Rankin's photography tips: ‘For travel shots, use a camera – don’t rely on a phone’
How often do you travel?
The industry has changed quite a lot in the past five years and is a lot more dependent on the strength of the dollar and pound. I’m not flying to exotic locations as much and I shoot a lot more in London. I also bought a lovely house in Suffolk, so I’m keen on being there with my wife and son and our four dogs. I get so much enjoyment from them that often their needs dictate where we go on holiday. That’s why I love travelling within Britain so much.
What attracted you to Suffolk?
We fell in love with this beautiful Georgian house just outside Ipswich. It’s got everything we want – beautiful scenery and walks for the dogs, great restaurants, and it’s easy to get into London for work. It’s my hidden gem and I don’t want it being overrun, because that’s part of the magic of this area.
What do you need for a perfect holiday?
I use my holidays as a way of decompressing, so I don’t tend to do much. Having said that, in the past three years I’ve really got into skiing, even though I’m very bad at it. What I love about it is that it’s a great way to clear your mind; you really have to stop thinking about everything else when you’re on the slopes. I try to go twice a year. My brother-in-law has bought a chalet in Morzine, France, where I like to go. I like the area so much, I’m very tempted to buy one myself. We even take the dogs with us.
Your earliest memory of travelling abroad?
Growing up in Glasgow, we spent lots of family holidays doon the watter on Bute, which is a wee island just off the coast with a traditional seaside resort. I have lots of great memories of our time there as I was allowed a lot of freedom to run about. My grandad was always getting me to push my limits and try things I was scared of, like jumping off the pier and swimming to Children’s Corner. I loved the fish 'n' chips shop there. When I went back 10 years ago, everything was just like I’d imagined it.
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Most unusual place you’ve visited?
Virgin Gorda, the third largest volcanic island in the British Virgin Islands. I was there doing a shoot with Heidi Klum for her latest swimwear collection. It has a beautiful harbour and reefs nearby. It still has a distinct British feel to it and weirdly reminded me of Rothesay on Bute in Scotland.
Favourite place to shoot outdoors?
Los Angeles because of the variety of landscapes, plus the weather is so reliable. Everything there is geared to media production, so getting equipment and the right people is efficient. And as I’m getting older, making my life easier helps.
Your best tips for travel photography?
When it comes to landscapes or street photography, it’s still important to use a proper camera and not just rely on your phone. A phone never quite captures everything the way a camera can, such as with a 50mm or 80mm wide-angle lens. I still prefer shooting with film rather than digitally because it means you can be a bit pickier about what you shoot. Confidence comes with practice, you’ll learn.
Favourite city?
Marrakesh – we’ve been several times and just love it. I don’t think people realise just how close it is – the easyJet flight was just three-and-a-half hours. It’s an unusual juxtaposition between the heat and the Atlas Mountains, and the food is incredible. I’m not good at haggling at the markets because I just feel bad about it. I stayed at Richard Branson’s hotel, the Kasbah Tamadot, which was absolutely amazing; they’ve got the nicest staff of any hotel I’ve ever been to. I was able to unwind completely. I also honed my tennis game with a coach while I was there.
Favourite pub?
I turned 50 last year and rather than have a big blowout bash abroad, I celebrated in the pub around the corner from us in Suffolk. It was nice and chilled. I’m not a big partier, but there is a pub in London that really doesn’t get enough recognition called The Gipsy Queen between Kentish Town and Hampstead. It’s a cool little pub with great food and lovely staff. It’s always busy without being too full.
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Favourite meal?
Tough choice, but it would have to be in Morzine in one of the many fondue restaurants. When you have been on the slopes all day and you’re really cold, you deserve some serious stodge with red wine in a cosy restaurant.
Favourite airline?
I think they’re much the same now, but I’ve been flying on Air New Zealand a lot over the past few years to Los Angeles – its cabin crew are always very amusing and aren’t sycophantic.
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Best travel advice?
Use a lightweight suitcase, like those from Samsonite, because they’re virtually indestructible and have “smart” technology like charging ports.
Your travel essentials?
Credit cards, audio books and podcasts.
Where next?
My wife is very keen to go to India with me as she’s just been. I really enjoyed Kenya when I was there with Oxfam, so I’d like to do more work there. I’d love to spend more time in New Zealand: there’s such a great lifestyle out there and the scenery is so unspoilt.
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Rankin has collaborated with LG Signature to capture its new refrigerator, 4K OLED television and washing machine range in a collection of portraits. See lg.com/uk/lg-signature
Interview by Sarah Ewing
