One of my favorite photographers, Yousuf Karsh, continuously inspires me. He was well known for his portraits of influential people and celebrities. The approach he took to photographing these people truly captured an essence of who they are and / or were. I strive to capture this similar essence. A quote that embodies his outlook on his photography and drive is what motivates me when I photograph portraits of people.
The endless fascination for these people for me lies in what i call their inward power. It is part of the elusive secret that hides in everyone, and it has been my life's work to try and capture it on film. The mask we present to others and, to often, to ourselves may lift for only a second -- to reveal that power in an unconscious gesture, a raised brow, a surprised response, a moment of repose. This is the moment to record.
To my deep satisfaction, through my photographs many people have been introduced to some of the outstanding personalities of our time and, I hope, given a more intimate glimpse of and greater insight into them.
My own quest now has stretched for over a lifetime. The search for greatness of spirit has compelled me to work harder -- to strive for perfection, knowing it may be unattainable. My quest has brought me great joy when something close to my ideal has been attained. It has kept me young in heart, adventurous, forever seeking, and always aware that the heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.
Yousuf Karsh
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