Sasha Lewis – My Muse, My Partner, My Constant Inspiration
Los Angeles
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 Character: Stephen Blackehart Sits for Headshots at Rory Lewis' Los Angeles Studio
Stephen Blackehart—character actor, producer, and creative force behind countless cult and blockbuster hits—recently stepped into Rory Lewis’ Downtown Los Angeles studio for a headshot session that was anything but ordinary. Known for his unforgettable roles in Tromeo and Juliet, The Belko Experiment, and the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and most recently Superman. Blackehart brought decades of cinematic presence to the studio—offering the kind of depth, grit, and charm that only a seasoned actor can deliver.
Read MoreRufus Sewell Cast as TIME in The Sandman Season 2 – A Testament to Career-Elevating Headshots by Rory Lewis
British actor Rufus Sewell has joined the star-studded cast of The Sandman Season 2, portraying the formidable and emotionally distant character Time—a cosmic force older than the universe itself. Sewell’s role adds profound philosophical weight to the series, exploring Dream’s fate through the lens of eternal responsibility, emotional wounds, and the burdens of generational memory.
Read More📸 Rory Lewis West Coast Portrait Photography Masterclass Tour – Summer 2025
Renowned for his striking and emotionally rich portraiture, internationally acclaimed photographer Rory Lewis is heading west this summer for an exclusive three-city West Coast Workshop Tour.
Read MoreCapturing Andy Gates – A Timeless Portrait of a Remarkable Talent
My aim during every portrait session is to highlight the essence of the individual—to go beyond surface and reveal personality, narrative, and presence. With Andy, the process was fluid and intuitive. His ability to shift effortlessly between expressions, his understanding of lighting and movement, and his comfort in front of the camera made the experience electric.
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Los Angeles Special
30 Minute Headshot Sessions with Rory Lewis Thursday 28th August 2025 One Day Only
Capture Your Best Look with Celebrity Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis
Los Angeles Special: 30-Minute Headshot Sessions with Rory Lewis
📍 411 S Main Street, Studio 222, Los Angeles, CA 90013
📅 Thursday, 28th August 2025 – One Day Only
💵 $375.00
Capture Your Best Look with Celebrity Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis
Join award-winning photographer Rory Lewis—celebrated for his bold, character-driven headshots—for an exclusive one-day event in Downtown Los Angeles. Whether you're an actor, corporate professional, or simply in need of a standout portrait, this is your chance to work with one of the industry's top headshot photographers.
Rory has worked with some of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood and beyond, delivering headshots that resonate with casting directors, agents, and executives alike.
Read MoreCelebrating a Royal Legacy: Happy 82nd Birthday to Prince Michael of Kent
Today, we celebrate the 82nd birthday of His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent (Michael George Charles Franklin; born 4 July 1942)—a distinguished royal, military officer, and steadfast patron of charitable and fraternal causes.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of photographing Prince Michael of Kent on four occasions. Each sitting offered a distinct window into his life of service, heritage, and quiet strength—capturing not only a royal presence, but a deeply human one.
Read MoreA Photographer’s Stand in Downtown Los Angeles: Spirit, Struggle & Resilience
Running a business in Downtown Los Angeles today requires grit, heart, and a good deal of resilience. My studio, now proudly located in the historic Hellman Building in the Old Bank District, stands among a dwindling yet determined group of creatives, entrepreneurs, and independent business owners still striving to make DTLA a vibrant cultural and artistic center.
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Grand Opening: My New Los Angeles Studio — Special Workshop Announcement!
Grand Opening: My New Los Angeles Studio — Special Workshop Announcement!
I’m thrilled to announce the opening of my brand-new photography studio in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at 411 S. Main Street, Suite #222. This new space is over three times larger than my previous studio, designed specifically for creativity, collaboration, and world-class portraiture.
To celebrate, I’m holding a special one-time workshop on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at an incredible price of just $200.
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.
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🎬 New LA Actor Headshot Packages – More Images, Same Exceptional Quality
From May 2025 onward, the 60-, 90-, and 120-minute headshot sessions include double the number of retouched images.
🎬 New LA Actor Headshot Packages – More Images, Same Exceptional Quality
From May 2025 onward, the 60-, 90-, and 120-minute headshot sessions include double the number of retouched images, giving you more polished final shots to share with agents, managers, and casting platforms like IMDb and Casting Networks.
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 MoreMark Murphy: Aspiration, Artistry, and the Power of Representation
Capturing rising talent is always a privilege—especially when the subject brings both purpose and passion to the frame. Recently, I had the pleasure of welcoming actor Mark Murphy into the New York studio for a headshot session.
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 Rising Talent: Rory Adam at the London Studio
It’s always a privilege to work with emerging talent at the start of their careers, and my recent session with Rory Adam was no exception. Fresh from graduating at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Rory is already making waves, set to star as Jack in the BBC’s exciting new comedy series, Smoggie Queens.
Read MoreCapturing the Relentless Spirit of James J. Sexton at Our New York Studio
It was an honor to welcome James J. Sexton—celebrated trial attorney, bestselling author, and nationally recognized family law expert—to our New York studio for a portrait session that sought to capture not just a face, but a force of nature.
Read MoreCapturing the Creative: Music Editor Behind The Dark Knight Steps into the Spotlight with Rory Lewis
in Headshots, Los Angeles, New York, Musician, Everyone
