Capturing Peter O’Meara: Lauded Character Actor at My Los Angeles Studio
Los Angeles photographer
Essential Equipment for the Portrait Photographer (Featuring Westcott)
Westcott FJ400 II Touchscreen Strobe with FJ Pro AC/DC Battery (400Ws)
As a portrait photographer, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that your choice of equipment defines not only your workflow but also the quality of your results. Over the years, I’ve tested and worked with countless lighting systems, modifiers, and accessories, and I always come back to Westcott. Their gear is innovative, reliable, and designed with portrait artists in mind. In fact, I use Westcott exclusively for all my portrait work—whether I’m in the studio or on location.
If you’re building your kit or upgrading your tools, here’s my essential gear list for portrait photographers featuring Westcott’s industry-leading equipment.
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1. Westcott FJ400 II Touchscreen Strobe with FJ Pro AC/DC Battery (400Ws)
Compact Power. Unmatched Reliability.
The FJ400 II is the beating heart of my portrait work. It packs 400Ws of portable flash power into a surprisingly compact unit, making it ideal for both location and studio shoots.
Key reasons I trust the FJ400 II:
Speed: Industry-leading recycle times of just 0.01–0.9 seconds ensure you never miss a fleeting expression.
Endurance: With the included FJ Pro AC/DC battery, you’ll get over 550 full-power flashes. On longer days, I always keep spare batteries on hand (see below).
Consistency: Stable 5500K (±150K) color temperature delivers natural, repeatable results across a session.
Control: A full-color OLED touchscreen with built-in help guides makes adjustments effortless.
Flexibility: High-Speed Sync, TTL, Freeze Sync, front/rear curtain sync, and flash durations up to 1/24,000s.
If you want reliability with portability, the FJ400 II is the perfect blend.
👉 Check out the FJ400 II here
2. J ProMax AC/DC Battery and Power Adapter
Long-Lasting Power for Extended Sessions
For on-location shoots or marathon studio days, extra power is non-negotiable. The J ProMax AC/DC Battery ensures I never run out of juice mid-session.
1,000+ full-power flashes per charge with the FJ400 II
Lightweight and portable at just 2.2 lbs
Recharge in 3 hours and ready to go again
Built-in trickle charge keeps your strobe running without downtime
This is an essential add-on for any serious portrait photographer.
👉 Get the J ProMax Battery here
3. Westcott Rapid Box Switch Octa-S
The Ideal Modifier for Portraits
If there’s one modifier every portrait photographer should own, it’s an octa softbox. The octagonal shape creates soft, even light while leaving a natural, rounded catchlight in your subject’s eyes—just like you’d see in a Vanity Fair cover shoot.
Why I love the Rapid Box Switch Octa-S:
Fastest setup and breakdown in the industry
Durable, heat-resistant fabrics for long life
Bowens-mount compatible with Switch Inserts
Compact and portable for travel
Produces that classic flattering glow on skin
I use mine as a key light in nearly every portrait session.
👉 Grab the Rapid Box Octa-S here
Soften and Expand Your Light
For quick, lightweight setups, nothing beats a diffusion umbrella. I use Westcott’s 32" Optical White Satin Umbrella for:
Soft, broad fill light
Beautiful, natural-looking catchlights
Lightweight, portable construction with durable fiberglass ribs
Perfect for travel, quick portraits, or when you need a softer touch to balance shadows.
👉 Shop the Diffusion Umbrella here
5. Westcott Air-Cushioned Heavy-Duty Light Stand (8')
Secure Light Placement
Never skimp on stands. A solid, reliable stand protects your strobes, modifiers, and ultimately your subjects. Westcott’s Air-Cushioned Heavy-Duty Stand is my go-to.
Extends to 8 feet tall, folds to under 4 feet for travel
Air-cushioning protects your gear during adjustments
Supports up to 13 lbs—plenty for strobes + modifiers
Thick aluminum tubing, matte black finish (no reflections!)
👉 See the Heavy-Duty Stand here
Seamless Multi-Brand Compatibility
A great flash system is nothing without a reliable trigger. The FJ-X3 Wireless Trigger syncs flawlessly across Canon, Nikon, Sony (manual), Fuji, Lumix, and Olympus.
Range of up to 985 feet
TTL, HSS, Freeze, and multiple sync modes
Controls up to 6 groups / 32 channels
Long-lasting removable battery with USB-C charging
Bluetooth app integration for even more features
It’s the brain of my lighting system and has never let me down.
👉 Explore the FJ-X3 Trigger here
Lighting gear is the backbone of portrait photography, but sometimes the most powerful tools are also the simplest. One piece of equipment I never leave behind is the Westcott Illuminator QuickGrip 5-in-1 Reflector (50"). Compact, versatile, and budget-friendly, it gives me an incredible amount of control over my lighting—whether I’m shooting in the studio or chasing natural light on location.
Why Every Portrait Photographer Needs a Reflector
Reflectors are often underestimated, but they can transform your portraits. With a single tool, you can:
Fill in shadows for a balanced, polished look
Create natural catchlights in the eyes
Bounce sunlight or strobe light to flatter your subject
Diffuse harsh light into something soft and usable
Subtract light for added drama and contrast
Unlike strobes or continuous lights, reflectors require no power—they’re instant, intuitive, and incredibly effective.
