Field Marshal Lord Richards — Portrait Sitting for Heroes in Focus
Rory Lewis Photographer
Field 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 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 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 MoreEssential 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
Congratulations to Stephen Graham on His Emmy Win
What an incredible moment for one of Britain’s finest actors. Stephen Graham has been named Outstanding Lead Actorat the Emmy Awards for his unforgettable performance in Netflix’s Adolescence.
Read MoreSasha Lewis – My Muse, My Partner, My Constant Inspiration
For over thirteen years, my wife and partner, Sasha Lewis, has been both the love of my life and the heartbeat of my work. As a professional model and our production director, she is the quiet force behind the scenes—organizing, shaping, and elevating every project we take on. Her dedication to excellence, her keen creative instincts, and her unwavering encouragement have been instrumental in the success of Rory Lewis Photographer.
Read MoreMichael James Shaw – Character & Screen Test Portrait Session
Actor Michael James Shaw – Character & Screen Test Portrait Session (Los Angeles Photographer Rory Lewis)
It was a pleasure to welcome actor Michael James Shaw (The Walking Dead, Avengers: Infinity War, Endgame) back to my studio for our second sitting together. Michael is one of those rare performers who can shift seamlessly between roles, and this session was the perfect opportunity to explore that range.
For this shoot, we created what I call a Character & Screen Test Portrait Session — a hybrid between a cinematic screen test and fine art portraiture. The concept is simple but powerful: dress the actor in full wardrobe, add props and atmosphere, and capture them as though we’re freezing a moment from a yet-to-be-made film.
Unlike traditional headshots, these portraits are rich with story. They don’t just show what you look like — they show who you can be.
Actor Michael James Shaw – Character & Screen Test Portrait Session (Los Angeles Photographer Rory Lewis)
The Session
Michael’s range was on full display as he inhabited multiple characters:
A decorated military officer from an alternate-history epic, complete with ceremonial sword and map.
A 1930s noir anti-hero in a pinstripe suit and fedora, exuding shadowy intrigue.
A modern action lead in a sharp navy suit, radiating quiet authority.
Actor Michael James Shaw – Character & Screen Test Portrait Session (Los Angeles Photographer Rory Lewis)
Actor Michael James Shaw – Character & Screen Test Portrait Session (Los Angeles Photographer Rory Lewis)
Each set-up was lit and staged to evoke the feeling of a screen test — but the final photographs stand as fully polished works of art.
Why This Product Exists
Over the years, I’ve had many actors request something beyond the headshot. They wanted portraits that tell a story, show their acting range, and look like they were pulled from the set of a major production. The Character & Screen Test Portrait Session is my answer to that request.
It’s perfect for:
Actors building a versatile portfolio.
Producers & creatives developing concept visuals.
Collectors & fans seeking iconic, cinematic images.
Book Your Session
If you’re interested in commissioning your own Character & Screen Test Portrait Session get in touch for a personalised quote and creative outline — and let’s create portraits that look like they belong on the big screen.
Capturing Ana Emdin — A London Studio Portrait Session
in Portraiture, London, Headshots
In my London studio, I had the privilege of photographing Ana Emdin, an accomplished film producer whose work has made waves both in the UK and internationally. With a poised elegance and a subtle confidence, Ana brought a presence to the session that perfectly aligned with my vision of creating portraits that go beyond the surface.
Read MoreIt’s Okay to Meet Your Heroes
in Jottings
“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.
Read MoreDelighted to Collaborate with Actor Michael Rose
It was an absolute pleasure to work with acclaimed actor Michael Rose, whose screen presence, depth, and range are nothing short of remarkable. As a portrait photographer, I am always searching for that ineffable quality that elevates a subject—and with Michael, it was instantly there, brimming with intensity, character, and quiet power.
Read MoreCapturing Rising Star Jamarcus Outley at Rory Lewis Studio in New York
At my Manhattan studio, I recently had the pleasure of working with the incredibly talented Jamarcus Outley, best known for his standout performances in Somewhere Over the Rainbow (2024) and Bad Match (2023). Jamarcus is a rising star with a striking presence and a dynamic range — the kind of actor whose headshots need to convey both depth and versatility.
Read MoreCapturing Character: Actor Cooper Levy at the Los Angeles Studio
We recently welcomed actor and writer Cooper Levy to the Downtown Los Angeles studio for a portrait session. Based in Toronto, Cooper is a multi-talented creative who merges a passion for performance with a strong academic foundation. A graduate of Queen’s University with a degree in Computer Science and the Creative Arts—specializing in music—Cooper brings depth, intellect, and artistry to every endeavor.
Read MoreMay the 4th: Portraits from a Galaxy Not So Far Away
As the world celebrates Star Wars Day, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable actors I’ve photographed over the years—some of whom have stepped into the mythos of one of the most beloved franchises in cinematic history.
Read More
Former Mayor Eric Garcetti Rory Lewis Corporate Headshots Los Angeles – Elevate Your Professional Image with Rory Lewis
Corporate Headshots Los Angeles – Elevate Your Professional Image with Rory Lewis
In today’s competitive business landscape, first impressions often happen online. Whether it’s LinkedIn, a company website, or a professional networking platform, your headshot is your digital handshake. Based in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, Rory Lewis offers industry-leading corporate and commercial headshots that capture not just how you look—but who you are.
Read MoreCapturing the Relentless Spirit of James J. Sexton – As Seen in Los Angeles Magazine
This month, Los Angeles Magazine spotlighted bestselling author and renowned divorce attorney James J. Sexton in a heartfelt feature titled “From Heartbreak to Healing: How a Divorce Lawyer Helped Me Believe in Love Again.” I’m proud to share that the portrait accompanying this moving story was captured in my New York studio.
Read MoreCapturing Presence: Actor Jared Canfield Sits for Headshots with Rory Lewis in NYC
Jared Canfield, a compelling presence on screen known for his performances in The Blacklist (2013), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), and Power Book IV: Force (2022), recently stepped in front of my lens for a headshot session at my Manhattan studio.
Read MoreSecond to None: Celebrating 375 Years of the Coldstream Guards
This year marks a monumental milestone in British military history—the 375th anniversary of the Coldstream Guards, the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army. From the battlefields of the English Civil War to the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, the Coldstream Guards have stood resolute, loyal, and unyielding in their service to Crown and Country.
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 MoreWhy Your Headshot Matters: Update Yours with Rory Lewis in New York this March!
