Cinematic Headshots for Actors, CEOs, Executives & Corporate Professionals in Los Angeles
THE NEW STANDARD OF THE L.A. HEADSHOT.
Rory Lewis brings a signature British editorial style to Los Angeles. Whether you are stepping onto a film set or into the boardroom, we create images that command attention.
Step 1: Email the Studio
Email Alexandra at AL@RORYLEWIS.STUDIO or fill in form below and share a little about yourself, your headshot goals, and whether you’d like to shoot in LA or NYC or London.
Step 2: Get Session Details
Rory will carefully review your inquiry and send you full session experiences, pricing, and current availability, so you can move forward with clarity.
Rory Lewis Captures Sir Patrick Stewart (Rory Lewis Photographer)
The British Eye. A Museum-Grade Legacy.
With over twenty years behind the lens, Rory Lewis is an award-winning British Portraitist whose work is held in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery (London). Having captured defining images of royalty and Hollywood icons like Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen, Rory brings that same master-level precision to every LA session.
💼 Visual Architecture for the Modern Leader
Your professional image is your first negotiation. We provide editorial-grade branding for CEOs, Founders, and Authors who require more than a generic corporate photo. Our portraits balance unshakeable confidence with genuine approachability.
🎭 The Cinematic Edge: Actor Headshots for High-Stakes Casting
In a sea of flat-lit LA headshots, we specialize in depth, shadow, and intention. We don't "take" photos—we direct character. By identifying your "type" and applying cinematic lighting, we create the images that stop a Casting Director's scroll.
Trusted by the world’s most influential organizations, Rory Lewis architects the visual identity of global industry leaders and C-Suite executives. Simultaneously, his cinematic portraiture serves as a catalyst for talent, with Rory’s subjects consistently securing leading roles in major studio features and Emmy-award-winning productions.
Step 1: Email the Studio
Email Alexandra at AL@RORYLEWIS.STUDIO or fill in form below and share a little about yourself, your headshot goals, and whether you’d like to shoot in LA or NYC or London.
Step 2: Get Session Details
Rory will carefully review your inquiry and send you full session experiences, pricing, and current availability, so you can move forward with clarity.
🧭 Studio Location
📍 124 W 4th St, Unit 222, Los Angeles, CA 90013
(Inside the historic Farmers & Merchants Bank Building)
The Los Angeles Experience
Premier Los Angeles Location: Sessions are our professional creative hub at 124 W 4th St, Unit 222, Los Angeles, CA 90013, easily accessible for professionals across all sectors.
Signature Cinematic Lighting: Expertise in Chiaroscuro and Tenebrism creates portraits with depth and drama that stand out to casting directors and industry leaders alike.
High-Stakes Direction: Rory’s process focuses on "continuous movement and direction," capturing the spontaneity and truth needed for modern branding.
Industry Approval: Recommended by major industry platforms like Spotlight and Backstage Casting, Rory provides the visual shorthand for professional excellence.
It was an absolute pleasure to photograph Ben Miles, whose remarkable career spans stage, film, and television. From his breakout role in the BBC comedy Coupling to his nuanced portrayal of Peter Townsend in The Crown and most recently as Tay Kolma in Andor, Ben has long stood as one of Britain’s most versatile actors.
With over two decades of experience, Rory Lewis is one of the UK’s leading photographers, celebrated for his exceptional skill in crafting actors’ headshots that open doors and define careers. His London studio has welcomed hundreds of talented performers—each session tailored to reveal the individuality and emotional
This week, I had the pleasure of photographing Jennifer Riker, an accomplished American actress whose striking versatility spans television, film, and voiceover. Best known for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Helga Jace in the Warner Bros/DC Entertainment hit series Black Lightning, Jennifer brings an incredible depth of intelligence and nuance to every role she inhabits.
At our Downtown Los Angeles studio, I recently had the pleasure of photographing Saint, a promising young actor whose natural confidence and expressive presence made for a truly engaging headshot session.
It was a real pleasure to welcome actress, director, and creative force Ana Peralta Chong into my Downtown Los Angeles studio for a recent session of headshots and digitals.
It was an honor to welcome Peter O’Meara into my Los Angeles studio for a headshot session. A lauded character actor, Peter has built an extraordinary career across stage and screen, with performances that have captivated audiences in both Europe and the United States.
It was a pleasure to welcome actor and broadcaster James Packard into my Downtown Los Angeles studio for a recent headshot session. James, known for his role in Darkness Reigns (2017), was born in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, on August 13, 1995, and raised in Denver, Colorado. From a young age, he felt a strong pull toward the craft of acting, pursuing it with focus during his college years. Today, he continues to balance his work on screen and in broadcasting, carving out a distinctive presence in the entertainment industry.
What an incredible moment for one of Britain’s finest actors. Stephen Graham has been named Outstanding Lead Actorat the Emmy Awards for his unforgettable performance in Netflix’s Adolescence.
