A coffee-table photography book that will not only be a bible in the library of any photography enthusiast but will also fascinate anyone with an interest in celebrity. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Rankin has photographed some of the world's most famous faces. From the Queen, to supermodels Cindy Crawford and Heidi Klum, from actress Kiera Knightley to music legends U2, Kylie, Madonna, from comic genius Ricky Gervais to acting royalty Angelica Houston and Robert Downey Junior...'Portraits' brings together some of Rankin's most recognisable and iconic images.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By D. Stoddart
Format:Hardcover
I was not overly familiar with Rankin's work before receiving this book as a gift. Those portraits I had seen were impressive and appeared unique.
Rankin opens the book by stating that it is when he and his subject connects that the magic happens. I would not disagree with the idea but where he fails in my opinion is that he does not communicate this connection to the viewer. His subjects are all in the public eye and so are comfortable with the camera and yet he fails to draw out any of their non-public persona. The poses are pedestrian in many cases.
But the greatest flaw in my opinion is the distracting use of the ring light. I understand this is part of his signature style but the continual impact of these six glowing spots lodged in the eye first is a distraction but soon becomes clichéd and gimmicky. So even when the facial expression or pose works the glowing eye can derail the effect.
I also find the attempt to heavily shade the eye in many portraits a further impediment to connecting with the viewer.
If you saw one Rankin portrait you would doubtless be impressed. But to see 300 assembled kills the initial impact of Rankin's style by the continual repetition.
Rankin opens the book by stating that it is when he and his subject connects that the magic happens. I would not disagree with the idea but where he fails in my opinion is that he does not communicate this connection to the viewer. His subjects are all in the public eye and so are comfortable with the camera and yet he fails to draw out any of their non-public persona. The poses are pedestrian in many cases.
But the greatest flaw in my opinion is the distracting use of the ring light. I understand this is part of his signature style but the continual impact of these six glowing spots lodged in the eye first is a distraction but soon becomes clichéd and gimmicky. So even when the facial expression or pose works the glowing eye can derail the effect.
I also find the attempt to heavily shade the eye in many portraits a further impediment to connecting with the viewer.
If you saw one Rankin portrait you would doubtless be impressed. But to see 300 assembled kills the initial impact of Rankin's style by the continual repetition.
12 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By The Dude
Format:Hardcover
The same lighting set up, ten or more assistants, flats on all sides, not much more than passport photos taken in a photo-booth. Rankin is one of the most overtly over publicised and marketed pile of doodah in the history of photography. His only saving grace - he bloody well knows it. Avoid at all cost.
By Graeme
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
As a professional Photographer who loves portraiture, I always keep an eye on Rankin's work.
He has the benefit of fame & contacts, so gets some really interesting people to shoot.
This is a great book of images. The picture of Robert Downey Jr is like an "x-ray" of his life & personality.
I love the book
He has the benefit of fame & contacts, so gets some really interesting people to shoot.
This is a great book of images. The picture of Robert Downey Jr is like an "x-ray" of his life & personality.
I love the book
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Portraits of modern life
You'll meet every celebrity from any popular magazine...
As seen on his personal exhibitions... Read more
As seen on his personal exhibitions... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Lopatkin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bought for Christmas Present
i bought this book as a christmas present for my husband as he was doing a photography course and he loved it.
Published 3 months ago by April29
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing
I think Rankin has relied on the celebrity of his models - and that of himself - to carry the images. It's lazy and just doesn't work. The images are dull and unimaginative. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Nadger
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pure portrait
Ranking means portrait. Means celebrity, mix the soul and the light and u have one of the best portrait photography books i never see in my life. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Oscar Arribas
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous!
A fantastic collection of stunning portraits by Rankin. Quirky and beautifully lit - a real treat to turn each page.
Published 23 months ago by KCJ
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent...simple as that !
Elegant, simple, stunning. Rankin is one of my favourite photographers so I'm slightly biased with my review. Read more
Published on 3 May 2011 by Wayno Mac
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent look at modern portraits and popular culture!
Rankin never fails to impress me and hence I might be slightly biased here but this book is once again superb. Read more
Published on 15 Nov 2010 by A. J. Grogan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning
I'm not usually one to write reviews about what I have bought off Amazon. However, the book was delivered to me yesterday and I can't put it down. Read more
Published on 11 Aug 2010 by Richard Enticknap
Listmania!
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