Ben Miles — Portrait Sitting with Rory Lewis
Featured Sitting
Field Marshal Lord Richards — Portrait Sitting for Heroes in Focus
Field Marshal David Julian Richards, Baron Richards of Herstmonceux, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL—appointed Honorary Field Marshal by His Majesty The King in June 2025—sat for my non-profit archive, Heroes in Focus, on Monday, 6 October 2025. This portrait marks a significant addition to our mission to document the living history of Britain’s senior military leadership.
Read MoreField Marshal The Lord Houghton of Richmond Portrait Sitting
My first portrait of Lord Houghton was taken in 2014 when he was Chief of the Defence Staff. Over a decade later, photographing him again as Field Marshal felt like closing a chapter — capturing the passage of time, service, and quiet dignity that defines a lifetime of leadership.
Read MoreTwo Out of Three Isn’t Bad — Photographing The Stars of the League of Gentlemen
Rory Lewis reflects on his long-held ambition to photograph The League of Gentlemen—icons of British comedy. Having already captured Steve Pemberton in 2024 and recently photographed Reece Shearsmith in London, he now hopes to complete the trio with Mark Gatiss. The post celebrates Lewis’s admiration for their dark, intelligent humour and explores his belief that comedy and portraiture share a deep connection through their study of human expression and character.
Read MorePhotographing Tony Blair: A Study of Power, Legacy, and Reinvention
In this newly captured, unreleased portrait of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, I set out to create not a likeness of power, but a meditation on it. Blair, who led Britain from 1997 to 2007, remains a defining and divisive figure—a man whose influence continues to ripple across politics and history.
Read MoreMichael James Shaw – Character & Screen Test Portrait Session
Actor Michael James Shaw – Character & Screen Test Portrait Session (Los Angeles Photographer Rory Lewis)
It was a pleasure to welcome actor Michael James Shaw (The Walking Dead, Avengers: Infinity War, Endgame) back to my studio for our second sitting together. Michael is one of those rare performers who can shift seamlessly between roles, and this session was the perfect opportunity to explore that range.
For this shoot, we created what I call a Character & Screen Test Portrait Session — a hybrid between a cinematic screen test and fine art portraiture. The concept is simple but powerful: dress the actor in full wardrobe, add props and atmosphere, and capture them as though we’re freezing a moment from a yet-to-be-made film.
Unlike traditional headshots, these portraits are rich with story. They don’t just show what you look like — they show who you can be.
Actor Michael James Shaw – Character & Screen Test Portrait Session (Los Angeles Photographer Rory Lewis)
The Session
Michael’s range was on full display as he inhabited multiple characters:
A decorated military officer from an alternate-history epic, complete with ceremonial sword and map.
A 1930s noir anti-hero in a pinstripe suit and fedora, exuding shadowy intrigue.
A modern action lead in a sharp navy suit, radiating quiet authority.
Actor Michael James Shaw – Character & Screen Test Portrait Session (Los Angeles Photographer Rory Lewis)
Actor Michael James Shaw – Character & Screen Test Portrait Session (Los Angeles Photographer Rory Lewis)
Each set-up was lit and staged to evoke the feeling of a screen test — but the final photographs stand as fully polished works of art.
Why This Product Exists
Over the years, I’ve had many actors request something beyond the headshot. They wanted portraits that tell a story, show their acting range, and look like they were pulled from the set of a major production. The Character & Screen Test Portrait Session is my answer to that request.
It’s perfect for:
Actors building a versatile portfolio.
Producers & creatives developing concept visuals.
Collectors & fans seeking iconic, cinematic images.
Book Your Session
If you’re interested in commissioning your own Character & Screen Test Portrait Session get in touch for a personalised quote and creative outline — and let’s create portraits that look like they belong on the big screen.
Portraits in Power: Usha Vance for The Free Press
Commissioned by The Free Press, I recently had the opportunity to photograph Usha Vance, Second Lady of the United States, at her Washington, D.C. residence. Captured in natural light across the Naval Observatory, the portraits reveal a quiet strength and thoughtful elegance—echoing her growing presence on the national stage. From veranda to fireplace, this session offered a rare glimpse into the life of one of America’s most compelling political figures.
Read MoreA Holbein-Inspired Portrait of William Shatner: A Timeless Study in Character
William Shatner is a name synonymous with adventure, charisma, and an undeniable presence—both on screen and in real life. Best known for his legendary portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk aboard the USS Enterprise, Shatner has long been an icon of science fiction and popular culture. Yet, beyond his cinematic legacy, he is also a man of deep passions, with a profound love for horses that has been a defining part of his personal life.
