Sasha Lewis – My Muse, My Partner, My Constant Inspiration
Portraiture
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 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.
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Discovering London’s Essence: Rory Lewis Returns October 2025
Last Chance to Book in the UK This Year for Portraits & Headshots
Discovering London’s Essence: Rory Lewis Returns October 2025
Rory Lewis, a celebrated portrait and headshot photographer with studios in Los Angeles, New York, and London, is returning to the capital this October 2025 for a limited series of portrait and headshot sessions. This will be Rory’s final visit to the UK in 2025, offering a last chance for clients to work with one of the world’s most sought-after portraitists.
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 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 MorePortraits in Power: Usha Vance for The Free Press
Commissioned by The Free Press, I recently had the opportunity to photograph Usha Vance, Second Lady of the United States, at her Washington, D.C. residence. Captured in natural light across the Naval Observatory, the portraits reveal a quiet strength and thoughtful elegance—echoing her growing presence on the national stage. From veranda to fireplace, this session offered a rare glimpse into the life of one of America’s most compelling political figures.
Read MoreLA Greats: Remembering Three Legendary Actors Through Portraits by Rory Lewis
In the world of acting, a great performance is immortalized through film, but a truly iconic presence is captured in a single portrait. As a Los Angeles-based headshot photographer, I have had the privilege of photographing some of the finest actors in the industry—artists whose faces tell the stories of their careers, their struggles, and their triumphs. Among them were three Hollywood legends who have since passed but whose impact on the industry remains indelible: Richard Herd, René Auberjonois, and Mark Margolis.
Read MoreA Holbein-Inspired Portrait of William Shatner: A Timeless Study in Character
William Shatner is a name synonymous with adventure, charisma, and an undeniable presence—both on screen and in real life. Best known for his legendary portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk aboard the USS Enterprise, Shatner has long been an icon of science fiction and popular culture. Yet, beyond his cinematic legacy, he is also a man of deep passions, with a profound love for horses that has been a defining part of his personal life.
Read MoreThank You, VoyageLA, for the Opportunity to Share My Story
I am deeply honored to have been featured in VoyageLA Magazine and to share my journey with their incredible readers. The opportunity to reflect on my path—from my beginnings as a history student at King’s College London to becoming a portrait photographer inspired by history, art, and humanity—has been both humbling and energizing.
Read MoreActor VJ Kesh Sits for Portraits with Renowned Photographer Rory Lewis in Los Angeles
Celebrated actor, model, and voice artist VJ Kesh recently posed for a series of striking portraits at Rory Lewis’s Los Angeles studio. Known for his roles in Wilfred (2007), Blue Heelers (1994), and Narcosys (2000), VJ Kesh brings over 35 years of experience in film, television, and theater. Born in Malaysia and of Indian ancestry, Kesh has spent decades honing his craft across Australia, India, Europe, the U.S., and Mexico. This rich tapestry of life experiences makes him a sought-after talent for character-driven roles and voice narration.
Read MoreWin a $2,500 Portrait Session and Support Heroes in Focus!
in Portraiture, Charity
Win a $2,500 Portrait Session and Support Heroes in Focus!
We’re excited to announce an incredible opportunity to win an exclusive headshot or portrait session valued at $2,500, while supporting a meaningful cause—the Heroes in Focus Foundation. This online raffle is your chance to receive a premium photography experience at Rory Lewis Studios in Los Angeles, New York, or London, all while helping us honor and preserve the stories of those who serve.
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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 MoreDiscovering London's Essence: Rory Lewis, Premier Portrait and Headshot Photographer
Returning to London this Spring 2025, Rory Lewis, an esteemed headshot and portrait photographer with over two decades of experience, is offering exclusive portrait sessions. Renowned for his ability to capture captivating images, Rory’s portfolio reflects his versatility and ingenuity, making him a preferred choice for actors, military leaders, corporate professionals, and celebrities alike. From iconic figures such as Sir Patrick Stewart and Dame Judi Dench to top-ranking military officers, Rory’s lens reveals the essence of his subjects.
Mark Your Calendars: March 3rd – 7th, 2025
Read MoreYear in Review: 2024—My Top 10 Favorite Portrait Sessions
As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with incredible collaborations, creative breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments behind the camera. From Los Angeles to London and New York, I had the privilege of working with remarkable individuals who brought their unique stories to life through portraiture. Here are my top 10 favorite sessions of the year:
Read MoreCapturing Lorena Sarbu: A Portrait Session at Rory Lewis’s Los Angeles Studio
When Lorena Sarbu stepped into my Downtown Los Angeles studio, it was immediately clear why she is a celebrated visionary in the world of couture. Known for her intricate designs and captivating presence, Lorena’s elegance and artistry brought an inspiring energy to the session.
Read MoreCapturing Andei Crabel: A Distinctive Portrait Session at Rory Lewis’ Los Angeles Studio
In the heart of Los Angeles, my studio recently welcomed the talented actor and model Andei Crabel for a captivating portrait session. Known for his striking presence and dynamic versatility, Andei brought an energy to the studio that perfectly aligned with my vision of distinctive and thought-provoking portraiture.
Read MoreChronoVisions: Reimagining Power – Adam Wesley as Napoleon in Coronation Robes
The "ChronoVisions: An Epochal Fusion" project continues to delve into the intersection of history, artistry, and imagination, and its latest addition is no exception. Featuring actor Adam Wesley, this portrait is a reinterpretation of the celebrated "Portrait of Napoleon in Coronation Robes" by Baron François Gérard (1804). Inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte's momentous self-coronation as Emperor on December 2, 1804, this new work captures the spirit of grandeur, self-aggrandizement, and myth-making that defined one of history's most fascinating figures.
Read MoreChronoVisions: A Moment of Contemplation – Portrait of Barbara Ramos
One of the most rewarding aspects of my ChronoVisions project is the ability to explore the emotions and complexities of my subjects within a historical and artistic framework. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing Barbara Ramos, a striking and thoughtful subject whose presence brought a unique depth to this ongoing series.
Read MoreChronoVisions: An Epochal Fusion – "The Civil Code"
As a photographer, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of history and storytelling. My latest portrait, titled "The Civil Code," is a continuation of my ChronoVisions series, a project inspired by the enigmatic Chronovisor and the allure of exploring different eras through art. This particular portrait takes its cues from the Napoleonic era, a time of revolutionary change and enduring influence.
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