavit from police stations, but will accept a letter stating the applicants name, ID number and saying I declare I have no criminal record – we know that it takes a while sometimes to get these letters.”

    Unfortunatley, here in my area, they will not give you a letter until they do the actual check… systems seems so out dated:(((

  14. This is nice photography bog .I think this is amazing photos………..
    stock photography

  15. randall

    Hi Tania Minnaar i just came back from applying for that Police Clearance .. If i understand correct a letter from me with my ID NO. AND NAME AND STATING A HAVE NO CRIMINAL RECORD , will that also be accepted.. thank you

  16. ziki

    hey i read no previous experience req.so portfolios are needed for what,ilm definitely applying as im a jewellery student in my last year,great opportunity to learn and travel

  17. ben

    Nice idea. But, erm, what’s with the 16mp requirement?

    I think its because stock agencies require that the camera be at least 12mp, but to be more on a comfortable ground a 16mp is good to have. Having said that, 16mp camera should not be a requirement for a workshop.

    It is also becoming more evident that MP is not going to be a huge push in the future as it is reported that more people are viewing their photos on digital frames, and computers, and printing less, especially in huge size. Even Canon, which is known for pushing MP, this year went backwards with their 1DX announcement.

  18. randall

    hi guys sorry but i really need to know if a letter will do stating i have no criminal record as im waiting for the police clearance. I just want to know just in case in does not arrive in time.. Thank you

  19. Glenn

    well i shll be driving from joburg to capetown for this amazing opportunity boot camp. so firstly if anyone needs a lift just gimme a shout. also hurricanehank, accomodation is cheap if u look at the right times in the right places. but im keen to sort out a group effort.. if that doesnt work ill b sleping in my car on the beach 🙂

  20. Christo

    well i shll be driving from joburg to capetown for this amazing opportunity boot camp. so firstly if anyone needs a lift just gimme a shout. also hurricanehank, accomodation is cheap if u look at the right times in the right places. but im keen to sort out a group effort.. if that doesnt work ill b sleping in my car on the beach

    Hi Im wondering if i can have your telephone number ,i have my own car, but i think it will be cheaper sharing 50/50 . il Also bring my gps i have my license we can make turns driving because its about 1400 km . IF there is enyway to contack you let me know Email me on christogftg@gmail.com or if you have mxit or skype or steam hehe just let me know.

  21. Glenn

    hey christo, sure my number is 0833530860, or email me at glenhero@hotmail.com. sure no problem. sounds good

  22. Alexander Searle

    I am SOOOOO excited for this! Preparing everything to send in, I Will be accepted! I know that i have what it takes to be part of this select group!

  23. Kelly Pollock

    Randall, a letter from you as below will suffice:
    I, FULL NAME, ID NUMBER: …………………………, hereby state that I have a clean criminal record and have never been convicted of any crime in any country.

    This will be checked up on should you get through to the final stage, but for now, we just want some sort of evidence that you are clean 🙂

    Ben, those who buy stock photographs often use them as very large images on buildings or windows – hence the high MP requirements. However, as you have seen the MP requirement has been dropped to 10MP. Those who are successfully for the education will be provided with cameras that meet the high standards of the company.

  24. tania minnaar

    Hi Tania Minnaar i just came back from applying for that Police Clearance .. If i understand correct a letter from me with my ID NO. AND NAME AND STATING A HAVE NO CRIMINAL RECORD , will that also be accepted.. thank you

    Hi, yes.. i think that will be accepted….

  25. I wonder how many people will really attend the course?

  26. Hi

    Wow!! I can’t believe i found such an amazing opportunity. After being so desperate to get into photography, i see something like this. No way i’m passing it up.
    Hope to see you all in Cape Town!

  27. Frank

    Psyched, already stay in Cape Town, well 20 min drive from it. Can only cross my fingers, always up for new experiences. May the best man/lady win.

  28. Frank

    I have a statement showing a clean criminal record from 2008, will this be OK cause getting one in my country (South-Africa) in time before the closing date is nearly impossible.

  29. Kelly Pollock

    Hi Frank, yes that will be acceptable.

  30. sofie

    This sounds SO nice!

    I have some questions too:

    Would you prefer if i add some of my photos (like a portfolio) to the application?
    Are you looking for a particular style in the photographers work?
    May the application be written in danish?
    How long would you prefer the application part “motivation letter” to be?
    If you are selected to the bootcamp, you will get more information about the bootcamp before you travel to Cape Town, right?

    //Sofie

  31. Mustafa

    Can someone suggest a hotel close to the course place please?

  32. this sounds like a great opportunity. But, why don’t you want any of our photography as part of the application process?

    Also i was wondering what type of photography we will be doing?

  33. Kelly Pollock

    Sofie, you can add some portfolio work if you like, it definitely won’t hurt your chances 🙂
    There is no specific style, just remember that this is for stock photography.
    We would prefer applications in English.
    The motivational letter can be as long as you want it 🙂 Remember that we are looking for passionate people, so this is a vital part of you application.
    Yes, you will receive further information about the bootcamp should you be selected.