Read MoreCapturing Jordan Patrick Smith: A Portrait Session at the Los Angeles Studio
This recent portrait of Jordan Patrick Smith is part of my ongoing project, ChronoVisions: An Epochal Fusion, a series that brings the mysterious allure of the Chronovisor into the realm of modern photography. Inspired by an array of artistic icons, including Frank Herbert, Caravaggio, David Lynch, Gustave Dore, and Ribera, this project is an ambitious exploration of historical eras through the lens of contemporary portraiture.
Read MoreCollaborating with Penny Slinger: A Portrait Session in the Los Angeles Studio
This session with Penny Slinger is just one example of the magic that can unfold when art and portraiture meet, producing images that resonate beyond the moment and celebrate the legacy of true creativity.
Read MoreBehind the Lens with Actor Paul Kaye: A Journey Through Time in ChronoVisions
In my latest project ChronoVisions: An Epochal Fusion, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph Paul Kaye, known for his iconic characters such as Dennis Pennis and Thoros of Myr. The series draws inspiration from the mythical Chronovisor and blends historical eras with modern portraiture. Paul's versatility shone throughout the session, embodying both playful and introspective personas across three portraits.
Read MoreCapturing Leadership: My Latest Portrait of General Sir Patrick Sanders
I’m thrilled to share my latest portrait commission from the British Army, featuring General Sir Patrick Sanders, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen, who has served as Chief of the General Staff since June 2022. This marks my third portrait for the esteemed gallery of British Army leaders, joining my previous works of General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and General Sir Nicholas Carter.
Read MorePortraits of Steven Ogg: The Iconic Star of 'The Walking Dead' & 'GTA V
Last week, I had the privilege of photographing actor Steven Ogg at my Los Angeles studio for my ongoing Selah Project. It's not unusual for photographers to be inspired by other forms of art, and as many of you may have noticed, my portraiture is heavily influenced by Renaissance Italian masters like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera. Drawing inspiration from these iconic artists, I strive to masterfully recreate the light, atmosphere, and tones of classical portrait paintings in my work. This influence is particularly evident in Selah, my latest and most ambitious project to date.
Read MoreCrafting the Perfect Headshot: Rory Lewis Captures the Versatility of Actor Steve Pemberton
Before diving into the photoshoot, it was essential to understand Steve Pemberton’s career and personality. Known for his chameleon-like ability to embody various characters, Pemberton’s headshot needed to reflect his versatility while maintaining a sense of authenticity. His work in dark comedies and dramatic roles suggested a need for a headshot that could convey both intensity and approachability.
Read MoreA Birthday Homage to Andy Serkis by Rory Lewis
On this special day, I'm thrilled to share something truly close to my heart—a portrait of Andy Serkis, whose birthday we celebrate today. Andy, your unparalleled contributions to the world of motion-capture have revolutionized our cinematic experience. It was an absolute privilege to capture your essence through my lens, reflecting the profound depth and intensity you bring to every character.
Read MoreFrom the Lens of Rory Lewis: Capturing the Multifaceted Talent of Greg Davies
In photographing Greg Davies, the aim was not merely to capture a moment but to convey the depth and breadth of his career and personality. As a portrait photographer with a diverse clientele ranging from royalty to Hollywood stars, the experience of photographing Greg was a highlight, adding a unique facet to my portfolio.
Read MoreCapturing the Essence of Steve Pemberton: A Portrait Session with Rory Lewis
Steve Pemberton's career is as diverse as it is impressive. From his early days as a member of The League of Gentlemen to his acclaimed roles in television series like "Inside No. 9," Pemberton has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. For Lewis, who has been a fan since childhood, the chance to photograph Pemberton was not just a professional assignment but a personal milestone.
Read MoreCapturing Leadership: Photographing Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, my 5th Chief of the Defence Staff
In the intricate tapestry of British military history, certain figures stand out not only for their strategic prowess but also for their embodiment of tradition and ceremonial duty. Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the 5th Chief of the Defence Staff, exemplifies this unique blend of modern leadership and timeless heritage.
Read MoreI Photographed Gollum (Aka Andy Serkis) My Precious Photoshoot
In the intriguing world of ChronoVisions, Rory Lewis embarked on a photographic journey that transcended time and imagination. One of the iconic figures captured for this unique project is none other than the extraordinary actor, director, and producer, Andy Serkis.
Read MoreA Revisit to My Portrait Sitting with the Legendary Ian McShane
