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Product Description
Product Description
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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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
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.
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
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.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Rankin never fails to impress me and hence I might be slightly biased here but this book is once again superb. Rankin has dedicated the book to David Bailey and it really does have the look of Bailey's 'Big Box of Pin Ups'. There is a full spectrum of Rankin's work here from the 1990's through to this year and hence it gives a good view across his portfolio. If you are a lover of portrait photography, this is a must buy ... if you love popular culture this is a must buy!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
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 7 months ago by Oscar Arribas
Fabulous!
A fantastic collection of stunning portraits by Rankin. Quirky and beautifully lit - a real treat to turn each page.
Published 12 months ago by KCJ
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 13 months ago by Wayno Mac
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 22 months ago by Richard Enticknap
Listmania!
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