Photographing Tony Blair: A Study of Power, Legacy, and Reinvention

October 06, 2025 in Political Portraits, Portraiture, Prime Minister, London, Los Angeles, New York, Top Moment, Top Clients, Featured Sitting

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.

Portraits in Power: Usha Vance for The Free Press

April 08, 2025 in Featured Sitting, Washington D.C, Published, Portraiture, Political Portraits, U.S Political Portraits, Works, Top Clients, Top Moment, Corporate Commission

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.

Politicians Are Tricky to Photograph: Lessons from My Experience (Rory Lewis Photographer)

August 16, 2024 in Political Portraits, Los Angeles, London, New York

Renowned photographer Rory Lewis specializes in capturing detailed and realistic portraits of political figures, including former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair, John Major, and Theresa May. With a focus on creating neutral and historically significant images, Rory's approach to photographing politicians emphasizes capturing every line and detail to present them as contemplative statesmen. His work offers unique insights into the challenges of political portrait photography, highlighting the complexity of creating the right atmosphere for these often introspective subjects.

Capturing Power and Reflection: A Journey Through Political Portraiture

February 03, 2024 in Portraiture, Prime Minister, Political Portraits, Los Angeles, London, New York

In the world of portrait photography, capturing theessence of power, authority, and historical significance is an art form that goes beyond mere documentation. As a seasoned portrait photographer, my lens has had the privilege of framing the faces of influential political figures, ranging from royalty to prime ministers, mayors, and religious leaders. In this blog post, I'll delve into some notable experiences, drawing inspiration from Renaissance art and sharing the stories behind the lens.

David Cameron: A Statesman's Return to Power Captured Through the Lens

November 13, 2023 in Parliament, Political Portraits, Portraiture, Top Clients, Top Moment

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has made a surprising return to frontline politics as the new Foreign Secretary, appointed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This unexpected comeback follows Cameron's seven-year hiatus, during which he wrote memoirs and faced controversy over his involvement with the collapsed finance firm, Greensill Capital. Photographer Rory Lewis, who previously captured Cameron's portrait in 2020, showcased the statesman's return through a series of contemplative and thoughtful images. Inspired by the works of Sir James Guthrie, Lewis aimed to convey a meditative statesman akin to political figures during the First World War. Cameron's appointment, amidst a wider reshuffle, demonstrates Sunak's willingness to take risks for political rejuvenation. As Cameron navigates international challenges in his new role, Lewis's portraits serve as a historical record, documenting a pivotal moment in contemporary British politics.

Capturing the Essence of Power and Reflection: Rory Lewis Photographs Former Prime Minister Theresa May Book Cover

June 04, 2023 in Works, Political Portraits, Parliament, Los Angeles, London, New York, Key Event, Charity, Celebrity, Author Portraits, Advertising, Case Study, Top Clients, Top Moment

Rory Lewis, a renowned photographer, collaborated with former Prime Minister Theresa May, capturing a striking book cover in May 2022. Based in Los Angeles and working across New York and the UK, Lewis's work reflects May's challenging years in power, addressing the abuse of power that harmed individuals and eroded public trust in institutions. With a focus on incidents such as Hillsborough, Grenfell, Daniel Morgan, and parliamentary scandals, May's upcoming book, "The Abuse of Power," calls for a radical reevaluation of politics and public life. Lewis's portraits of May, showcasing contemplation and thoughtfulness, offer a precise and neutral representation of history, preserving every mark and line.

Air Chief Marshal The Lord Peach Portrait London The Sword of Mercy

April 30, 2023 in London, Los Angeles, New York, Political Portraits, Portraiture, Military Portrait, Royal Portrait, Top Moment, Works, USA Military Portraits

First in a series of blog posts focusing on the Coronation of King Charles III. Air Chief Marshal The Lord Peach captured by Rory Lewis With Lord Peach's recent appointment to carry the Sword of Mercy, he will play a significant role in the upcoming coronation of King Charles. As the Sword of Mercy is a crucial part of the coronation ceremony, Lord Peach will have the honor of carrying it during the procession.

Former Mayor of Los Angeles & Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti Portrait Photoshoot Los Angeles

March 22, 2023 in Portraiture, Political Portraits, Los Angeles, New York, London, USA Mayors, Los Angeles Figures, Featured Sitting, Top Moment, You Tube, Works, Charity, Items, Luminary, Case Study, Top Clients

Ambassador to India & former 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti is my latest portrait subject. Captured at the LA studio. In this blog post I wanted to explain my inspiration behind the portrait which lies in my love of artist Hans Holbein the Younger.

Black Rod Sarah Clarke OBE Portrait Sitting Rory Lewis Photographer, Shortlisted of the Portrait of Britain 2022.

Shortlisted Portrait of Britain 2022

January 15, 2023 in Awards, Portraiture, Corporate Commission, Britannia, Political Portraits

Portrait of Britain is presented by the British Journal of Photography . A Portrait by Photographer Rory Lewis of Black Rod Sarah Clarke OBE has been shortlisted.