Westcott took the classic reflector and made it better. The QuickGrip handle alone is a game-changer, giving you one-handed control over a full 50" surface. That means I can hold and adjust it myself, or easily hand it off to an assistant—or even the subject—for quick repositioning.
Here’s what makes it indispensable:
Five-in-One Design: Silver (crisp, bright light), Gold (warm glow), White (soft fill), Black (light subtraction), and Diffusion (softening harsh sources).
Large 50" Size: Ideal for portraits and half-body shots while still compact enough to carry anywhere.
Durability: Strong seams, resilient fabrics, and a flexible frame built to last.
Travel-Friendly: Collapses into a portable size with a carry case—perfect for on-location sessions.
8. Westcott X-Drop Pro Backdrops
Vanity Fair Style, Anywhere
Lighting is half the portrait equation—the backdrop is the other. Westcott’s X-Drop Pro Backdrops give you professional, fabric backgrounds that set the stage for editorial-quality images.
Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabric prints
Easy to swap out between colors and textures
Perfect for both studio and on-location portrait sessions
That signature Vanity Fair-style aesthetic for a polished, timeless look
👉 Browse X-Drop Pro Backdrops here
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading your kit, investing in Westcott gear is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a portrait photographer. Their strobes, modifiers, stands, and backdrops aren’t just tools—they’re creative partners that allow you to consistently capture stunning, professional portraits.
I use Westcott exclusively for my work because I trust their innovation, reliability, and design. They’ve never failed me, whether I’m shooting Hollywood actors, military generals, or business leaders.
If you’re serious about portrait photography, build your kit with Westcott.
👉 Shop Westcott Portrait Essentials here
Capturing 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 MoreWin a $2,500 Portrait Session and Support Heroes in Focus!
in Portraiture, Charity
Win a $2,500 Portrait Session and Support Heroes in Focus!
We’re excited to announce an incredible opportunity to win an exclusive headshot or portrait session valued at $2,500, while supporting a meaningful cause—the Heroes in Focus Foundation. This online raffle is your chance to receive a premium photography experience at Rory Lewis Studios in Los Angeles, New York, or London, all while helping us honor and preserve the stories of those who serve.
Read More
Trooper Collins, Rory Lewis Winner of the Portrait of Britain 2024
Winner of the Portrait of Britain 2024
The Portrait of Britain exhibition, presented by the British Journal of Photography, has selected photographer Rory Lewis’s striking portrait of British Army soldier Trooper Collins for inclusion in its nationwide showcase.
Read MoreWelcoming Back Andrew Barham for Updated Headshots
It’s always a pleasure to see familiar faces return to the studio, and this week, we welcomed back Andrew Barham for updated headshots. As an experienced Los Angeles-based celebrity and actors’ headshot photographer, there’s nothing more gratifying than having clients return, knowing they trust my expertise to help propel their careers forward.
Read MoreCapturing Lorena Sarbu: A Portrait Session at Rory Lewis’s Los Angeles Studio
When Lorena Sarbu stepped into my Downtown Los Angeles studio, it was immediately clear why she is a celebrated visionary in the world of couture. Known for her intricate designs and captivating presence, Lorena’s elegance and artistry brought an inspiring energy to the session.
Read MoreCapturing Andei Crabel: A Distinctive Portrait Session at Rory Lewis’ Los Angeles Studio
In the heart of Los Angeles, my studio recently welcomed the talented actor and model Andei Crabel for a captivating portrait session. Known for his striking presence and dynamic versatility, Andei brought an energy to the studio that perfectly aligned with my vision of distinctive and thought-provoking portraiture.
Read MoreChronoVisions: A Portrait of Promise – Oleksandr Chepikov
Capturing the essence of youth in a historical framework is a rare and delicate challenge. For my ongoing ChronoVisions project, I had the opportunity to photograph Oleksandr Chepikov, a talented young actor, at my studio in Los Angeles. This portrait became an exploration of timelessness through the lens of innocence and quiet determination.
Read MoreChronoVisions: A Moment of Contemplation – Portrait of Barbara Ramos
One of the most rewarding aspects of my ChronoVisions project is the ability to explore the emotions and complexities of my subjects within a historical and artistic framework. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing Barbara Ramos, a striking and thoughtful subject whose presence brought a unique depth to this ongoing series.
Read MoreChronoVisions: An Epochal Fusion – "The Civil Code"
As a photographer, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of history and storytelling. My latest portrait, titled "The Civil Code," is a continuation of my ChronoVisions series, a project inspired by the enigmatic Chronovisor and the allure of exploring different eras through art. This particular portrait takes its cues from the Napoleonic era, a time of revolutionary change and enduring influence.
