Yousuf Karsh - The Power of the Portrait

Yousuf Karsh

Was a Canadian photographer of Armenian heritage and one of the most famous and accomplished portrait photographers of all time.

Probably one of my favorite portrait photographer and his work continues to inspire my own. It is hard to explain it in words but his subjects in a way speak out to you.

Within every man and woman a secret is hidden, and as a photographer it is my task to reveal it if I can. The revelation, if it comes at all, will come in a small fraction of a second with an unconscious gesture, a gleam of the eye, a brief lifting of the mask that all humans wear to conceal their innermost selves from the world. In that fleeting interval of opportunity the photographer must act or lose his prize." - Y. Karsh


One of his more famous photographs was of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, as the story goes Churchill wasn't in the mood for a photo session and was chomping on his cigar. Karsh went on and tried to pose him, but the cigar bothered him for that solemn occasion. finally Karsh said "Forgive me sir" and plucked out the cigar from his mouth. At that time the churchillian frown deepened, leaned forward a bit put his hand on his waist in an attitude of anger and Karsh took the photograph.

In essence this is all we can aspire to be as portrait photographers, to be able to connect with our subject and have them reveal their spirit to you.

Tip: How do you go about it though? There is really no technique to this, you have to improve on your people skills if you want to be a portrait photographer, after all you are dealing with people. The secret is you have to be genuinely interested in the person. A person can detect if you are faking your relationship with them, but if you talk to them first get them to relax, let them be comfortable with you. That is then your cue to take your shot.

"My chief joy is to photograph the great in heart, in mind, and in spirit, whether they be famous or humble." - Y. Karsh

Here are some of his shots