This portrait of legendary photographer Yousuf Karsh presents an illustrated commentary on photography. The film illuminates the multiple meanings attached to portrait photographs by ordinary people, critics, curators, and philosophers. Through the prism of these meanings, we see the singular career of Yousuf Karsh, the mythmaker.

Karsh rose from immigrant commercial photographer to world renown. To be “Karshed” was a synonym for having attained the summit of worldly achievement. During his 60-year career, the 15,312 sittings he had resulted in a portrait gallery of the most famous figures of the 20th century.

Also available in French: Karsh, un regard sur l'histoire