  34. Kelly Pollock

    Mustafa, the course is based in Roeland Street, Cape Town. So google hotels near Zonnebloem or Vredehoek, Cape Town.

  35. Kelly Pollock

    Allen, we do not want to exclude people who have not yet had the chance to build up a portfolio. We know that there are many people with great potential and passion who have just not yet had the opportunity to expand or explore the photography world. You can certainly send us some of your work, but not having a portfolio will not lower your chances of getting in to the bootcamp.

    The course will be based around stock and commercial photography work as this is Yuri’s speciality.

  36. tania minnaar

    hi guys sorry but i really need to know if a letter will do stating i have no criminal record as im waiting for the police clearance. I just want to know just in case in does not arrive in time.. Thank you

    Hi Randall, a letter is fine…

  37. Jessica Styles

    Hi Mustafa

    There is a hotel right across the road from the office, The Kimberley Hotel. I have checked the rates and it can be as low as R175 per person sharing. There are places cheaper than this but if you want something close to the office, you cannot get any closer 🙂 The website for this hotel is: http://www.sleeping-out.co.za/member_rates.asp?MemberID=5823

    Can someone suggest a hotel close to the course place please?

  38. Hi there,
    I just read this amazing news with great excitment!!! However I have a few questions:
    1) Is there anything planned during boot camp for those of us who are vegetarians?
    2) Can you give a rough idea of the financials for the 3 year education? I need to seriously think if it’s worth resigning from my current 700K USD a year job.
    3) Does it really have to be in Cape Town??? I mean, South Africa is not really the safest country in the world right now. I suggest Lichtenstein instead.
    Thanks in advance Yuri.

    JPN

  39. Kelly Pollock

    Hi Jeanpierre,

    1) We will not be providing food during the bootcamp – food and accommodation is up to you for those two weeks. However, during the 3 year education, should there be any special requirements, I’m sure we will make a plan!
    2) You will be getting a very low amount of money. However, your accommodation, food and equipment will be paid for. This is not a job, it is an education. You need to think about the kind of training you will be getting under Yuri from this. The people who undergo this program will come out the other end as excellent photographers of a world-class standard with 3 years of on-the-job intensive training. Many of Yuri’s current photographers have undergone similar training and are currently amongst the best stock photographers.
    3) Yuri Arcurs Productions recently opened a branch in Cape Town, South Africa and this is why the education is passed here. Cape Town is used by thousands of photographers and models during the summer months, because of its outstanding scenery.
    Contrary to popular belief, Cape Town is a safe, vibrant city. Rumours of “dangerous” South Africa are widely exaggerated and Cape Town is one of the safer cities in SA. Have a look at this website to get a better idea of the good in South Africa: http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/this_week/index.html

  40. Guys, if you need to find a hotel near the Boot Camp headquaters (Roeland street) check the website booking.com. There are many different hotels to chose from!

    I’ve booked a place in 4-bed-room at Mountain Manor Guest House in the centre of Capetown.
    We could live together with the boot camp participants and it would be much more fun and secure, that to share a room with somebody you don’t know!

    Drop me a line it you have questions. MMGH looks like a nice place to stay for low cash

  41. hurricanehank, we don’t know you either!!! Can you give us some reference about yourself so we can make ourselves an opinion whether as to it would be more secure to share a room with you?
    Thanks
    JPN

  42. lezigzag

    hmm! funny how things can find you when you most need it : ) I will definitely be applying, thank you for the opportunity.

    I just had one question: will everyone who is selected for the boot camp be allowed to complete it or will there be eliminations during this time?

    thank you!

  43. Hello again! I was just wondering if there is any word yet on the filming of the boot camp, and if it is being filmed, will that not influence the selection of the final participants? I mean, will we be selected because of our technical capabilities, and talent, or will ratings and producers have a deciding vote?

    Super excited either way, putting on some war paint!

  44. Kelly Pollock

    Lezigzag – Everyone who is selected will be allowed to finish. There won’t be eliminations. If you can take the heat, you can stay 🙂

    Petri – The filming is still in the pipeworks, but either way, Yuri Arcurs Productions will be selecting based on technical capabilities, attitude, talent, passion and character. Ratings and producers will not play a part in the selection of the finalists.

  45. Much info to those, who plan visiting Capetown for the first time (accomodation, sightseeing, etc…):
    http://www.capetown.travel

  46. deborah smyth

    I am so going to try get onto this course thank you it is such an amazing opportunity for passionate people… 49 years old, always wanted to be a photographer, but somehow ended up a single mom with 3 children, my two boys 18 and 19 yrs are fanatical about photography and one of them will also be applying, You may end up with an interesting mother son team!! We live in cape town and I am ready… and have been wanting to study sooo badly.

  47. Check out capetownalive.co.za, good look at the local capetown vibes.

  48. Alejandro

    Hi there everyone!

    Just about to send all my documents today. I just have a few questions before sending all; Should the Free Criminal Statement be signed? Or just by sending my full name and ID stating I have a free criminal record is ok? Just asking because right now It’s pretty complicated for me to find a scanner and printer.

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