Read MoreCapturing Renata Valliulina’s Fearless Spirit: Headshots with Rory Lewis
Renata Valliulina is no ordinary talent. A model, actress, and stunt performer driven by an adventurous spirit and a relentless dedication to mastering her craft, she is redefining what it means to be a modern actress. Her remarkable journey, spanning over 20 countries and encompassing a range of disciplines—from martial arts and weapons training to surfing, skydiving, and ballet—sets her apart as a dynamic force in the entertainment industry. When the opportunity arose to capture her essence in headshots at my Los Angeles studio, I knew this would be an extraordinary session.
Capturing Renata Valliulina’s Fearless Spirit: Headshots with Rory Lewis
Crafting a Narrative Through Headshots
Renata’s story is one of fearlessness and versatility, and my goal was to ensure her headshots conveyed this multifaceted identity. With over 20 years of experience as a portrait photographer, I have worked with countless actors, models, and performers, but each session is unique. For Renata Valliulina, I envisioned a series of images that would embody her athletic prowess, artistic depth, and global perspective.
Capturing Renata Valliulina’s Fearless Spirit: Headshots with Rory Lewis
The session began with a collaborative discussion. Renata’s insights into her craft and aspirations helped shape the direction of the shoot. We designed a series of looks to highlight her adaptability:
Refined Elegance: A classic look emphasizing her poise and sophistication, ideal for high-fashion and dramatic roles.
Action-Ready: Dynamic poses that showcased her physicality, perfect for casting directors seeking a performer who does her own stunts.
Natural and Relatable: A softer, authentic look to reveal her approachable side, essential for connecting with diverse roles.
Capturing Renata Valliulina’s Fearless Spirit: Headshots with Rory Lewis
The Studio Experience
My Downtown Los Angeles studio is tailored to create an environment where clients feel both comfortable and inspired. With a range of professional lighting setups and backgrounds, we were able to craft visuals that complemented Renata’s energy. Her expertise in movement made her an exceptional subject; each pose and expression carried intention, making it easy to capture striking images that told her story.
To highlight her physical artistry, we integrated subtle motion into the shoot—an effortless twist of the torso, the confident stance of a martial artist. These touches added vibrancy and authenticity to her headshots, distinguishing them from the standard fare.
Why Headshots Matter
In the competitive realms of acting and modeling, headshots are often the first impression. They must encapsulate not only an individual’s look but their essence—the qualities that make them unique. For someone like Renata Valliulina, whose skills span the creative and physical spectrum, her headshots needed to reflect the bold, adventurous spirit she brings to every role.
Book Your Session
Whether you’re an established performer like Renata Valliulina or an emerging talent, your headshot is your calling card. As one of Los Angeles’ leading headshot photographers, I am committed to helping clients stand out in their industries. Together, we can create images that resonate, inspire, and open doors.
Renata’s headshots exemplify what’s possible when preparation, passion, and artistry come together. Her journey continues to inspire, and I am honored to have captured a glimpse of her incredible story.
Let’s tell your story. Contact me today to book your session at my Los Angeles studio.
Trooper Collins The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Portrait Sitting Rory Lewis Photographer, Shortlisted of the Portrait of Britain 2024.
Shortlisted Portrait of Britain 2024
Photographer Rory Lewis has achieved his seventh consecutive shortlist in the Portrait of Britain 2024 competition, presented by the British Journal of Photography.
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 MoreCapturing Diane Jennings: Headshots of an Irish Content Creator with a Global Appeal
Working with Diane Jennings was a memorable experience that blended professionalism with lighthearted charm. Diane, an Irish content creator known for her popular Variety YouTube channel, brings a unique perspective, often contrasting the cultural differences between Europe and North America. Her channel’s followers—those with a connection to Irish heritage and a love for fun, upbeat content—appreciate her engaging comparisons between Ireland, the USA, and Canada. It was essential to capture this balance of authenticity and warmth in her headshots.
Read MoreReturning to London: Rory Lewis Continues to Serve London in September 2024
Renowned portrait photographer Rory Lewis is thrilled to announce his return to London this September. After achieving a significant milestone with his portraiture being acquired by The National Portrait Gallery, Rory is back in the UK and ready to bring his exceptional photography services to London-based clients.
Read MoreIntroducing Full Body Option for Headshots: Elevate Your Portfolio with Rory Lewis Photography
At Rory Lewis Photography, we are excited to announce a new addition to our headshot services: the Full Body Option. This new service is available for an additional $125 on top of any actor’s headshot or corporate headshot package. Our studio, based in Los Angeles and with branches in New York and London, is renowned for crafting headshots that truly encapsulate the essence and individuality of each client.
Read MoreLt. Gen. Michael T. Plehn Military Portrait Washington D.C
Lt. Gen. Michael T. Plehn is the 17th President of the National Defense University. As President of NDU, he oversees its five component colleges that offer graduate-level degrees and certifications in joint professional military education to more than 2,000 U.S. military officers, civilian government officials, international military officers and industry partners annually.
Read MoreCaptain Ray U.S Navy Portrait Photoshoot Los Angeles
Now based in Los Angeles I’m very pleased to be offering Military Portrait Sittings available also in New York. Portraits are very important to military personal. To be captured in uniform looking ones best and in full finery, can fill one with pride for the service.
Read MoreRory Lewis Supports Jonathan Art Foundation's March 2023 Online Auction Fundraiser
