Sci-Fi & Fantasy Legends in the Studio: Capturing the Gravitas of Genre Giants in Hollywood

March 23, 2026 in Actors Headshots

There is a distinct, electric energy that hums through the streets of Studio City and the surrounding Hollywood studio lots. This is the historic epicenter of storytelling, where soundstages rise like modern-day colosseums and the line between reality and imagination is constantly blurred. Over the years, working out of my Los Angeles studio space, I’ve had the distinct privilege of photographing the very actors who anchor the biggest science fiction and fantasy franchises in cinematic history.

When you are tasked with photographing the captains of starships, the leaders of mutant rebellions, and the wizards of Middle-earth, the challenge is unique. How do you strip away the uniforms, the capes, and the visual effects to capture the raw, human gravitas of these genre giants?

Here is a masterclass breakdown of what it’s like to photograph Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellen, and William Shatner in the heart of Hollywood.

The Villains We Love: Photographing Television’s Greatest Antagonists

March 16, 2026 in Actors Headshots

There is a unique thrill in photographing the “bad guy.” In the landscape of modern television, the antagonist is rarely just a two-dimensional obstacle for the hero to overcome. Today’s villains are complex, layered, magnetic, and often entirely steal the show. As a portrait photographer, capturing the essence of these actors requires navigating the space between the terrifying characters they portray and the brilliant, multifaceted artists they are in reality.

When you strip away the scripts, the sets, and the costumes, what remains in the studio is raw presence. Here is a look behind the lens at my time photographing three of television’s most iconic and deeply loved antagonists: Brian Cox, Mark Margolis, and Ian McShane.

Remembering Mark Margolis: Capturing the Soul of a Hollywood Legend

March 16, 2026 in Actors Headshots

In the world of acting, a great performance is immortalized on film, but a truly iconic presence can be captured in a single portrait. As a portrait photographer, I have had the immense 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 was the late, great Mark Margolis, a true Hollywood legend whose impact on the industry remains indelible.

Mark was a force of nature, widely celebrated for his chilling, Emmy-nominated portrayal of Hector “Tio” Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, as well as his unforgettable roles in Scarface, The Wrestler, and Hannibal. Through my lens, I was fortunate enough to preserve two distinct moments in time with this remarkable man.

DTLA The "Northerners" Series: Capturing the Titans of the Stage

March 13, 2026 in Actors Headshots

In the world of acting, there is a distinct difference between being seen and being remembered. From Dame Judi Dench to Sir Ian McKellen, my project "The Northerners" was an exploration of British cultural titans—faces that have told a thousand stories and commanded the world's most prestigious stages.

This series, which has been recognized and acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London, was never about simple documentation. It was about capturing the gravitas of a lifetime dedicated to the craft.

Hollywood Actor Headshots with Cinematic Lighting | Rory Lewis Photographer

March 12, 2026 in Actors Headshots

Hollywood remains the epicenter of the global entertainment industry. Every year thousands of actors arrive in Los Angeles with the same goal—to build a career in film, television, and streaming productions. In such a competitive environment, the importance of a powerful, professional headshot cannot be overstated. For actors working in Hollywood, a headshot is more than a photograph; it is the first impression casting directors, agents, and producers have of you.

At my Los Angeles studio, I specialize in creating cinematic actor headshots designed specifically for the Hollywood industry. My approach blends the discipline of classical portraiture with the storytelling power of film lighting, resulting in images that feel authentic, compelling, and unmistakably professional.

Power Portraits: Capturing the Intellectual Balance of Ray Dalio

March 11, 2026 in Corporate

In the world of global finance, few figures carry the philosophical weight of Ray Dalio, the billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates. When Dalio sat for a portrait with me in New York, the goal was not to capture a moment of triumph, but one of deep, consequential transition.

This session serves as a masterclass in why industry leaders and CEOs trust the Rory Lewis Signature Editorial Finish to command attention in the press and on LinkedIn.

LeVar Burton in Hollywood: Capturing an American Icon (Rory Lewis Photographer)

LeVar Burton in Hollywood: Capturing an American Icon (Rory Lewis Photographer)

March 10, 2026 in Actors Headshots

Few faces in American culture are as universally recognized and respected as LeVar Burton. From the historical gravity of Kunta Kinte in Roots to the intellectual warmth of Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and his decades as the host of Reading Rainbow, LeVar has shaped the cultural landscape for generations.Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing LeVar at my West Hollywood Studio. In a session lasting just over an hour, we moved beyond the familiar "host" persona to capture a portfolio of truly spontaneous, unique, and thought-provoking portraits.

Eric Garcetti: The Holbein Influence in Beverly Hills Branding

March 09, 2026 in Corporate

In the world of high-stakes diplomacy and governance, an image must do more than capture a likeness—it must capture a legacy. My recent portrait sitting with Eric Garcetti, the current U.S. Ambassador to India and former Mayor of Los Angeles, serves as a definitive study in the power of professional branding for elite leaders.

For professionals in Beverly Hills and Century City, this session illustrates how a character-driven approach can elevate a standard headshot into a commanding editorial portrait.

Capturing the DoubleLine Investment Team: Financial Portraits DTLA

March 07, 2026 in Corporate

In the high velocity world of global finance, trust and high clarity are the primary currencies. For DoubleLine—one of the most respected independent, employee-owned investment firms in the U.S.—presenting a visual identity rooted in precision and credibility is essential.

When the firm sought portraits reflecting their leadership’s professionalism, they turned to the Rory Lewis DTLA Studioto craft a narrative of authority and disciplined strategy.

The Century City Standard: Why Modern Law Firms are Redefining 'Visual Authority’

March 06, 2026 in Corporate

In Century City, your professional image is not merely a placeholder on a website—it is a strategic asset. For the partners and associates of the "Wall Street of the West," a headshot is often the first point of contact with high-net-worth clients and global corporations.

The days of the unapproachable, bookshelf-backed lawyer portrait are over. In a district defined by its skyline and its proximity to the entertainment elite, legal branding is shifting toward a standard of Visual Authority that mirrors the prestige of a Royal commission.

The Death of the Bookshelf: Why Chinatown Lawyers are Ditching the 'Lawyerly' Backdrop

March 05, 2026 in Legal

For decades, the legal profession has adhered to a rigid visual code. When you pictured a lawyer’s headshot, you immediately thought of a pinstriped suit, a grim, unapproachable expression, and a backdrop of dark, wood-paneled bookshelves—even if those books were fake. This aesthetic signaled "competence" and "history."