As a designer, I have a keen interest in most art forms, with photography being high up on my list of likes. Having been brought up by an amateur photographer, I just love the idea capturing the moment and preserving special times forever, available to view at any time. I’m a keen amateur photographer myself, with a camera always in reach and my own Flickr account to display my shots. Nothing compares though to the sublime mastery that comes from a professional photographer at the top of his game.

I first comes across Rankin’s photography when Sky were promoting their Sky Arts feature on the photographer, where he had a dedicated night on the channel and also sponsored his recent project, Rankin Live. One of the world’s most sought-after and ground-breaking photographers, Rankin has photographed everyone from royalty to refugees. After co-founding style bible Dazed and Confused, he quickly became a formidable force in photography, shooting influential politicians, popular musicians and celebrated models, from Tony Blair to Jay-Z and Kate Moss.

Rankin has photographed some of Hollywood’s most famous people and has shot some world-renowned campaigns, including Nike, Umbro, Reebok, Marks and Spencer’s, Levis, BMW, and Coca Cola. He has also made commercial television adverts with Chris Cottam including for the Dove range of products and Rimmel cosmetics. The duo also made The Lives of the Saints, a gangster film set in London.

Below you will can see a showcase of some of the best Rankin photography, straight from his personal portfolio at rankin.co.uk.

WARNING: Due to the nature of some of Rankin’s shots, some of these images may be classed as NSFW and may cause offence.