Yousuf Karsh

Yousuf Karsh was born on December 23, 1908, in Mardin, a city in what was then the Ottoman Empire (now in Turkey). He was born into an Armenian family and would later become one of the most renowned portrait photographers of the 20th century. Karsh's family, facing persecution, fled to Syria and then Canada, where he began his career as a photographer.

In 1923, Yousuf Karsh, at the age of 14, migrated to Canada to live with his uncle. He arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and eventually made his way to Sherbrooke, Quebec. It was there that he began working with his uncle as an apprentice, which marked the beginning of his journey into photography.

In 1932, Yousuf Karsh opened his own photography studio in Ottawa, Canada's capital. This marked a significant step in his career as he began capturing portraits of the country's political elite and visiting dignitaries. His studio quickly gained a reputation for its distinctive style and the high quality of its portraits.

On December 30, 1941, Yousuf Karsh captured the iconic portrait of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in Ottawa after Churchill delivered a speech in the Canadian Parliament. This photograph became one of the most famous portraits ever taken and launched Karsh into international fame. The image, characterized by Churchill's defiant expression, was published on the cover of Life magazine.

In 1946, Yousuf Karsh published his first major book of photographs titled 'Faces of Destiny'. This book featured a collection of portraits of significant personalities of the era, showcasing Karsh's remarkable ability to capture the essence and character of his subjects. The book further solidified his status as one of the premier portrait photographers globally.

In 1952, Yousuf Karsh photographed Albert Einstein, capturing one of the most famous images of the renowned physicist. This portrait, like many others that Karsh took, brought out the essence and personality of Einstein, adding to Karsh's reputation for his insightful and revealing portraits of eminent figures.

Yousuf Karsh was made an Officer of the Order of Canada on July 1, 1967. This honor recognized his outstanding contribution to photography, particularly in capturing the portraits of some of the most influential figures of his time. The Order of Canada is one of the country's highest civilian honors, celebrating outstanding achievement.

In 1970, Yousuf Karsh published his book 'In Search of Greatness: Reflections of Yousuf Karsh'. This book features a series of portraits accompanied by Karsh's reflections on the sessions, providing insight into his process and the experiences he had with his famous subjects. It further demonstrates his skill in portraying the human spirit.

Yousuf Karsh photographed Mother Teresa in 1980, capturing the compassion and humility that she was known for. This portrait became one of the defining images of Mother Teresa, known for its sensitivity and depth. Karsh's ability to connect with his subjects and reveal their inner persona is exemplified in this photograph.

Yousuf Karsh passed away on July 13, 2002, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, at the age of 93. Over his long and illustrious career, he had become one of the most celebrated portrait photographers, known for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. His work remains part of the permanent collections of major art galleries and museums worldwide.