Rankin strikes a pose in University of Brighton talk

Rankin, who has snapped high-profile figures such as Madonna, David Bowie and Queen Elizabeth II, even posed for a photograph in front of his picture of a dirty sock.

His visit to the university was part of the Photography Visiting Speaker Programme, Talking Pictures, which is open to all BA and MA photography students.

Rankin, full name John Rankin Waddell, generously waived his fee for the session.

In conversation with the university’s Professor Francis Hodgson, the photographer discussed his career, starting from his brief stint studying accounting at Brighton Polytechnic, through to his creation of Dazed and Confused magazine and his many projects thereafter.

Rankin also talked about the progression from analogue photography, the format in which his early work was produced, to the digital era.

Rachel K Gillies, Senior Lecturer in Photography at the university, took the photograph of Rankin with his sock picture.

John Rankin striking a pose

Of Rankin’s talk, Rachel said: “He spoke very candidly of the process and the things he’s learnt along the way (often the hard way). What came across was his passion for working with people, which fuels his motivation.

“He appears to approach each project with renewed energy and curiosity regardless of the brief, format or scope of the work. This is very revealing of the passion at the core of all his work.”

“It’s always great to talk to people openly and honestly, which usually provides insight into them that is completely different to their media persona. This talk was no exception and I am very grateful to Rankin for providing these insights to our students and answering their and our questions.”