Los Angeles
How to Plan a Headshot day for a Law Firm
What to wear for an executive portrait
Wear something you already own and already like. The best clothing for an executive portrait is a garment you have worn to something that mattered — a board meeting, a pitch, a hearing — because you carry yourself differently in clothes you trust. Everything below is refinement on that one point.
Read MoreLos Angeles Studio Dates: 14 August – 17 September 2026
Actors. The autumn casting cycle begins the moment Los Angeles comes back from August. If your headshot was made two years ago, or made by someone chasing a pretty picture rather than a castable one, the next six weeks are when to fix it. A headshot is not a flattering photograph. It is a piece of casting information, and it should tell a casting director in half a second what you can carry.
Read MoreMichael Richardson – Model Digitals with Rory Lewis
Michael Richardson stepped into the studio for a set of striking model digitals that highlight his natural presence and versatility. With clean lines, sharp features, and effortless style, Michael’s digitals provide agencies with exactly what they need: unfiltered, authentic images that showcase his potential across fashion, lifestyle, and commercial work.
Read MoreBen Miles — Portrait Sitting with Rory Lewis
It was an absolute pleasure to photograph Ben Miles, whose remarkable career spans stage, film, and television. From his breakout role in the BBC comedy Coupling to his nuanced portrayal of Peter Townsend in The Crown and most recently as Tay Kolma in Andor, Ben has long stood as one of Britain’s most versatile actors.
Read MoreActor Brad Dibben — Captured at the London Studio
With over two decades of experience, Rory Lewis is one of the UK’s leading photographers, celebrated for his exceptional skill in crafting actors’ headshots that open doors and define careers. His London studio has welcomed hundreds of talented performers—each session tailored to reveal the individuality and emotional
Read MoreCapturing Character: Actress Jennifer Riker at the London Studio
This week, I had the pleasure of photographing Jennifer Riker, an accomplished American actress whose striking versatility spans television, film, and voiceover. Best known for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Helga Jace in the Warner Bros/DC Entertainment hit series Black Lightning, Jennifer brings an incredible depth of intelligence and nuance to every role she inhabits.
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 MorePatek Philippe: Fathers, Sons & Legacy – Portraits by Rory Lewis at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
Patek Philippe: Fathers, Sons & Legacy – Portraits by Rory Lewis at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair (Rory Lewis Photographer)
This autumn, Patek Philippe commissioned acclaimed portrait photographer Rory Lewis to capture a series of portraits during an exclusive VIP event at the Mandarin Oriental London, Mayfair.
The evening celebrated one of Patek Philippe’s most profound themes — the timeless bond between fathers and sons, and the passing of treasured watches to the next generation. Through his lens, Rory Lewis documented intimate moments of legacy, family, and heritage, capturing the emotion and elegance that define both the brand and its collectors.
Each portrait reflects the signature Lewis aesthetic — a balance of classical composition, modern sensibility, and evocative storytelling. Against a rich backdrop echoing the sophistication of Patek Philippe, attendees were photographed with the poise and refinement worthy of the brand’s storied tradition.
Patek Philippe: Fathers, Sons & Legacy – Portraits by Rory Lewis at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair (Rory Lewis Photographer)
Patek Philippe: Fathers, Sons & Legacy – Portraits by Rory Lewis at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair (Rory Lewis Photographer)
Patek Philippe: Fathers, Sons & Legacy – Portraits by Rory Lewis at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair (Rory Lewis Photographer)
Patek Philippe: Fathers, Sons & Legacy – Portraits by Rory Lewis at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair (Rory Lewis Photographer)
Rory’s direction emphasizes authenticity and connection, allowing sitters to express their individuality while remaining true to the narrative of the evening — continuity, craftsmanship, and time itself.
About Rory Lewis Photographer
Based in Los Angeles, with studios in New York and London, Rory Lewis is an internationally recognized portrait photographer whose work is part of the National Portrait Gallery Collection in London. His distinctive approach combines precise direction and inventive scenarios, producing portraits that transcend the ordinary.
Rory’s corporate and advertising clients include Lloyds Banking Group, JP Morgan, Nutmeg, Cancer Research UK, John Lewis, the Ministry of Defence, and the UK Government. His ability to capture authenticity and gravitas has made him a trusted photographer for leaders, actors, and brands worldwide.
Capturing Young Actor Saint’s Headshots at Our Los Angeles Studio
At our Downtown Los Angeles studio, I recently had the pleasure of photographing Saint, a promising young actor whose natural confidence and expressive presence made for a truly engaging headshot session.
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 MoreCapturing Actress & Director Ana Peralta Chong
It was a real pleasure to welcome actress, director, and creative force Ana Peralta Chong into my Downtown Los Angeles studio for a recent session of headshots and digitals.
Read MoreCapturing Peter O’Meara: Lauded Character Actor at My Los Angeles Studio
It was an honor to welcome Peter O’Meara into my Los Angeles studio for a headshot session. A lauded character actor, Peter has built an extraordinary career across stage and screen, with performances that have captivated audiences in both Europe and the United States.
Read MoreCapturing James Packard: Actor & Broadcaster in Los Angeles
It was a pleasure to welcome actor and broadcaster James Packard into my Downtown Los Angeles studio for a recent headshot session. James, known for his role in Darkness Reigns (2017), was born in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, on August 13, 1995, and raised in Denver, Colorado. From a young age, he felt a strong pull toward the craft of acting, pursuing it with focus during his college years. Today, he continues to balance his work on screen and in broadcasting, carving out a distinctive presence in the entertainment industry.
Read MoreGunnery Sergeant Marcus Lewis, U.S. Marine Corps
On October 7, 2023, Israel faced its darkest day. At the heart of the crisis was Gunnery Sergeant Marcus Lewis, U.S. Marine Corps, commander of the Marine Security Guard Detachment at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. His firsthand account in Caught in the Crossfire reveals the urgency of split-second decisions, the courage of embassy staff, and the weight of protecting American lives under siege.
Through the Heroes in Focus Foundation, I had the honor of capturing his portrait—ensuring his service and story are preserved for future generations.
Read MoreCapturing the Essence of Sean Hemeon: Actor, Writer, and Artist at Rory Lewis’s LA Studio
In the world of Hollywood, every actor, writer, and artist is constantly striving to capture their unique essence—a challenge that requires more than just good lighting and a perfect backdrop. It’s about revealing the inner character, the subtle emotions, and the vibrant energy that sets them apart. This is exactly what actor, writer, and artist Sean Hemeonachieved when he recently partnered with Rory Lewis, the celebrated Los Angeles-based headshot photographer, to capture his headshots at Rory’s studio in Downtown LA.
Read MoreDestiny Edwards Model Digitals with Rory Lewis
Destiny Edwards radiates confidence and poise in her latest digitals, presenting a look that is both timeless and contemporary. With her natural beauty and effortless expression, Destiny’s session resulted in photographs that showcase her as a standout face for agencies across fashion and commercial markets.
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.