Articles

All Articles

Painting Pretty Pictures

All Reviews Features News Interviews

Showing 1–4 of 4 articles

Spray-painting Kate Moss and Jude Law up a lamp post: Rankin in retrospect – in pictures

This retrospective gallery showcases iconic photographs by Rankin from the 1990s, highlighting his innovative approach that challenged conventional fashion imagery. Featured works include conceptual shoots for Dazed & Confused magazine, such as life-size cutouts set ablaze to comment on fashion culture, and candid portraits of celebrities like Kate Moss and Jude Law. Rankin's early work emphasized creative lighting and in-camera effects before digital retouching became common. His photography also pushed boundaries by including older and plus-size models, and exploring themes of identity and fandom. Read Article

An Interview with Rankin

In this 2025 interview, legendary portrait photographer and magazine founder Rankin discusses his exploration of artificial intelligence in image making. Despite initial skepticism, Rankin embraced AI to create his project FAIK—a physical magazine and exhibition centered on AI's impact on photography. He describes a complex emotional journey, grappling with excitement and fear about AI's potential to redefine creativity. Rankin highlights the democratization of image-making enabled by technology and believes authentic photography will become more valuable, even as AI-generated imagery evolves. He remains committed to photography, adapting to new tools while reflecting critically on their implications. Read Article

Behind the lens of Rankin: An interview with the iconic photographer

This exclusive interview delves into the world of photography through the perspective of Rankin, one of the most respected and celebrated photographers in the industry. He shares insights into his approach and experiences while capturing iconic images of cultural figures. The discussion highlights his artistic vision and the impact of his work on contemporary photography. Read Article

Rankin on His New Book of Beauty Photography

Rankin discusses his new book, Marco Antonio X Rankin, which highlights his creative collaboration with make-up artist Marco Antonio. The book features a mix of vibrant colors and Rankin’s signature humor, showcasing the evolving ways beauty is used as a powerful form of self-expression. Their work challenges traditional beauty norms by emphasizing natural features and exploring makeup as an artistic frame rather than mere enhancement. One notable image from the book was part of a British Heart Foundation campaign raising awareness about heart disease through social media. Read Article