From modest childhood caravan holidays in the British countryside to snapping celebrities on board a luxury Caribbean liner, world-renowned photographer Rankin has come a long way.
The Glasgow-born creative is best known for his iconic portraits of famous figures, from the late Queen Elizabeth II to Kate Moss, and has spent decades working in various countries with a camera in hand.
Despite hopping on numerous first-class flights to countless five-star resorts throughout his career, Rankin confessed that he had never even boarded a cruise ship – until now.
His first luxury cruising experience happens to be at the heart of his latest exhibition, On Board with Rankin, opening this September at Battersea Power Station.
Invited by P&O Cruises to join a voyage aboard their newest vessel, Arvia, and joined by a host of big names posing as models, the photographer aimed his lens at a world he once knew little about: modern cruising.
The end result is a striking, cinematic collection of 42 portraits featuring stars like Layton Williams, Marco Pierre White and Alex James, alongside guests and crew.
The images essentially depict life at sea as glamorous, spontaneous and unapologetically chic – miles away from traditional cruise clichés.
While the exhibition’s setting might be luxurious, the photographer’s relationship with travel runs deeper than six-star getaways.
Despite hopping on numerous first-class flights to countless five-star resorts throughout his career, photographer Rankin confessed that he had never even boarded a cruise ship – until now
His first luxury cruising experience happens to be at the heart of his latest exhibition, On Board with Rankin, opening this September at Battersea Power Station
The end result is a striking, cinematic collection of 42 portraits featuring stars like Layton Williams, Marco Pierre White (pictured) and Alex James , alongside guests and crew.
Growing up in what he calls working class Glasgow and Yorkshire, his early holidays were limited to caravan stays in local areas, such as Grange-over-Sands.
He further revealed he didn’t leave the UK until a school French exchange at age 16, adding: ‘I grew up until 16 having never, ever, ever gone abroad because of my dad – I think he just really loved holidaying in the UK.’
Despite decades of globetrotting, he still prefers meaningful experiences over luxury.
He said: ‘I’m kind of lucky that I’ve got to travel with my job, and I’ve been to, you know, South America, Russia, India, loads of African countries.
‘But I’m not like “oh, it has to be a five-star”, which I think I probably went for during a period in my mid 30s.’
The photographer admitted common mishaps during his travels are what make the trips worthwhile, such as being stranded at airports or losing his passport in Greece last year.
He said: ‘I kind of love even when [the destination] is kind of rough, I quite like a holiday like that. I think it’s quite interesting for it to be an experience.’
Still, a few places hold a special place in his heart. Barbados, for its kindness and calm, and Los Angeles, for its creative energy – and particularly the Chateau Marmont, his favourite hotel in the world.
Despite decades of globetrotting, Rankin still prefers meaningful experiences over luxury
Rankin’s images essentially depict life at sea as glamorous, spontaneous and unapologetically chic – miles away from traditional cruise clichés.
The hydrotherapy suite on Arvia – an impressive spot to unwind
Marco Pierre White, left, and Alex James tucking into some of the wine on the ship
A cocktail box served at The Amber Lounge, inside Arvia’s Grand Atrium
He noted: ‘It’s such a fun, very rock and roll hotel. You still can take people to a room at two in the morning and have a little party, and [the staff] are not judgy about it.’
Regarding Los Angeles itself, Rankin gushed: ‘You’ve got, like, hills, you know, really amazing Hill walks. You’ve got incredible cinemas.
‘You’ve got probably some of the best food in the world. It’s definitely some of the best Japanese food outside of Japan.’
We discussed his must-pack items he never leaves on a trip without, to which he replied: ‘Books, two back-up chargers, spare socks, and toothpaste – because you just never know what might happen.’
I manage to wrestle a moment as we concluded our chat to speak about his experiences in snapping photographs of prominent Royal Family members, including King Charles, Prince William and the late Queen Elizabeth II.
He spoke candidly of the Queen – noting that she was his favourite royal to photograph – adding: ‘I had so much respect for her as a person. I just thought she was such an extraordinary human being.
‘They’re very, very different, but very, very absolutely charming, all three of them in different ways. The Queen was just quick and sharp and fast. King Charles – so quick, so funny. Really made me laugh. And William, just very kind of boyish.’
So, where is the photographer thinking of heading to next?
Girls with double scoops – the the best way to enjoy Snowflake artisan gelato, says the cruise line
Rankin’s must-pack items he never leaves on a trip without? Books, two back-up chargers, spare socks, and toothpaste – because you just never know what might happen
He mused: ‘I think Singapore would be a real, would be a real kind of like bucket list thing, because I’ve been told it’s like being in a Ridley Scott film or something.’
‘I would absolutely love to go to mainland China as well. If you’ve been to Japan, or you’ve been to somewhere like China, it’s so incredible.
‘It’s such a different culture and I love that – when you go somewhere and the culture is so different from what you’re used to.’
Free to the public, the On Board with Rankin exhibition runs from 17 to 28 September at Battersea Power Station, London.
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