The Focus: Spontaneity, Character, and the Actor’s Portfolio
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.
LeVar Burton in Hollywood: Capturing an American Icon (Rory Lewis Photographer)
The "Rory Lewis" Direction: Creating Inventive Scenarios
Working with an actor of LeVar’s caliber allows for a high level of creative experimentation. My approach to portraiture relies heavily on active direction and the creation of inventive scenarios. Beyond the Pose: Rather than asking for static expressions, I encourage sitters to live within a moment, creating a "scenario" that allows for natural, unforced character shifts. The Power of Spontaneity: With LeVar, this method yielded a series of interesting expressions that reflect both his depth as an author/director and his legendary charisma as a performer.A Versatile Portfolio: In just sixty minutes, we captured a range of looks— from the contemplative and serious to the vibrant and engaging—providing a masterclass in what a focused actor's session can achieve.
A Trusted Lens for Global Talent
Whether working in London, New York City, or here in Los Angeles, my goal is to provide a creative sanctuary where public figures can express their true selves. My client list spans a wide spectrum of influence, from members of The Armed Forces and Royalty to former Prime Ministers and Hollywood Stars. For actors in Hollywood looking to refresh their brand, a session with Rory Lewis is not just a photo shoot; it is a collaboration. We use the lens to tell a story that casting directors and fans haven't seen before.
Featured Product: The Hollywood Actor’s Intensive
Inspired by sessions like this one with LeVar Burton, this product is designed for the professional who needs high-impact results in a streamlined timeframe: The 60-Minute Intensive: A high-velocity session focused on capturing 3-4 distinct character "archetypes" through expert direction.Location Flexibility: Available at our West Hollywood or DTLA studios, tailored to the specific energy of your neighborhood.Spontaneous Truth: Perfect for actors who want to move away from "headshot templates" and toward portraits that possess a unique, cinematic soul.
Rory Lewis provides cinematic headshots and portrait photography across Los Angeles, working with actors, executives, creatives, and professionals throughout Chinatown, Echo Park, Hollywood, East Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), Silver Lake, Koreatown, the Arts District, the Historic Core, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Studio City, Century City, Pasadena, Glendale, and Little Tokyo. Based in Los Angeles, Rory’s distinctive portrait style—known for dramatic lighting and expressive direction—attracts clients from across the city who are seeking powerful actor headshots, corporate portraits, and creative editorial photography in one of the world’s most dynamic creative capitals.