Book Review: Portrait in Light and Shadow; The Life of Yousuf Karsh by Maria Tippett
by Gary Rogers
Okay, so this is not actually a book review, on account of the book not yet being published. But I’m really excited with the anticipation of getting my hands on a copy the second it is available. I’m hoping I can pass the excitement on to a few more people.
Karsh was (in my humble opinion) a true master of the art of portrait photography. His images of such icons as Churchill (Karsh took away his cigar!) and Einstein (in a sweater!) are sublime. I choose these two examples because the photographs are icons in their own right, making them almost icon squared, if you see what I mean.
I’m always a little envious of those who have the opportunity to photograph such universally recognizable people, but I don’t believe that makes it any easier to take a brilliant portrait. If anything, it probably makes it even harder, with expectations being that much higher.
Anyway, Karsh - right at the top of the heap (with a few other heroes), so do yourself a favour and get hold of this book as soon as you can. And someone, somewhere, put on an exhibition of his work and let me know about it.
January 21st 2008 |








A review of the book:
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/non-fiction/article3329953.ece
Karsh exhibition in London:
http://www.londonisfree.com/2008/02/yousuf_karsh.html
February 18th, 2008 at 11:06 am