Actor Brian Cox - The Villains We Love: Photographing Television’s Greatest Antagonists (Rory Lewis Photographer 2026)
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.
Brian Cox: The Commanding Force of Logan Roy
Long before he became a global phenomenon as the terrifying, empire-building patriarch Logan Roy on HBO’s Succession, Brian Cox was already acting royalty. He brought an undeniable, Shakespearean gravity to his portrait sitting.
Photographing Brian is an exercise in capturing power. There is a formidable weight to his gaze—a sharp, piercing intelligence that easily explains why he was cast as one of television's most intimidating titans. Yet, balancing that immense on-screen persona is his quick wit and classical acting background. The goal of his portrait was to capture that underlying storm—the quiet, simmering intensity of a man who commands every room he enters, balanced with the distinguished elegance of a masterful stage actor.
Actor Mark Margolis - The Villains We Love: Photographing Television’s Greatest Antagonists (Rory Lewis Photographer 2026)
Mark Margolis: The Silent Terror of Hector Salamanca
How do you capture the essence of a character who struck fear into millions of viewers without ever uttering a word? Mark Margolis’s brilliant, Emmy-nominated portrayal of Hector “Tio” Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul is a masterclass in physical acting. The haunting stare, the twisted expression, the iconic bell—he created a villain of pure nightmare fuel.
Yet, as I’ve written about before, having the late, great Mark Margolis in the studio was a joy. The man behind the terrifying cartel boss was warm, approachable, and remarkably insightful. During our Selah project sitting in New York, I aimed to strip away the "Salamanca" intimidation. Instead, we leaned into an Old Master, Rembrandt-inspired aesthetic. The resulting portraits don't show a villain, but rather a profoundly soulful, meditative artist bearing the beautiful, rugged map of a life well-lived.
Actor Ian McShane - The Villains We Love: Photographing Television’s Greatest Antagonists (Rory Lewis Photographer 2026)
Ian McShane: The Roguish Charm of Al Swearengen
Few characters in television history are as fiercely beloved—despite their utter ruthlessness—as Al Swearengen from HBO’s Deadwood. Ian McShane’s portrayal of the cutthroat, fiercely intelligent, and poetically profane saloon owner earned him an Emmy nomination and a permanent place in television history.
In the studio, Ian brings that exact same undeniable, roguish magnetism. He possesses a rugged, unapologetic swagger that the camera absolutely loves. Photographing him is about capturing that glint in the eye—the charismatic danger that makes you want to pull up a chair to his table, even if you know you're about to lose the hand. His portraits are steeped in texture, shadow, and an intense, unwavering confidence.
The Art of the Antagonist
What connects these three incredible actors is their ability to find the humanity within the monster. They don't play "villains"—they play deeply flawed, powerfully motivated men. As a photographer, my job is to honor that complexity. By utilizing cinematic lighting and focusing on the subtle micro-expressions of their faces, we can freeze the dark charisma that makes these antagonists so utterly unforgettable.
Book Your Cinematic Portrait Whether you are an actor looking to capture your own dramatic range for your portfolio, or a brand seeking powerful, storytelling imagery, my studio brings a director’s eye to portraiture. Contact the studio today to inquire about availability and rates in Culver City, Beverly Hills, and Studio City.
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.