In the world of Hollywood, every actor, writer, and artist is constantly striving to capture their unique essence—a challenge that requires more than just good lighting and a perfect backdrop. It’s about revealing the inner character, the subtle emotions, and the vibrant energy that sets them apart. This is exactly what actor, writer, and artist Sean Hemeonachieved when he recently partnered with Rory Lewis, the celebrated Los Angeles-based headshot photographer, to capture his headshots at Rory’s studio in Downtown LA.
Destiny Edwards radiates confidence and poise in her latest digitals, presenting a look that is both timeless and contemporary. With her natural beauty and effortless expression, Destiny’s session resulted in photographs that showcase her as a standout face for agencies across fashion and commercial markets.
British actor Rufus Sewell has joined the star-studded cast of The Sandman Season 2, portraying the formidable and emotionally distant character Time—a cosmic force older than the universe itself. Sewell’s role adds profound philosophical weight to the series, exploring Dream’s fate through the lens of eternal responsibility, emotional wounds, and the burdens of generational memory.
My aim during every portrait session is to highlight the essence of the individual—to go beyond surface and reveal personality, narrative, and presence. With Andy, the process was fluid and intuitive. His ability to shift effortlessly between expressions, his understanding of lighting and movement, and his comfort in front of the camera made the experience electric.
Renowned New York-based British photographer Rory Lewis has once again showcased his exceptional talent, this time by capturing striking headshots for Caitlin Garcia. With over 20 years of experience behind the lens, Rory has established himself as a leader in the field, specializing in royalty and celebrity portraiture.Based in the heart of Manhattan, his studio serves as a creative hub where he crafts his iconic, timeless portraits.
1st – 12th October 2025
📍 London
If you missed out on the chance to work with one of the industry’s most acclaimed photographers, now’s your opportunity—Rory Lewis is returning to London this October for a limited run of exclusive headshot sessions
It was a pleasure to welcome actor Anthony Giordano into my Manhattan studio for a recent headshot session. Best known for his roles in New Timers (2014), The Mysteries of Laura (2014), and Person of Interest (2011), Anthony brought a wealth of experience, presence, and versatility to the shoot. With a strong background in both comedy and drama, he’s an actor who understands the power of a great headshot—and how it can open doors.
Book your professional actor headshots in New York with Rory Lewis, a celebrity photographer trusted by stars from Game of Thrones, The Crown, Succession, and more. With over 20 years of experience, Rory crafts powerful, cinematic portraits that open casting doors.
It was an absolute pleasure to work with acclaimed actor Michael Rose, whose screen presence, depth, and range are nothing short of remarkable. As a portrait photographer, I am always searching for that ineffable quality that elevates a subject—and with Michael, it was instantly there, brimming with intensity, character, and quiet power.
We recently welcomed actor and writer Cooper Levy to the Downtown Los Angeles studio for a portrait session. Based in Toronto, Cooper is a multi-talented creative who merges a passion for performance with a strong academic foundation. A graduate of Queen’s University with a degree in Computer Science and the Creative Arts—specializing in music—Cooper brings depth, intellect, and artistry to every endeavor.
Capturing rising talent is always a privilege—especially when the subject brings both purpose and passion to the frame. Recently, I had the pleasure of welcoming actor Mark Murphy into the New York studio for a headshot session.
As the world celebrates Star Wars Day, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable actors I’ve photographed over the years—some of whom have stepped into the mythos of one of the most beloved franchises in cinematic history.
It’s always a privilege to work with emerging talent at the start of their careers, and my recent session with Rory Adam was no exception. Fresh from graduating at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Rory is already making waves, set to star as Jack in the BBC’s exciting new comedy series, Smoggie Queens.
It was a pleasure to welcome Juan, a talented Spanish actor, singer, and performer, into my London studio for his new set of professional headshots. Based in London and holding an MA in Music Theatre from the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Juan brings a unique blend of discipline, creativity, and versatility to the acting world.
Jared Canfield, a compelling presence on screen known for his performances in The Blacklist (2013), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), and Power Book IV: Force (2022), recently stepped in front of my lens for a headshot session at my Manhattan studio.
As a New York-based British photographer with a deep passion for portraiture, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of actors, creatives, and public figures. Recently, I welcomed rising actor Michael Baszler to my Manhattan studio for a dynamic headshot session—an experience that perfectly captured the energy and ambition of New York’s vibrant acting community.
Lexx Brown stopped by the studio recently for a session focused on updated model digitals, captured in collaboration with Model of Choice.
Dylan-Lorenzo stopped by the studio recently for a focused set of model digitals, created in collaboration with Model of Choice. From the first frame, it was clear Dylan brings a sharp sense of presence—a mix of intensity and ease that translates well on camera.
Knowledge-Wiley came through the studio recently for a crisp set of model digitals, captured in collaboration with Model of Choice. There’s a quiet strength in his demeanor—something both calm and focused—which made for a steady and intentional shoot from the start.
I had the privilege this week of photographing Babs Olusanmokun in my London studio, and as I worked I found myself thinking, not for the first time, about how often I get to say that word — privilege — about the Black actors who find their way to my chair.
