Book Review: Portrait in Light and Shadow; The Life of Yousuf Karsh by Maria Tippett

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.

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