How to Plan a Headshot day for a Law Firm
New York
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 MoreNew York: Three Days in Midtown, 18–20 September 2026
The first is theatrical. New York actors carry themselves differently from Los Angeles actors — there is stage in the posture, and a willingness to be looked at properly rather than prettily. That suits how I light. One dominant source, deep shadow, and a face that has to hold its own ground. Casting directors on both coasts respond to it because it looks like a still from something rather than a photograph of somebody.
Read MoreManhattan as the Backdrop
There is no neutral way to photograph Manhattan, and there is no neutral way to be photographed in it. The city imposes itself on every frame. For the 25–31 May 2026 New York headshot residency, Rory Lewis has chosen this consciously — the work will be made in Manhattan because Manhattan changes what a portrait means.
Read MoreWhat Makes a Rory Lewis Headshot Different
Most headshots are produced. A Rory Lewis headshot is composed.
This distinction matters more than it first sounds. The bulk of professional headshot photography in New York and London is built around a production model — bright, even, frontal lighting, a plain backdrop, a repeatable formula. The work is competent and the turnaround is fast, but the image is rarely memorable. Run a hundred LinkedIn pages side by side and they begin to blur into each other.
Read MoreNew York Headshots with Rory Lewis | 25–31 May 2026
For one week only, celebrity and royal portrait photographer Rory Lewis returns to New York with a limited series of private headshot sessions running from Sunday 25 May through Saturday 31 May 2026. Based in a Midtown Manhattan studio, this will be Rory's most concentrated New York residency to date — and with only a small number of sittings available across the seven days, places are expected to be claimed quickly.
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
in London, New York, Los Angeles, Works, Top Clients, Portraiture, Charity
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 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 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 MoreCapturing Andy Gates – A Timeless Portrait of a Remarkable Talent
