Honoring Service: Military Portraits of Patrick Stauffer — Los Angeles Studio

In the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, I had the privilege of photographing Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Stauffer as part of my ongoing Heroes in Focus (Rory Lewis non-profit) military portrait initiative. This work exists to document service with dignity—creating lasting, museum-grade portraits that honour leadership, commitment, and the human story behind the uniform.

A Commanding Presence

The sitting opened with a series of formal portraits set against the American flag. Precision in dress, the quiet authority of posture, and the earned weight of medals and ribbons together convey years of discipline and service. Each insignia carries meaning—markers of responsibility accepted, challenges faced, and standards upheld.

Honoring Service: Military Portraits of Patrick Stauffer — Los Angeles Studio

For the second composition, I created a more contemplative table scene, a signature approach within my military portraiture. Lt. Col. Stauffer was photographed seated at a draped table of stars and stripes, accompanied by carefully chosen symbols of service: an officer’s sabre, a plumed shako, and a small selection of military history texts. These elements echo heritage and continuity, situating the sitter within a lineage of duty while allowing space for reflection.

Direction, Detail, and Respect

Every decision in a military portrait is intentional—from the angle of the cap to the placement of the hands. My role is to guide, not impose, encouraging a natural authority that feels both resolute and human. As Mark Carleton-Smith, KCB, CBE, has observed of my work:

This portrait joins a growing archive within the Heroes in Focus (Rory Lewis non-profit), alongside senior leaders including Tony Radakin, Patrick Sanders, and The Lord Peach. Together, these images form a visual record of modern service—preserved for future generations.

Military Portraits — Los Angeles, New York & London

Through this non-profit work, my studios remain open to serving personnel, veterans, and officers worldwide. Each sitting is an opportunity to mark a moment in time—honouring not just rank and regalia, but character, responsibility, and contribution.