Yousuf Karsh

Date of Birth: December 23, 1908

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: July 13, 2002

Biography

Yousuf Karsh, one of the most renowned portrait photographers of the 20th century, was born on December 23, 1908, in Mardin, Ottoman Empire (now Turkey). He immigrated to Canada in 1924 to escape the Armenian genocide. Karsh’s career began in Boston, where he apprenticed with photographer John Garo. By 1931, he had established his own studio in Ottawa, Canada. Karsh is celebrated for his iconic portraits of eminent figures, capturing the essence of personalities such as Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Ernest Hemingway, and Queen Elizabeth II. His photograph of Churchill in 1941, taken during World War II, is particularly famous and is credited with cementing his reputation as a master portraitist. Over his career, Karsh took over 15,000 portraits, many of which were published in magazines like Life and made history. He published several books, including “Karsh: A Fifty-Year Retrospective” and “Karsh: Beyond the Camera”. His works are part of numerous prestigious collections worldwide. Karsh passed away on July 13, 2002, in Boston, Massachusetts, but his legacy continues to influence the world of photography.

5 Interesting Facts about Yousuf Karsh

1. Karsh’s portrait of Winston Churchill is one of the most reproduced images in the history of photography.

2. He photographed 12 Canadian Prime Ministers and more than half of the presidents of the United States during his lifetime.

3. Karsh was awarded the Order of Canada in 1967 for his contributions to photography.

4. His works are housed in the National Gallery of Canada and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

5. Karsh’s wife, Estrellita Karsh, worked closely with him and managed his estate after his death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Yousuf Karsh

1. “The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.”

2. “Within every man and woman, a secret is hidden, and as a photographer, it is my task to reveal it if I can.”

3. “There is a brief moment when all there is in a man’s mind and spirit is reflected through his eyes, his hands, his attitude. This is the moment to record.”

4. “Character, like a photograph, develops in darkness.”

5. “Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.”