New York and elevate your portrait work to a professional, cinematic standard.
This is not a passive lecture. It’s a practical, hands-on studio experience designed to refine your lighting, strengthen your direction, and transform how you see portraiture.
Investment: $389
Date: Saturday 14th March 2026
Limited Places Available
About the Tutor
Rory Lewis has made an exceptional mark on contemporary portrait photography, crafting imaginative and psychologically compelling images that are instantly recognisable for their dramatic light and painterly depth.
His sitters include:
Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Patrick Stewart
Ian McShane
Dame Judi Dench
Natalie Dormer
William Shatner
Rory is a four-time winner of the Portrait of Britain Award (2017–2020), and his work is held in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery.
His acclaimed long-term project Soldiery documenting the modern British Army was recognised by the BBC as “The Changing Face of the British Army.”
New York Portrait Photography Masterclass Saturday 22nd August 2026
$389.00
Join internationally published portrait photographer Rory Lewis, on a one day workshop, to master portraiture and bring your work to the next level.
About the Tutor
Renowned photographer Rory Lewis has made an exceptional mark on the world of photography and visual arts, crafting consistently imaginative and thought-provoking portraits. Among his subjects are distinguished individuals such as Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Ian McShane, Dame Judi Dench, Natalie Dormer, and many more. Rory's distinctive portraiture style is gaining widespread recognition.
Rory Lewis, an esteemed photographer, has left an indelible mark on the realm of photography and the visual arts. His portfolio showcases a consistent display of imaginative and thought-provoking portraits. Notable figures such as Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Ian McShane, Dame Judi Dench, Natalie Dormer, and many others have had the privilege of posing for Rory. His distinctive style of portraiture has garnered widespread recognition.
Experience the transformative power of hands-on learning in our workshops, where you'll gain more knowledge in a single day than months of reading about photographic techniques. These workshops provide practical tuition sessions that allow ample time to learn and apply the skills being taught. Collaborate with professional models on the day and capture breathtaking photographs that will enhance your portfolio.
Participants of these workshops will acquire the skills necessary to develop and refine their portrait photography techniques. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate photographer, our sessions cater to individuals at every level, from amateur enthusiasts to semi-professionals. Dive into the world of studio flash lighting, expand your understanding of studio techniques, and experiment with photographic models.
You will be guided through the nuances of different lighting tools, such as soft boxes, umbrellas, and snoots, as well as the effective use of reflectors. Delve into the realm of soft and hard lighting techniques, discovering how they can transform the mood and impact of a portrait. Gain insights into the function of studio lighting, including fill lights, back lights, and hair lights, and witness how they shape the final image. Rory's expertise will extend to teaching you how to direct models through inventive scenarios and posing techniques, resulting in captivating and dynamic photographs.
In Rory Lewis's workshops, you will embark on a journey of artistic growth, expanding your skill set and developing a keen eye for capturing memorable portraits.
Common Questions
Do I need to bring any Lighting equipment? No Just your Camera & Lens, 85MM - 50MM Ideal for portraits.
Will I get to work with the models? Yes, plenty of time to shoot, working with the models and equipment.
Is the course aimed at Beginners? Yes and Intermediate Photographers who have knowledge on how to use their camera in manual mode.
About Rory Lewis
Rory Lewis, a distinguished portrait photographer, has achieved remarkable recognition as the winner of the Portrait of Britain award in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. With an unwavering dedication to his craft, Rory has spent close to two decades capturing the faces of some of the world's most prominent figures. Notable sitters have included renowned individuals such as William Shatner, Sir Patrick Stewart, David Cameron, Tony Blair, Iain Glen, and Natalie Dormer.
Rory's captivating images have graced exhibitions on both sides of the Atlantic, solidifying his reputation as an internationally acclaimed photographer. His iconic portraits have been acquired by the esteemed National Portrait Gallery in London, a testament to their enduring impact and artistic significance. One of his notable projects, "Soldiery," stands as a testament to his skill and vision. Over the course of two years, Rory documented the British Army of the 21st Century, capturing their essence and stories. This project has garnered widespread acclaim, being hailed as a national success story and even recognized by the BBC as "The changing face of the British Army."
Rory Lewis's photographic journey is marked by excellence, with his images capturing the essence of his subjects and leaving an indelible mark on the art world.
What You’ll Learn
Experience the transformative power of immersive, hands-on training. In one focused day, you’ll gain more applied knowledge than months of reading theory.
Studio Lighting Mastery
Understanding soft vs hard light
Effective use of softboxes, umbrellas, snoots, and reflectors
Fill light, hair light, and back light techniques
Creating cinematic depth using controlled contrast
Directing & Posing
How to guide models confidently
Building expression and presence
Creating narrative and character in a single frame
Avoiding stiff or generic poses
Real Shooting Time
You will work directly with professional models and have ample time to shoot using the setups demonstrated. This is portfolio-building in real time.
Who Is This For?
Beginners ready to move beyond natural light
Intermediate photographers refining technical confidence
Enthusiasts serious about developing a distinctive visual style
Semi-professionals looking to strengthen their portfolio
Common Questions
Do I need to bring lighting equipment?
No — just your camera and lens.
An 85mm or 50mm lens is ideal for portraits.
Will I get to shoot?
Yes. There is dedicated shooting time with models and studio equipment.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes — beginners and intermediates are welcome. You should understand how to operate your camera in manual mode.
Why This Workshop Is Different
Rory’s approach blends classical painting influences with modern cinematic portraiture. Drawing inspiration from masters such as Caravaggio and Holbein, his lighting philosophy focuses on mood, structure, and narrative — not gimmicks.
You will leave with:
A stronger understanding of light
Increased confidence directing subjects
Portfolio-ready images
A clearer artistic direction