Empire 317. Churchill's Photographer: From Escaping Genocide to MLK
Dec 18, 2025
Discover the incredible journey of Yousuf Karsh, a renowned portrait photographer who escaped the Armenian Genocide as a child. Learn how he captured iconic figures like Churchill, Einstein, and Martin Luther King, crafting unforgettable images that defined a generation. The fascinating backstory of his life reveals resilience against adversity, from fleeing violence in Mardin to his evolution as a master of lighting. The dramatic moment he created the 'Roaring Lion' portrait of Churchill showcases his bold artistry and resourcefulness.
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Childhood Survival In Mardin
- Yousuf Karsh survived the Armenian genocide as a child before becoming a photographer in Canada.
- He describes hunger, the loss of relatives, and traumatic scenes that shaped his early life and resilience.
Journey To Ottawa And New Beginnings
- Karsh was sent to join an uncle's photography studio in Ottawa to escape danger and poverty.
- He arrived without English and learned technical craft and lighting from his uncle Nakash.
Learning To Enchant Subjects
- Mentor John H. Garrow taught Karsh to enchant subjects and treat photography like slow cooking.
- Karsh learned to fascinate sitters so they relaxed and produced natural, revealing portraits.