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.
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.
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.
“Never meet your heroes—they’ll only disappoint you.” It’s advice we’ve all heard, often with a smirk of world-weariness behind it. But I’d argue otherwise. In my experience as a portrait photographer, meeting—and photographing—my heroes didn’t just live up to expectations; it shaped the very arc of my career.
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.
I'm thrilled to share the latest addition to my Selah project, featuring the distinguished British actor Jared Harris. Known for his captivating performances in roles such as Lane Pryce in AMC's Mad Men, King George VI in The Crown, and Valery Legasov in HBO's Chernobyl, Jared Harris is an actor of immense talent and versatility. His extensive career spans television and film, with significant roles in Mr. Deeds, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Lincoln, and Allied. Most recently, he took on the role of Hari Seldon in the Apple TV+ science fiction series Foundation.
I'm hoping to finish Selah over the summer and bring it to exhibition in 2025. In this latest series, I captured the profoundly talented actor Andy Serkis. When directing Andy, I asked him to imagine he had taken a long pilgrimage, now reaching the end. He is depicted as a man of faith, almost pensive, taking the time to pause and reflect.
It's not unusual for photographers to be inspired by other types of art. As you may have noticed, there is a great deal of Renaissance Italian influence in my portraiture. Drawing inspiration from the Old Master painters like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera, I have attempted to masterfully recreate the light, atmosphere, and tones of classical portrait paintings. This influence is even more apparent in my latest project, entitled Selah.
Photography has always been about capturing that fleeting moment, a split-second where past and future converge and are held forever by the click of the shutter. In my Selah project, I’ve taken this concept into the studio, creating a series of portraits where each sitter pauses to prepare for something significant. One of the most compelling images from this project features actress Anna Passey, known for her role as Sienna Blake in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks.
I'm delighted and deeply honored to express my heartfelt thanks to Shoutout LA Magazine for featuring me in a recent interview about my work. It's truly an incredible opportunity to be recognized by such a prestigious platform, and I'd like to share some key takeaways from the article.
Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Time is running out, and the clock is ticking! Grab the last few places available for the highly anticipated Los Angeles Portrait Photography Masterclass with the renowned Rory Lewis. On Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of portrait photography.
Margaret Purves GC, a British nurse, displayed extraordinary bravery at the tender age of 14, saving lives and earning the Albert Medal. In recognition of her gallantry, she later exchanged the award for the esteemed George Cross. Photographer Rory Lewis immortalized her remarkable story through a captivating portrait acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in 2016.
In May 2016, photographer Rory Lewis had the privilege of capturing a portrait of Rambahadur Limbu VC, a legendary figure in military history. This iconic image has since been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London, serving as a testament to the extraordinary life and courage of Limbu.