Influences: Yousuf Karsh

About 30 years ago I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Yousuf Karsh, frequently called Karsh of Ottawa, several times in small social settings.  Indeed I was impressed with Karsh's magnificent body of portrait photography and the marvelous photographer who had photographed everyone from Queen Elizabeth to Muhammad Ali to Albert Einstein to Winston Churchill and all the other icons of the day.  However, I was also glad to have the opportunity to get several insights about photography from this master.  Karsh advised me to concentrate on composition and values.  His velvety darks were always set off by the lights that counterpointed the shadowy areas.  Karsh as he was called, told me that the sitter of the portrait would determine the composition.  A profile would dramatically differ from a full faced portrait in placement and design of the photograph.  I am grateful to have had the experience of meeting and learning from one of the true greats of photography.  I am honored that Karsh praised my own work and encouraged me to pursue my photography. I listened.