Sasha Lewis – My Muse, My Partner, My Constant Inspiration
Rory Lewis Photographer
🇦🇺Honouring Heroism: Mike Pratt, GC (1948–2025)
Through my Non Profit Heroes in Focus, Rory Lewis is dedicated to preserving the faces and stories of those whose courage defines our shared history. It was an honour to have captured the portrait of Mike Pratt, GC, whose bravery and humility stand among the finest examples of service.
Read MoreField Marshal Lord Richards — Portrait Sitting for Heroes in Focus
Field Marshal David Julian Richards, Baron Richards of Herstmonceux, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL—appointed Honorary Field Marshal by His Majesty The King in June 2025—sat for my non-profit archive, Heroes in Focus, on Monday, 6 October 2025. This portrait marks a significant addition to our mission to document the living history of Britain’s senior military leadership.
Read MoreField 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 MoreCongratulations 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 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.
It’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.
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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.
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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!
Your headshot is your calling card—a critical first impression that speaks volumes about who you are, whether you're an actor, corporate professional, business owner, or real estate agent. If your current headshot feels outdated, lacks the energy you bring to your craft, or simply doesn’t reflect your best self, it’s time for an update. And there’s no better opportunity than Rory Lewis’ 30-Minute New York Special 30 Minute Headshots 27th & 28th March 2025.
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Trooper Collins The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Portrait Sitting Rory Lewis Photographer, Shortlisted of the Portrait of Britain 2024.