Karsh Nut's photostream  

My name is Shelton Chen native of Hong Kong moved to Canada when I was 16, In 1993, the very first time I met Karsh in a book signing, I was so impressed by Karsh's style: the classic lighting, the effective composition and the ability to capture the essence of the subject, who ever he or she may have been. I was impressed by the large images, I purchased the book and have Karsh sign it. After that I started attending vintage photography fairs around the world and bidding at photographic auctions acquiring Karsh images and related items.

In the past 20 years, I have accumulated one of the largest and most diverse collections of Karsh originals in private hands, which includes 4900+ original photographs, signed personal letters, Christmas cards, books, exhibition poster, limited edition photographs in edition of 100, and many other, over 4600 item, I have just purchase the collection of Atlas Steel industrial series by Yousuf Karsh all in 16x20 research show that there were 2 set printed please take a look and make comment I will be adding item every week.

I am frequently called upon to conduct presentations and lectures on the photographic work of Yousuf Karsh both at home and abroad. Staying true to my love of all things photographic, and in addition to my still-growing Karsh collection, I also possesses an extensive vintage camera collection, which ranges from the tiniest ultra-rare spy camera to some of the largest studio equipment.

In the summer of 2008, I was invited to display 70 original Karsh Images from my collection at the 9th Annual Shanghai International Photographic Art Exhibition in China. It was a hugh success, with over 30,000 attending over a two-week period. The photographs of Yousuf Karsh from Canada were the highlight of the exhibition, occupying an entire large room at the venue.

In 2009, 70 of the world most famous actor, actress and movie related person from my "All Things Karsh" collection were exhibited at the Toronto International Film Festival for 3 months at Pikto, it was a success.

In coming 2010 Nov, my "All Things Karsh" Collection will travel to China for an exhibition in the capital city Beijing, I will also be signing autograph of my second book "KARSH" a soft cover book in English and Chinese will be out Nov 2010. I still have a few of my first book "All Things Karsh" in Limited edition of 500 each book come with 1 original image printed from Karsh original large format color transparency in 8.5x11 size, each book sell for $400, if you need more information please contact me by email.

I have display part of my collection of Karsh photographs on Flickr, in addition, I have also put a complete set of Karsh autograph style and copyright stamp which was used by Karsh in his 66 years as portrait photographer.

Due to the high number of fake Yousuf karsh photographs I have seen and offer to me, If you are in the market for any work by Yousuf Karsh and not sure about the authenticity, have the work check out before you buy, beware of fake!
Here is a list of things you should know about:

How are Karsh photographs printed and signed?
Karsh printed in the darkroom with assistants. His photographs are signed in black ink on mount (front), usually imprinted with a studio stamp on verso (back), and mounted to 100% rag board. Some earlier prints were signed in white Indian ink on the photo.

Vintage:
Vintage images once consider rare are now come up at auction quite often, generally include 8" x 10" 11" x 14" sizes and press print. Vintage print are usually not mounted. Vintage means that the print date is near the same time as the negative date. For example Winston Churchill 1941 any print done before 1960 is consider vintage any print printed after 1960 and later is consider a later print.

Technical Information:
Karsh used an 8" X 10" large format camera and employ a full range of Ektar lenses from 127mm to 14 inches, Occasionally Karsh use a 4x5 inch view camera or a Rolleiflex. Karsh also have a 35mm Leica and a Kodak Retina Reflex, one for black and white photography and one for color.

In his studio, under established conditions, Karsh preference is still for Tungsten Lighting-floods and spots. Invariably Karsh use electronic lights (studio flash) when working abroad, or on location, and 90 percent of Karsh work is done outside of his studio, My electronic flash equipment consists of four units of 200 watt seconds each, Sometimes Karsh use only one in conjunction with available light. 8x10 size photograph is consider a contact print.

Portfolios:
KARSH, a portfolio of fifteen 20" x 24" photographs in an edition of 100 (Not rare) printed specially for Karsh 1983 exhibition, come up quite often at auction and in art gallery.

I will put new images once I have it in my collection, please take a look and leave comment.

I have a small museum in Toronto Canada for my Karsh collection, is call Hit Museum, address 1923 Avenue Road, Toronto Ontario, Canada. Opening hour are Monday to Saturday 10-6 EST. Close Sunday. Free of charge.

I am in the market for anything by Yousuf Karsh original only, photograph, sign item, just about anything, if you have item and would like to sell, send me an email, please included your phone no, JPEG image of the item, photograph (included size in inches) JPEG image of front and back, condition of the item, email it to shelchen9210@aol.com, or send the item to

Hit Museum 1923 Avenue Road Toronto Ontario M5M4A2 Canada, once I received the item I will call you to discuss, if we can't come to a conclusion, your item will be return to you free of charge.

Also looking to purchase the following item:
Yousuf karsh business card.
Yousuf Karsh signed book
Yousuf Karsh silver print any size
Yousuf Karsh signed bank check.
Polaroid image by Yousuf Karsh.
Wedding photograph by Yousuf Karsh

Photograph of Yousuf Karsh resident "little wing".
"Zulu" 1963 movie still done by Karsh
Sharon Steel silver print by Yousuf Karsh
Altas Steel silver print by Yoususuf Karsh
Ford of Canada by Yousuf Karsh
Photograph of Yousuf Karsh and family



Item on my Flickr page are not for sale

Thank you kindly!

Shelton