Rory Lewis Photographer Headshots & Portraiture

Field Marshal David Julian Richards, Baron Richards of Herstmonceux, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL—appointed Honorary Field Marshal by His Majesty The King in June 2025—sat for my non-profit archive, Heroes in Focus, on Monday, 6 October 2025. This portrait marks a significant addition to our mission to document the living history of Britain’s senior military leadership.

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.

Rory Lewis, a renowned photographer, collaborated with former Prime Minister Theresa May, capturing a striking book cover in May 2022. Based in Los Angeles and working across New York and the UK, Lewis's work reflects May's challenging years in power, addressing the abuse of power that harmed individuals and eroded public trust in institutions. With a focus on incidents such as Hillsborough, Grenfell, Daniel Morgan, and parliamentary scandals, May's upcoming book, "The Abuse of Power," calls for a radical reevaluation of politics and public life. Lewis's portraits of May, showcasing contemplation and thoughtfulness, offer a precise and neutral representation of history, preserving every mark and line.

On April 21st 2023, Rory Lewis, a renowned portrait photographer, exhibited his Royal Exhibition at the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles. The exhibit featured notable and historic individuals participating in the upcoming Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. The Archbishop of Canterbury, who will place the Royal crown on the new King’s head, was among those captured. Other participants included members of the Royal Family, senior military leaders, and political figures.

Notre Dame has asked me to guest lecture at the University on 19th April 2023. I’m looking forward to visiting South Bend, Indiana. My project Selah will take centre stage. I’ll be discussing the religious and fine art inspiration behind the project.

Delighted to work with The Virginia Military Institute, capturing staff & cadet portraits. Founded in 1839, Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is the oldest state-supported military college in the United States.

Gratifying to see Selah previewed in my home city of Liverpool from 12-19th October 2020. The pictures were due to be shown in March, but due to the coronavirus the show was postponed.

Rory Lewis is delighted to announce a live talk for the British Journal of Photography. 1854 Presents hosts free virtual artist talks, Q&As, panel discussions and more with leading international figures in contemporary photography.

Soldiery British Army Portraits appeared at an event in London on Monday 21st October 2019. My guests included His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, KG, GCMG, GCVO, CD, ADC, General Sir James Everard, KCB, CBE NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gavin Williamson CBE MP and minsters from Government and Senior Military Personnel.

Thank you to everyone who attended my first Italian Exhibition 11th – 14th December 2018 at Palazzo Cusani in Milan. The exhibition featuring portraits from my Soldati della Repubblica project. In which I spent the summer of 2018, travelling across Italy, capturing portraits of the wonderfully historic and diverse Italian Army.

Field Marshal David Julian Richards, Baron Richards of Herstmonceux, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL—appointed Honorary Field Marshal by His Majesty The King in June 2025—sat for my non-profit archive, Heroes in Focus, on Monday, 6 October 2025. This portrait marks a significant addition to our mission to document the living history of Britain’s senior military leadership.

My first portrait of Lord Houghton was taken in 2014 when he was Chief of the Defence Staff. Over a decade later, photographing him again as Field Marshal felt like closing a chapter — capturing the passage of time, service, and quiet dignity that defines a lifetime of leadership.

Rory Lewis reflects on his long-held ambition to photograph The League of Gentlemen—icons of British comedy. Having already captured Steve Pemberton in 2024 and recently photographed Reece Shearsmith in London, he now hopes to complete the trio with Mark Gatiss. The post celebrates Lewis’s admiration for their dark, intelligent humour and explores his belief that comedy and portraiture share a deep connection through their study of human expression and character.

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.

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.

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:

Portraiture has always been about more than capturing an image; it is about telling a story. In my portrait of General Sir James Everard, recently featured in The Telegraph, I aimed to convey not only the authority but also the profound responsibility embodied by one of the UK's most experienced military leaders.

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.

At my London studio, I strive to create a comfortable and inviting environment for clients like Michele. Our session was designed to capture her authentic self—someone who is both approachable and deeply insightful. By employing a blend of precise direction and imaginative scenarios, I aimed to elicit genuine expressions that speak to her philosophy of empowerment and self-knowledge.

I am deeply honored to express my gratitude to the Royal Photographic Society and its esteemed RPS Journal for featuring my journey and work in the captivating article by Ciaran Sneddon. The publication of this piece, detailing my experiences and the evolution of my craft, has truly been a remarkable highlight in my career.

