There is no neutral way to photograph Manhattan, and there is no neutral way to be photographed in it. The city imposes itself on every frame. For the 25–31 May 2026 New York headshot residency, Rory Lewis has chosen this consciously — the work will be made in Manhattan because Manhattan changes what a portrait means.
For one week only, celebrity and royal portrait photographer Rory Lewis returns to New York with a limited series of private headshot sessions running from Sunday 25 May through Saturday 31 May 2026. Based in a Midtown Manhattan studio, this will be Rory's most concentrated New York residency to date — and with only a small number of sittings available across the seven days, places are expected to be claimed quickly.
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.
Through my Non Profit Heroes in Focus, Rory Lewis is dedicated to preserving the faces and stories of those whose courage defines our shared history. It was an honour to have captured the portrait of Mike Pratt, GC, whose bravery and humility stand among the finest examples of service.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In this newly captured, unreleased portrait of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, I set out to create not a likeness of power, but a meditation on it. Blair, who led Britain from 1997 to 2007, remains a defining and divisive figure—a man whose influence continues to ripple across politics and history.
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.
On October 7, 2023, Israel faced its darkest day. At the heart of the crisis was Gunnery Sergeant Marcus Lewis, U.S. Marine Corps, commander of the Marine Security Guard Detachment at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. His firsthand account in Caught in the Crossfire reveals the urgency of split-second decisions, the courage of embassy staff, and the weight of protecting American lives under siege.
Through the Heroes in Focus Foundation, I had the honor of capturing his portrait—ensuring his service and story are preserved for future generations.
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.
Today, we celebrate the 82nd birthday of His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent (Michael George Charles Franklin; born 4 July 1942)—a distinguished royal, military officer, and steadfast patron of charitable and fraternal causes.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of photographing Prince Michael of Kent on four occasions. Each sitting offered a distinct window into his life of service, heritage, and quiet strength—capturing not only a royal presence, but a deeply human one.
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.
Most headshots are produced. A Rory Lewis headshot is composed.
This distinction matters more than it first sounds. The bulk of professional headshot photography in New York and London is built around a production model — bright, even, frontal lighting, a plain backdrop, a repeatable formula. The work is competent and the turnaround is fast, but the image is rarely memorable. Run a hundred LinkedIn pages side by side and they begin to blur into each other.