Yousuf Karsh - Nelson Mandela



























Yousuf Karsh - Nelson Mandela

I chose to write about this photograph of Nelson Mandela, as I feel it’s one of the greatest photographs Yousuf Karsh has captured. I was drawn to the naturalness of the human face which is not over manipulated and adds the impact of the photograph. The genuine expression and natural smile captured from a worldwide classic icon that fought for human rights, I feel was Yousuf Karsh’s initial intention.  The emotion in this photograph is overpowering with joy, optimism, cheerfulness and has a strong sense of happiness and hope – you almost can’t help but smile yourself when viewing this photograph. I feel the black and white colour tones work well with this photograph, the lighting is subtle yet effective capturing and highlighting Nelson’s facial features, being the central focus. The subject has been posed and the photograph set up, Nelson and Yousuf could have even been in mid conversation when the photograph was taken,  however I believe the smile is an entirely natural expression captured superbly by Karsh at the perfect moment to convey to a viewing audience the genuine ‘person’ of Nelson Mandela.. In particular, I like the fact that the subject fits the full frame, I feel it works well and is a good way to draw the viewers in to the photograph empathising power and authority from such an iconic man such as Nelson Mandela.