John Rankin Waddell aka Rankin : In tune with the zeitgeist
Rankin is an icon of contemporary photography whose work has transcended borders and generations. Known for his bold style and innovative approach, he has photographed some of the most iconic personalities of our time, from music and film stars to opinion leaders and world-renowned models.
Since his beginnings with the magazine Dazed & Confused, co-founded with Jefferson Hack, Rankin has consistently captured the essence of his subjects with a candidness and sensitivity that are uniquely his own. His work, ranging from fashion photography to more personal and intimate projects, reveals a unique ability to tell powerful stories through the lens of his camera.
Throughout this interview, we will explore the many facets of Rankin’s personality, his inspirations, techniques, and his vision of photographic art, delving into a fascinating universe where each image is an invitation to see the world from a new perspective.
Website : www.rankinphoto.co.uk
Your first photographic trigger?
Rankin: I would say it was probably at the age of 16 or 17 when I saw a cover of ELLE UK that I found incredibly modern in every way. Then there was this photo by Gered Mankowitz that made the cover of the rock band The Jam’s album. An extraordinary image.
The man or woman of image who inspires you?
Rankin: I only became a photographer at the age of 20. Before that, after watching the movie Top Gun with one of my friends, he wanted to become a pilot, and he did, and I wanted to become a director and ended up becoming a photographer. It’s Tony Scott’s film, of which I am a big fan, that made me realize I wanted to be creative.
The image you would have liked to make?
Rankin: The photo of Mick Jagger by David Montgomery.
The one that moved you the most?
Rankin: Any image by Don McCullin.
And the one that made you angry?
Rankin: Any image by Tyler Shields annoys me.
In your opinion, what is the image that changed the world?
Rankin: I don’t have a specific one in mind, but the work of photographers like Don McCullin certainly had a real impact on the world.
And the one that changed your world?
Rankin: A self-portrait I took at the age of 21.
What interests you the most in an image?
Rankin: There are two things that interest me in an image: how it makes me feel and what thoughts it provokes in me.
What is the last photo you took?
Rankin: It was a test image related to an idea for an ongoing project.
A key image in your personal pantheon?
Rankin: A photo of my parents.
A photographic memory from your childhood?
Rankin: If I became a photographer, it’s partly because I didn’t really have photographic memories from my childhood. Photography is like the memory of our lives. So, upon reflection, I recall this photo of me sitting on the roof of my father’s car as we were going on vacation.
According to you, what is the necessary quality to be a good photographer?
Rankin: Loving your subjects.
The secret of the perfect image, if it exists?
Rankin: The one that makes you feel emotions.
The person you would like to photograph?
Rankin: I don’t have such a desire.
An indispensable photo book?
Rankin: “On Photography” by Susan Sontag.
The camera of your childhood?
Rankin: A Yashica.
The one you use today?
Rankin: I use different cameras from different brands.
How do you choose your projects?
Rankin: Based on my intuition, and if my intuition tells me to go for it, my brain follows!
How would you describe your creative process?
Rankin: Generally chaotic, but it’s often from chaos that the most beautiful things are born. Everyone who knows me knows that it’s in the most chaotic situations that I am the calmest.
An upcoming project that is particularly close to your heart?
Rankin: To be honest with you, I think I haven’t quite matured the project that potentially means the most to me… I am still in the research phase. So, it’s a sort of work in progress!
Your favorite drug?
Rankin: Taking photos.
What is your relationship with the image?
Rankin: Love/Hate.
By whom would you like to be photographed?
Rankin: Richard Avedon.
Your latest folly?
Rankin: I’d rather not talk about it!
The job you would not have liked to do?
Rankin: There isn’t any.
What question could I ask you that would drive you mad?
Rankin: The question that annoys me the most and that people often ask is: “Which public figure do you dream of photographing?”
Oops… I asked you that…
Rankin: (Laughs). That’s true, but the rest of your questions are so interesting that I didn’t hold it against you!
Your greatest professional extravagance?
Rankin: Traveling in business class.
What is the last thing you did for the first time?
Rankin: I love this question. I think it’s excellent, but the truth is, I don’t remember! So, off the top of my head, I’d say I probably used an app that I had never used before.
The city, country, or culture you dream of discovering?
Rankin: China, which I find fascinating.
The place you never get tired of?
Rankin: Amalfi.
Your biggest regret?
Rankin: A shoot I did a long time ago for the New York Times that I wasn’t satisfied with at all afterward.
In terms of social networks, are you more into Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Snapchat and why?
Rankin: I’m not very into social networks, but I use Instagram, which seems the most suitable for my work.
Color or B&W?
Rankin: Both.
Daylight or artificial light?
Rankin: This will surprise many, but I would say daylight.
Which city do you think is the most photogenic?
Rankin: I’m torn between Paris and Rome…
If God existed, would you ask him to pose for you, or would you opt for a selfie with him?
Rankin: I would ask him to pose for me.
If I could organize your ideal dinner party, who would be at the table?
Rankin: A tête-à-tête dinner with Charlie Chaplin would drive me crazy with joy. He’s an amazing character who fascinates me a lot.
The image that represents for you the current state of the world?
Rankin: Phillip Toledano released a book “Another America” with only AI-created images. It perfectly represents the current state of our world in my opinion.
What is missing in today’s world?
Rankin: Empathy, patience, and understanding.
If you had to start all over again?
Rankin: I wouldn’t be a photographer, that’s for sure, because there are too many today, so I would be a director.
What would you like people to say about you after…?
Rankin: Probably that I did my best! At least I tried. But honestly, I don’t care much about what others think of me.
A last word?
Rankin: Photography is the love of my life.
