The internationally-renowned, so-called 'bad boy of celebrity photography,' Rankin is to talk to an audience in Leamington Spa on Tuesday 29 April at 7 pm at the Royal Spa Centre studio cinema.

Rankin, who has photographed ordinary members of the public for an exhibition in London's Brick Lane and the late Queen Elizabeth, will be speaking as the guest of Leamington Spa Photographic Society (LSPS).

The talk will include information about his work, capturing some of the most iconic images of famous and not-so-famous personalities.

With the assistance of Warwick District Council's 'Spark Presents' programme, the sold-out event will take place at the Royal Spa Centre studio cinema at 7pm.

LSPS chairman Peter Chappell said: "We have had some notable speakers in recent years, but none so well-known outside photographic circles as Rankin.

"I believe it is a reflection of the high reputation of LSPS that we have been able to attract such an iconic speaker.

"And I would like to thank the District Council for their support in offering to host the event at the Spa Centre."

The talk is part of celebrations to mark the 170th anniversary of photographic pioneer Henry Peach Robinson, one of the country's first portrait photographers, opening his photographic studio in Leamington in 1855.

Rankin is a world-renowned photographer who has taken iconic off-the-wall portraits of celebrities including Bjork, David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, Lewis Hamilton, Madonna, Vivienne Westwood and top models including Kate Moss.

He has also produced campaigns for top brands such as Rolls-Royce, presented TV programmes including The Great British Photography Challenge, the documentaries America in Pictures, Africa in Pictures and Seven Photographs that Changed Fashion for the BBC, and was the photography tutor on Channel 4's Jamie's Dream School with Jamie Oliver.

Rankin's work has appeared in magazines and in galleries ranging from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, but he also dedicates his time to supporting a variety of charities including Oxfam, PETA and McMillan Cancer Support among others.

Further information about Leamington Spa Photographic Society can be found here.