Rankin

Through networking at Success Photography, I discovered that Andrew Harrold is now the General Manager at Rankin. I met and worked with Andy during the last 4 years I have worked for Success during the summer at various events throughout the UK.

I recognised the opportunity to find out more about the Rankin business and get some information about how things operate from Andy. I was also hoping that there might be a chance to gain some work experience if possible.

Andy was extremely helpful and he told me about the Internships that Rankin operates. They are only two weeks long as so many students and graduates apply to gain work experience with Rankin. With Andy's help I have been able to gain one of these places and have managed to secure a 2 week internship in November.

Here is the email I received from Andy explaining what I can expect from the internship...

"Once you confirm I’ll get Andrew, Rankin’s 1st assistant, to send you over the details of what you can expect to do and timing etc. To give you a heads up it’s not all glamorous for the interns they do a lot of running around getting stuff for shoots or coffees etc. You might also do some admin tasks related to the studio. On the other hand you should get to see Rankin shooting and hopefully get involved in the shoots. Often it comes down to how enthusiastic the intern is to how much they get out of the experience – if the person is positive then the assistants and Rankin will tend to be much more interactive and ask you to get involved more with the shoots (you’ll be fine by the way). If he has time Rankin will go through your portfolio with you at the end of the two weeks and give you some advice. Speak to you soon, Andy -- Andy Harrold General Manager Rankin Photography 112-116 Old Street London EC1V 9BG"

I am now waiting to hear from Andrew, Rankin's 1st assistant (he has a hierarchy of 6!) about what i am expected to do regarding times and location etc.
I am so excited about this opportunity and realise that it's a really great chance to see and experience one of the UK's leading photographer's in action and to be a part of the organisation that Rankin has established.

I'm also hoping that as well as the studio experience I'm able to gain some exposure to Rankin's Digital Post Production team as it is all in house now as is the printing.

Most people will be familiar with his work, perhaps without even realizing it. Many of the images have been used in advertising, fashion and beauty magazines, bill boards and TV - he's very prolific!! He also co-founded Dazed and Confused and still owns the publication business which publishes Dazed and Confused, Another Mag and Rank.

Rankin has also moved in film and works with Chris Cottam. They have produced TV commercials as well as Nelly Futardo's recent music video for "Say it Right" featuring Timbaland. Rankin has also released his first feature film 'The Lives of the Saints'.

Link to Rankin's site http://rankin.co.uk