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Rory Lewis Photographer
Michael 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.
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in Portraiture, London, Headshots
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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Read MoreNew York Actors Headshots
