Yousef Karsh is an old-school photographer from the 1920’s that had a huge impact on photography. Back then obviously he shoots in black and white. It sort of gives that certain past look feel when you look at his work. Most of his portraits were dark and low key which invokes a certain motion or mood. Contrast was strong in most of his work as it shows the subject projecting their moods. One of the pics I found interesting was the picture of Winston Churchill. Whats interesting about it is that the photo was taken of the subject being caught off guard. Karsh just took the cigar out of Churchill’s hand during the shoot and it just left Churchill with the most fascinating expression on his face. Right away Karsh had to capture that expression on camera. Playing with a subjects mood is key to photography.
Nadav Kander work is remarkable. Most of his portrait provide drama which pulls you in and makes you wonder what is these scene all about. The vivid colors and tones give an inviting feel which pulls you in when looking at his work. The gesture and compositioning work well together in every photograph makes you want to know more behind the story of these actors and actresses. It makes you feel like engaging with them on the same level. The portrait of Lily Allen is the one photo that took my interests. It was a side profile position of her but her head was turned slightly towards the camera giving that innocent feel to the pic. I also admired the blue toning which gives that cool effect instead if it being warm. If I were to emulate this kind of art for my own portraits I will definitely use Kander as a reference.