There is a particular quiet that settles over a portrait sitting when the subject is, by trade, a maker of sound. The performer who fills a room — who has stood in front of seventeen thousand people at the Coca-Cola Arena and held them — arrives in my studio and discovers that the only instrument I am asking him to play is his own stillness. Nick Pritchard understood this faster than most.
There is a particular satisfaction in taking down a body of work you have looked at for too long and replacing it with something better. I have just done exactly that. The headshot portfolio has been rebuilt from the ground up — newer sittings, harder edits, a great deal that didn't make the cut. What's left is, I think, the strongest the studio has put out.
Kiko Macan came to the Downtown Los Angeles studio this week for new headshots, and I was rather pleased he did. Kiko is one of those sitters who arrives with two careers in his pocket — actor and director — which makes the session a more interesting puzzle than usual. A headshot for an actor sells presence; a portrait for a director sells authority. We set out to do both.
Some sitters arrive at the studio with a CV; Jacobo Fe Gismera arrived with a biography that reads like one of his own screenplays. A Spaniard in Los Angeles by way of UCLA, he was the youngest novelist in Spain to publish in the historical genre, putting out his peplum novel Perfectus Imperator at nineteen, the same age he began a modelling career that has since run to hundreds of publications across a dozen or more countries.
There is a particular awkwardness, and a particular pleasure, in photographing another photographer. They know exactly what you are doing. They have stood where you are standing, made the same small adjustments to a collar, watched the same flicker of self-consciousness cross a face and waited it out. You cannot hide the mechanics from them, and so you stop trying.
There are sitters who arrive carrying their work in their face before they've said a word, and Carlo Mendez is one of them. He came into the Main Street studio on a bright Downtown morning, and within a few minutes it was clear this was a man entirely at ease in front of a lens — which, for a photographer, is both a gift and a quiet challenge. Ease can flatten a portrait if you let it. The task becomes finding the moment underneath the comfort.
There's a particular kind of luck in photographing someone you know completely. With Sasha I've now made more portraits than of any other subject I've ever worked with, and these latest frames from the LA studio are some of the ones I keep returning to. The cropped platinum hair, the stacked silver ear pieces, the Adidas track top with its three stripes — there's an austere, almost sculptural confidence to her here that the lighting was built to serve rather than soften.
These are recent Los Angeles actor headshots, photographed last week in my Downtown LA studio. Kadu is an imposing presence and a genuinely talented actor — the kind of subject who makes the room go a little quieter the moment he settles in front of the camera.
Ben Palacios came through the Downtown Los Angeles studio last week, as part of an ongoing refresh of the actor look book — a deliberate evolution of lighting, styling and approach intended to give clients the distinction casting directors are now demanding.
Alex Blake came back to the studio recently for an update to his headshots — the kind of return visit that punctuates most working actors' careers every two or three years, when the credits have grown, the face has settled into something a little more itself, and the agent has started asking gently whether the current image is still doing the work it ought to. Alex's was, mostly. But "mostly" is the word that brings actors back.
Portraits of Babs Olusanmokun, London | Rory Lewis
Portrait photographer Rory Lewis on capturing actor Babs Olusanmokun (Dune, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) at his London studio — five years in the making.
Most of the best things that happen in this trade arrive sideways, by way of a handshake you weren't expecting. This was one of those.
I had been asked to speak at Samy's, here in Los Angeles, on the subject of Godox lighting — a perfectly cheerful evening of light shaping and the usual debates about modifiers, where two photographers can disagree for an hour and both be right. When it was over a gentleman came up, introduced himself, and put a card in my hand. Edward Goldstein. He mentioned, almost in passing, that he did some modelling.
The news from Westminster this week confirms what many in the Labour movement have suspected for some time. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has been cleared by Labour's National Executive Committee to contest the Makerfield by-election — the seat vacated by Josh Simons — with a view to challenging Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership of the Labour Party.
Portraits of Babs Olusanmokun, London | Rory Lewis
Portrait photographer Rory Lewis on capturing actor Babs Olusanmokun (Dune, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) at his London studio — five years in the making.
🛠️ The Process
Consultation — define goals, type, and usage.
Wardrobe Guidance — plan tones & styles that flatter on camera.
Guided Session — expressive coaching to capture your range.
Proof Gallery — review & select favorites.
Professional Retouching — subtle polish, natural finish.
Delivery — ready-to-use files for Spotlight, Backstage, IMDb, and LinkedIn.
⭐ Why Choose Rory Lewis in Los Angeles
International Reputation: portraits exhibited by the National Portrait Gallery (London).
Cinematic Lighting Mastery: inspired by Caravaggio and modern film stills.
Personalized Direction: relaxed sessions that build confidence and authenticity.
Industry Recognition: recommended by Spotlight & Backstage Casting.
Trusted by Leaders & Artists: from Hollywood to Wall Street.
Michael Richardson stepped into the studio for a set of striking model digitals that highlight his natural presence and versatility. With clean lines, sharp features, and effortless style, Michael’s digitals provide agencies with exactly what they need: unfiltered, authentic images that showcase his potential across fashion, lifestyle, and commercial work.