As a photographer deeply passionate about capturing the essence of history and tradition through portraiture, my recent collaboration with The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeth's Own) was an incredibly inspiring journey. Immersed in the rich heritage and timeless values of this esteemed regiment, I embarked on a mission to create evocative table scenes that would pay homage to their legacy.

In the realm of portrait photography, every subject brings a unique story to the frame. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing Nabil Hayel Saeed Anam, MD, Managing Director of Hayel Saeed Anam Yemen and Board Member of HSA Group, for Forbes Middle East. Through the lens of my camera, I sought to encapsulate not just his image but also the profound narrative of collaboration and resilience he embodies.

ChronoVisions unveils the profound introspection of young soldier Tyler Huxtable in a poignant moment. Contemplating the weight of his deeds, the photograph becomes a powerful testament to the human cost of conflict.

In the heart of impending conflict, ChronoVisions captures actor Michael Rose embodying the role of a general. In the eve of battle, Rose's resolute stare pierces through the photograph, encapsulating the burdens of command and the strategic brilliance demanded by war.

ChronoVisions unfolds a tableau of unyielding brotherhood as Devin McElvogue, Michael Rose, and Tyler Huxtable stand united in a scene of soldiers in formation. This group portrait transcends imagery, encapsulating the unspoken bonds forged in the crucible of war. Each face tells a story of shared challenges, camaraderie, and unyielding strength, adding layers of authenticity to the historical narrative. In this visual odyssey, these warriors become a testament to the enduring spirit of brotherhood amid the chaos of conflict.

In the latest issue of Good Light Magazine, the spotlight falls on renowned photographer Rory Lewis as he shares his journey photographing billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, co-chief investment officer at Bridgewater Associates. Lewis's captivating portrait of Dalio takes center stage in a feature that unravels the nuances of capturing the essence of industry icons.

In the grand tapestry of the ChronoVisions project, the Last Supper scene unfolds as a spectacular orchestration of talents and inspirations. The cast includes Tony Amendola as The Duke, Devin McElvogue as Center General, and Michael Rose in the dual roles of 2nd General Two and The Bishop, showcasing their versatility. Tyler Huxtable takes on the roles of The Priest and Third General. Stella Mascio as the Princess and Alexandra Lewis as the Noble Women.

Renowned portrait photographer Rory Lewis possesses a unique skill – the ability to unravel the captivating malevolence within iconic actors as they embrace villainous roles. Through the lens of his camera, Lewis masterfully captures the timeless essence of these characters, bringing them to life in a way that transcends the screen. In this spotlight, we delve into Lewis' portfolio, exploring his portrayal of actors who have left an indelible mark on cinema through their iconic villainous performances.

Recently, I had the privilege of embarking on a captivating collaboration photoshoot that sought to encapsulate Napoleon's multifaceted life journey. Through the lens of my camera, I aimed to depict four distinct phases of his life, each brought to life by talented actors who breathed authenticity into their roles.

Los Angeles-based portrait photographer Rory Lewis has achieved a remarkable milestone in his photography career as his project, 'Soldiery,' finds a permanent home in the prestigious National Army Museum in London. Celebrating two decades in the industry, Lewis' 'Soldiery' is a testament to his dedication and talent as a portraitist.

As the highly anticipated second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power approaches, fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting another epic adventure in the enchanting realm of Middle-earth. Amidst the excitement, a crucial aspect of bringing these fantastical worlds to life is the captivating promotional imagery that builds anticipation and intrigue. In this case, renowned photographer Rory Lewis had the extraordinary privilege of capturing the enigmatic Ciarán Hinds' portraits for the show's promotional material at his Los Angeles Studio.

Rory Lewis, a renowned photographer, collaborated with former Prime Minister Theresa May, capturing a striking book cover in May 2022. Based in Los Angeles and working across New York and the UK, Lewis's work reflects May's challenging years in power, addressing the abuse of power that harmed individuals and eroded public trust in institutions. With a focus on incidents such as Hillsborough, Grenfell, Daniel Morgan, and parliamentary scandals, May's upcoming book, "The Abuse of Power," calls for a radical reevaluation of politics and public life. Lewis's portraits of May, showcasing contemplation and thoughtfulness, offer a precise and neutral representation of history, preserving every mark and line.