Yousuf Karsh, also called Karsh of Ottawa, (born December 23, 1908, Mardin, Ottoman Empire—died July 13, 2002, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.), Armenian Canadian photographer known for his portraits of important and famous men and women of politics, Hollywood, and the arts, from Albert Einstein and Sir Winston Churchill …

Is Yousuf Karsh dead?

Deceased (1908–2002)
Yousuf Karsh/Living or Deceased

Who did Yousuf Karsh take pictures of?

By the late 1950s, Karsh had become just as famous as his sitters. During the decade he photographed celebrities including Audrey Hepburn, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, Alberto Giacometti, and Georgia O’Keefe.

Why did Yousuf Karsh photograph famous people?

Karsh explained his intentions with great eloquence when he said that, “My desire was to photograph the great in spirit, whether they be famous or humble.” To exhibit many of his most famous images to the public is a true honor for The Speed Art Museum. ‘

What was Yousuf Karsh style?

Karsh’s photos were known for their use of dramatic lighting, which became the hallmark of his portrait style. He had studied it with both Garo in Boston and at the Ottawa Little Theatre, of which he was a member.

How did Yousuf Karsh become a photographer?

Karsh initially planned to become a doctor in his new homeland, but after working for his uncle discovered he had an interest in photography. He gave one of his photographs as a gift to a friend who secretly entered it into a contest. It won first prize.

Did Yousuf Karsh have kids?

Yousuf Karsh, who was born in Turkey and fled the Armenian massacres for Canada, died in Boston in 2002 at the age of 93. The couple had no children, and it’s clear Estrellita is still utterly smitten with him.

What techniques did Yousuf Karsh use?

Yousuf Karsh was one of the most significant portrait photographers of the twentieth century. His portraits are easily recognisable for their bold use of studio lighting and closely cropped composition.

What type of camera did Yousuf Karsh use?

8×10 bellows Calumet
The 8×10 bellows Calumet, made in 1956 in Chicago, was Karsh’s main camera. He used it for more than three decades, first in his Sparks Street studio, and then in the Chateau Laurier studio.

What awards did Yousuf Karsh win?

Golden Plate Awards
Yousuf Karsh/Awards

What film did Karsh use?

One of Karsh’s distinctive practices was lighting the subject’s hands separately. He photographed many of the great and celebrated personalities of his generation. Throughout most of his career he used the 8×10 bellows Calumet (1997.0319) camera, made circa 1940 in Chicago.

What inspired Yousuf Karsh to become a photographer?

Karsh initially planned to become a doctor in his new homeland, but after working for his uncle discovered he had an interest in photography. He gave one of his photographs as a gift to a friend who secretly entered it into a contest.

What is Yousuf Karsh best known for?

Yousuf Karsh, CC (Armenian name: Hovsep Karsh; December 23, 1908 – July 13, 2002) was an Armenian-Canadian photographer known for his portraits of notable individuals. He has been described as one of the greatest portrait photographers of the 20th century.

When did Karsh Karsh come to Canada?

Karsh in 1938. Karsh was sent to Canada by his family. He arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia on December 31, 1923 by ship from Beirut. He immediately moved to Sherbrooke, Quebec to live with his maternal uncle George Nakashian (Nakash), a portrait photographer.

What makes Karsh Karsh’s portraits stand out?

Karsh’s portraits are easily recognizable for their bold and theatrical use of lighting, closely cropped composition, and his uncanny ability to reveal the inner-self of his subjects.

What is the origin of Hovsep Karsh?

His Armenian name Hovsep is a variant of Joseph, while Yousuf is the Arabic version of the same name. He grew up during the Armenian Genocide, during which some of his family were murdered. Karsh and his family escaped to a refugee camp in Aleppo, Syria in 1922 in a month-long journey with a Kurdish caravan.