As a young photographer, I was struck by the work of Yousuf Karsh. His direct, crisp, black and white images spoke to the inner spirit of his subjects. As I gained experience in photography I found that my portraits leaned towards his style, with conversation between myself and the subject forming the basis for the photographs, rather than, "Look here, smile." Putting together a portfolio of my black and whites, I sent it to Karsh in Ottawa. I didn't really expect a reply, but was delighted when I received a letter which complimented my work and contained the phrase that inspired me thereafter. He wrote"... and your portraits have captured the essence of the subject with superb lighting, what more do we photographers want."
Some years later, I was awarded a New Zealand Government study scholarship and chose to spend four months at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa. I wrote to Karsh, giving the dates that I would be there and asked if I could visit him at his studio. I received a reply that I would be very welcome and I was to telephone him on my arrival to arrange a meeting.
I went to his suite at the Chateau Laurier Hotel in downtown Ottawa and gazed in awe at the floor-to-ceiling white leather doors with the gold letter "K" on them. When I went in his receptionist went to his office and he rushed out to greet me with genuine enthusiasm. After showing me around his processing rooms we went back to his office, where his vivacious wife, Estralita was waiting. More enthusiastic introductions and an invitation to their home for dinner.
It was during our walk in his garden that I had the temerity to ask his permission to photograph him. His reply was, "of course, of course." We set up under a birch tree,in pensive mood reflecting on his life,back to back with a bronze Giacometti birdbath, one of his favourite pieces.
I shall never forget the intense satisfaction I gleaned from our meeting and the subsequent correspondence over the years. Truly an incredible photographer and a gracious man.
Karsh died in Boston in July of 2002, at the age of 93, after a life of invlauable contribution to the art of portrait photography.