Figure. “My chief joy is to photograph the great in heart, in mind, and in spirit, whether they be famous or humble.” — Yousuf Karsh.
In 1942, Dr. Angus Campbell Derby, a brand new physician and aspiring surgeon, joined the Canadian Armed Forces. Joining during World War II meant he would almost certainly go off to Europe, perhaps never to return. His family insisted that he have his photograph taken by a professional photographer, and it was — by Yousuf Karsh. With a studio located near the Canadian Parliament Buildings, Karsh (1908–2002) was just beginning to make his mark by photographing visiting dignitaries. Only months prior to photographing Derby, Karsh had photographed Winston Churchill, then Prime Minister of Great Britain. The Churchill image brought Karsh international attention and is claimed to be the most reproduced photographic portrait in history. Karsh is now recognized as one of the most talented portrait photographers of all time. How indicative of greatness, that Karsh brought the same care and talent to capturing the character of a young soldier, as he did to photographing Churchill. — Cathy Younger-Lewis, CMAJ. Photo by: Yousuf Karsh