[Leica] Passing of a great portrait photographer

[Ken Lassiter <kenlass@gate.net>]

I am also saddened to learn of Yousuf Karsh's passing.  In my career, I
have been fortunate to work directly with many great photographers and I
recall arranging a lecture tour for Karsh and traveling with he and his
wife Estrillita several times.  He was always such a gracious man and so
generous.  He was especially patient when talking with students.  It was
a joy to know him and I feel blessed knowing he knew my name and always
welcomed me.

I must tell one story.  Once, I was hosting a table at an ICP awards
dinner and I had Mr. and Mrs. Karsh as my guests.  I had a new Kodak
point and shoot camera with me and Karsh asked to see it.  He then asked
if he could photograph me and my wife.  Wow!  A chance to have your
picture made by one of the greatest photographers ever.    Well I must
confess it was an awful picture.   John Durniak was also at my table and
he made a wonderful photograph of Carol and me with the same camera.  I
often joked with John that he should have been a photographer and not a
picture editor since he was obviously better than Karsh!

Karsh will be missed by more people than he could possibly know.
Fortunately we have a full life of wonderful work to remember him by.

Good-bye Yousuf.  Now you can make a portrait of God.

Ken Lassiter, Boynton Beach, FL

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