John Rankin Waddell - Rankin

By far one of my favorite photographers. It's not only his amazing images that inspire me but his clear passion for the Art.

I know pretty much all of the great photographers have their own personal story for how they came to love photography but Rankin's story is a little more personal to me.
He was edged into an accountancy degree by his family. Living in the student halls with his peers who were studying Art. He soon realised he had inner creativity that he wanted to unleash.

Like Rankin, I myself had been on another route in life. One that wasn't my absolute passion. Luckily I also had time to change this direction and find my love for photography.

rankin.co.uk

The most interesting of Rankin's Photographs for me, is the tight cropped head shots. He's passionate about getting as much from the sitter as possible and while shooting, he talks to them to change their expression. One of his favorite things to say to them is to imagine him naked.

www.polyvore.com

When taking the Queen's portrait he says he acted like Austin Powers to provoke a natural smile from her. For me personally, it's the first time I've ever seen a Photograph of her smiling.

Rankin is a photographer I'll probably follow for the rest of my career / life. I'm always excited whenever I hear he's released a new project.