Yousuf Karsh: Master of the Photographic Portrait

Yousuf Karsh has become one of the most celebrated photographers of the 20th century and his iconic images of world leaders, celebrities, and artists continue to be celebrated to this day. An Armenian-Canadian photographer, Karsh was born on December 23, 1908, in Mardin, a city in the eastern Ottoman Empire (now Turkey). After surviving the Armenian genocide he and his family immigrated to Canada in 1924.

Karsh's interest in photography began at a young age. Using a camera gifted to him by his uncle, he took his first photograph at the age of 14. He studied photography under John H. Garo in Boston and in 1931 opened his first studio in Ottawa, Canada. Throughout his career, he took portraits of some of the most important and influential people of his time, including; Queen Elizabeth II, Muhammad Ali, and Pablo Picasso.

‘Roaring Lion’ - Yousuf Karsh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

One of Karsh's most famous portraits is his image of Winston Churchill, which was made in 1941. The photograph captures Churchill's strength and determination and is an iconic representation of the British wartime leader. The image was taken after Churchill’s “Some Chicken; Some Neck“ speech to the Canadian House of Commons that year and Karsh took advantage of the opportunity to make a photo. When Churchill arrived, he was smoking a cigar and Karsh asked him to put it down. When Churchill refused, Karsh quickly removed the cigar from Churchill's mouth and squeezed the shutter release on his 8×10 bellows Calumet. The resulting image is a powerful representation of Churchill's personality and has become one of the most famous portraits in history.

Karsh's work was not limited to portraits of world leaders and celebrities. He also captured images of everyday people, and his photographs of the Canadian landscape are some of his most stunning works. Throughout his career, Karsh received numerous awards and accolades, including the Order of Canada, the Royal Photographic Society's Centenary Medal, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Media Photographers.

In addition to his photography, Karsh was also known for his philanthropy. He and his wife, Estrellita, established the Karsh Foundation, which supports a variety of charitable causes, including education, the arts, and medical research.

Yousuf Karsh's legacy continues to inspire photographers and artists around the world. His ability to capture the essence of his subjects, to reveal their innermost qualities and emotions, is a testament to his skill as a photographer. Through his portraits, Karsh created lasting images that continue to resonate with audiences today.