Honoring Service: Military Portraits of Patrick Stauffer, Los Angeles Studio (Photographer Rory Lewis)
In the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, I recently had the honor of photographing Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Stauffer, capturing the strength, dignity, and commitment of a distinguished U.S. Army officer. As with every military sitting, my goal was to craft images that are more than formal portraits—they are visual testaments to leadership and service.
A Commanding Presence
The session began with a series of formal portraits set against the iconic backdrop of the American flag. The precision of the uniform, the gleam of medals and ribbons, and the poise of an officer standing tall all conveyed a powerful narrative: years of dedication, discipline, and pride in wearing the uniform. Each ribbon and badge tells its own story, representing milestones achieved and challenges overcome.
Honoring Service: Military Portraits of Patrick Stauffer, Los Angeles Studio (Photographer Rory Lewis)
For the second composition, I created a more dramatic “table scene,” a hallmark of my military portraiture. Here, Lt. Col. Stauffer was photographed seated at a draped table of stars and stripes, flanked by meaningful symbols of his profession: an officer’s sabre, a plumed shako resting on a stack of military history books, and the subdued, timeless tones of a textured backdrop. These elements were carefully chosen to echo themes of heritage, authority, and service. The arrangement not only emphasizes the gravity of his role but also creates a narrative frame that connects the subject to the proud traditions of the Army.
Every detail matters in a military portrait. From the angle of the cap to the placement of the hands, direction and composition ensure the sitter is presented at their finest. My approach is to encourage an ease of expression—sometimes stern, sometimes reflective—so the result is natural yet commanding. As General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, KCB, CBE, once observed of my work:
“Unique Portraiture using direction and inventive scenarios, Rory easily encourages clients to express themselves, creating natural, approachable portraits.”