Mayor of Glendale Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian Portrait Sitting

December 17, 2022 in Top Moment, Works, Political Portraits, Los Angeles, Featured Sitting, Corporate Commission, Charity

We enjoyed working with the Mayor of Glendale Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian, who sit for a portrait on location at Glendale City Hall.

The Crown Featuring Former Prime Ministers Sir John Major & Sir Tony Blair

November 16, 2022 in Top Moment, Works, Prime Minister, Political Portraits, New York, London, Portraiture

Since its release on the 9th of November The Crown has been the centre of all the headlines. I’m no stranger to working with several of the Actors featured in the series including Tobias Menzies; who played The Duke of Edinburgh in season 3 & 4. The show now entering the 1990’s has introduced Prime Minsters Sir John Major played by Jonny Lee Miller & Sir Tony Blair played by Bertie Carvel.

Introducing Ray Dalio: A Captivating Portrait of an Influential Financial Figure

October 31, 2022 in Portraiture, Works, Top Moment, Corporate Commission, Corporate Headshots, Featured Sitting, London, Los Angeles, New York, Political Portraits, Top Clients

Ray Dalio, an esteemed American billionaire investor and renowned hedge fund manager, has left an indelible mark on the financial world. For decades, he held the prestigious position of co-chief investment officer at Bridgewater Associates, the largest hedge fund on the global stage.

Rory Lewis: Capturing H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent's Majestic Portrait as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons

October 24, 2022 in Royal Portrait, London, Featured Sitting, Charity, Works, Corporate Commission, Political Portraits

Rory Lewis, a distinguished photographer, recently had the privilege of capturing a magnificent portrait of H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons. With an impeccable eye for detail, Lewis skillfully portrayed Prince Michael's regal essence in the grandeur of Kensington Palace. Having previously photographed the prince in various military attires, Lewis's deep understanding of his subject's affiliations and offices further enhanced the authenticity of the portrait. This remarkable composition showcases Lewis's expertise in the art of portraiture, encapsulating the noble presence of Prince Michael and highlighting his prestigious role. The result is a captivating and timeless image, destined to be treasured for generations to come.

Prime Minister Theresa May Portrait Sitting

May 19, 2022 in Charity, Prime Minister, Portraiture, Britannia, London, Featured Sitting, Political Portraits, Top Moment, Top Clients

The fourth British Leader of my career. I was recently commissioned to capture a portrait of former Prime Minister Theresa May; who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2016 to 2019.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols Portrait Sitting London

February 21, 2022 in Charity, Corporate Headshots, Corporate Commission, Featured Sitting, London, Los Angeles, Parliament, Political Portraits, Portraiture, Britannia, Religious Portraits, Cardinal, New York, Works, Top Clients, Top Moment

This month I was delighted to capture a portrait of Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the highest ranking member of the Catholic Church in England & Wales. The sitting took place on location at the Cardinals Palace attached to Westminster Cathedral.

Serjeant at Arms Ugbana Oyet Rory Lewis Shortlisted of the Portrait of Britain 2022.

Shortlisted Portrait of Britain 2021

January 13, 2022 in Awards, Portraiture, Corporate Commission, Britannia, Political Portraits

Portrait of Britain is presented by the British Journal of Photography . Two Portraits by Photographer Rory Lewis of Serjeant at Arms Ugbana Oyet & British Army Household Cavalry Trooper Ainuson, have been shortlisted.

Andy Burnham Mayor of Greater Manchester Portraits

December 08, 2021 in Portraiture, Corporate Commission, Corporate Headshots, Manchester, Political Portraits

Andy Burnham was elected Mayor of Greater Manchester in May 2017, and was re-elected for a second term in May 2021. I was delighted to capture Andy on location at the Mayors office in Manchester.

Speaker's Secretary and Chief of Staff Helen Wood Portrait Sitting

December 04, 2021 in Charity, Corporate Headshots, Corporate Commission, Featured Sitting, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Los Angeles, Manchester, Parliament, Political Portraits, Portraiture, Works, Britannia

Helen Wood was appointed Speaker’s Secretary on the election of Sir Lindsay Hoyle as the 158th Speaker of the House of Commons. I was delighted to capture Helen on location at the House of Parliament last month.

Black Rod Sarah Clarke OBE Portrait Sitting

November 28, 2021 in Charity, Corporate Headshots, Corporate Commission, Featured Sitting, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Los Angeles, Manchester, Parliament, Political Portraits, Portraiture, Works, Britannia, Top Moment, Top Clients

Sarah Clarke OBE was appointed as the new Black Rod in November 2017. She formally took on the duties as Lady Usher of the Black Rod in February 2018. Sarah Clarke was the first woman to be appointed to the office in its more than 650-year history.

Serjeant at Arms Ugbana Oyet Portrait Sitting

September 30, 2021 in Charity, Corporate Headshots, Corporate Commission, Featured Sitting, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Los Angeles, Manchester, Parliament, Political Portraits, Portraiture, Works, Britannia, Top Moment, Top Clients

Ugbana Oyet is the Serjeant at Arms. The Serjeant at Arms is responsible for keeping order within the Commons part of the parliamentary estate. There are also some ceremonial aspects to the role. Oyet agreed to sit for me at Parliament as part of a new Parliamentary Portrait Project I’m currently working on.