I just got a call from RANKIN

[R.S.V.P]

OMFG!!!

Today Rankin's assistant called me in the afternoon to talk about Rankin's previous work with Madonna in 1998 and she just called me back again to tell me that Rankin would like to wish me a very happy birthday and lots of further success (well, my birthday is on September 18th, so it's been a bit overtimed, although he knew about my birthday being September 18th ) and that an inscribed and signed original print of the current "Madonna & Crew loves H&M" campaign as well as an inscribed and signed book is on it's way from London to Germany for my birthday!!! {clap}

I still can't believe this, that is so darn awesome!!! This is probably one of the best birthday gift's ever to receive!!!

I'M SO DARN HAPPY!!! *jumpingupanddown* {liam}

I'll post the pics as soon as Rankin's package arrives here.

Best,
Stephan

P.S. In case anyone of you don't know Rankin, he's a very famous British photographer and has worked for Madonna in 1998 ("Ray of Light" campaign) and in 2006 ("Madonna & Crew love H&M" campaign).

[TheCollector]

{clap} Cool success Congratulations

I met Rankin briefly back in 1989/90 when I was an assitant for another photographer: Phillip Habib (also in Old Street, London) on a shoot for a major UK DIY chain.

At that time he was just setting up his own magazine after being an assistant himself However, he was very generous with his time, so I can understand why he has gone out of his way on this occasion.

Great bit of luck there for you
Ian

[R.S.V.P]

The point why I'm so extremly glad is because he's sending over an original print of the current "Madonna & Crew love H&M" campaign.

Oh, I can't wait to get the package...

I know Phillip Habib's work from various commercial campaigns and really liked his work so far. How did you like working with him? I'm sure he could teach you a lot.

Best,
Stephan

[TheCollector]

I know Phillip Habib's work from various commercial campaigns and really liked his work so far. How did you like working with him? I'm sure he could teach you a lot.

He was a really talented photographer, but a little bit frightening My main memory was that he loved the Gypsy Kings, and we had the same few CD's blaring out every day

As an assistant I was there to soak up as much as I could from him, but that mainly meant loading film and searching out props. Of course this was in addition to making coffee and picking up sandwiches

It was a great time though, and in-between assignments I got to cover a lot of celebrity premiers in the West End, Leicester Square etc.

I was only there for a few months (until I finished my 2 year course at college) then I left and began working on the other side as a journalist before moving onto tv and radio.

It was a really great grounding experience though

Ian

[R.S.V.P]

I started in the field of concert photography by the age of 15 and had a great teacher who's been in the buisness for ages. I soaked as much as I could although it's been just a hobby to me. I was still in school at that time, but wanted to study Photography on University later on.

I changed my mind after I had graduated but nevertheless it was a thrilling experience for 5 years to shoot Tina Turner, Santana, Elton John, Whitney Houston, Joe Cocker, The Rolling Stones and many other music stars.

Photography is still my passion today and I could never give away my Canon EOS 1-Ds Mark II, not for a million pounds.

Btw, I totally understand that the everyday sound of the Gypsy Kings frightened you to death.

Best,
Stephan

[TheCollector]

Photography is still my passion today and I could never give away my Canon EOS 1-Ds Mark II, not for a million pounds.

That is a pricey bit of kit (around £5,000 in the UK)

When I worked with Philip it was "pre-digital" and we either used large format 5"x4" or 10"x8" E6's. Of course we used Polaroids and medium format trannies as well on an RB67 Pro-S back.

Although I no longer do it as a profession I still like to take the odd picture, and I currently use an Olympus 006013 E-330 7.5. I haven't used film for about 8 years, but I really yearn to go back to it. However easy it is to manipulate and print from digital, I really miss the old dunking paper in the developer / stop bath / fixer

I have almost convinced myself I need to reinstate my darkroom

Not this weekend though as I am hosting my brother's Stag Party {clap}

Him and many (how many I am not quite sure!!) are coming up to my farm for a weekend of fun We are going to be clay pidgeon shooting, and greyhound racing, and getting really really happy

I am going to try to pop onto the board tomorrow, but the weekend is totally out - just wish me luck!!!!

Ian

[Taxi_06]

Congrats! that is a very awsome birthday present

[R.S.V.P]

Photography is still my passion today and I could never give away my Canon EOS 1-Ds Mark II, not for a million pounds.

That is a pricey bit of kit (around £5,000 in the UK)

When I worked with Philip it was "pre-digital" and we either used large format 5"x4" or 10"x8" E6's. Of course we used Polaroids and medium format trannies as well on an RB67 Pro-S back.

Although I no longer do it as a profession I still like to take the odd picture, and I currently use an Olympus 006013 E-330 7.5. I haven't used film for about 8 years, but I really yearn to go back to it. However easy it is to manipulate and print from digital, I really miss the old dunking paper in the developer / stop bath / fixer

I have almost convinced myself I need to reinstate my darkroom

Not this weekend though as I am hosting my brother's Stag Party {clap}

Him and many (how many I am not quite sure!!) are coming up to my farm for a weekend of fun We are going to be clay pidgeon shooting, and greyhound racing, and getting really really happy

I am going to try to pop onto the board tomorrow, but the weekend is totally out - just wish me luck!!!!

Ian

Well, I don't know how much £5,000 is in Euros but I got it for 7.999 Euros minus 3% discount for the body when it came out in late 2004.

However if I had to chose between digital photography and 35mm format I'd still chose the 35mm format although it's simply very handy to work with digital format.

That's why I never sold my old Canon EOS 1 (analog) as well as my Canon AE 1 (analog - my very first camera).

I used to have my own darkroom (OMG, that reminds me of QAF ), but sold the equipement when I moved to a smaller apartment.

I see, we have very much in common. It's great to meet people with the same interest in photography and art!

Btw, have you ever worked with 6x6 format cameras? I once borrowed one of my dad's and the results were stunning!

Best,
Stephan

[TheMailman]

I have seen various new Madonna H&M boards hanging in their windows in many malls Nice success

[R.S.V.P]

I have seen various new Madonna H&M boards hanging in their windows in many malls Nice success

The world's largest Madonna poster was installed August 18th on the Radisson SAS Hotel in Hamburg city centre.

The poster measures 20.75m x 60m = 1245m² and is part of the massive H&M Madonna and Crew advertising campaign shot by Rankin.

Below are four pictures showing the poster, including one which shows Madonna towering over the Hamburg city skyline!

Best,
Stephan