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.

Capturing 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.