Portrait Sitting, London – 2022
Rory Lewis Non Profit
(Photographed by Rory Lewis)
Portrait of General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, Chief of the General Staff and Regimental Lieutenant Colonel of the Irish Guards, was created for the official gallery of former Chiefs of the General Staff. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the signed portrait now hangs alongside those of predecessors such as Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery and Field Marshal The Lord Guthrie.
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh Regiment
It was an honor and privilege to collaborate with the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), capturing portraits of its distinguished staff and cadets. This significant project was proudly funded by the Rory Lewis Non-Profit, founded by portrait photographer Rory Lewis, whose career spans more than two decades dedicated to preserving the legacies of military and service personnel through powerful portraiture and storytelling.
The role of the Major-General Commanding the Household Division is among the most distinguished in the British Army. As General Officer Commanding London District, the Major-General has sole responsibility for the service aspects of all State and ceremonial occasions within the capital. From Trooping the Colour to the State Opening of Parliament, this office bridges tradition and command — serving as the vital channel between the Household Division and the Monarch.
In 2021, I had the privilege of photographing Major General Chris Ghika CBE at Horse Guards, London — a setting steeped in history, once occupied by the Duke of Wellington himself. The portrait sought to capture not just a military leader, but a custodian of national pageantry and heritage.
1st Battalion The Royal Welsh Regiment
Captain, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment - Portrait Sitting - Copyright © Rory Lewis Non Profit (Heroes in Focus), All Rights Reserved. The Heroes in Focus non-profit is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity. EIN 33-2920765 All contributions to Heroes in Focus are tax-deductible according to IRS regulations.
It was an honor and privilege to collaborate with the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), capturing portraits of its distinguished staff and cadets. This significant project was proudly funded by the Rory Lewis Non-Profit, founded by portrait photographer Rory Lewis, whose career spans more than two decades dedicated to preserving the legacies of military and service personnel through powerful portraiture and storytelling.
Lance Corporal of Horse, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment - Portrait Sitting - Copyright © Rory Lewis Non Profit (Heroes in Focus), All Rights Reserved. The Heroes in Focus non-profit is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity. EIN 33-2920765 All contributions to Heroes in Focus are tax-deductible according to IRS regulations.
The Rory Lewis Non-Profit is honored to have captured and preserved the legacy of Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the current Chief of the Defence Staff, marking him as the fifth Chief of the Defence Staff photographed by Rory Lewis. This portrait continues the Non-Profit’s mission to document and celebrate the leadership and service of Britain’s most distinguished military figures.
1st Battalion, The Rifles Portrait Sittings
May 18, 2018 in British Army, Portrait Sittings, Infantry
Soldiery remains one of the most challenging and rewarding projects of my career. Now that the exhibitions have concluded, I’m proud to share a selection of portraits created through the Rory Lewis Non-Profit, an initiative devoted to preserving military heritage and honoring those who serve through fine art portraiture.
Among the many regiments I photographed, the 1st Battalion, The Rifles stands out for its deep-rooted traditions and enduring character. Little has changed for The Rifles since the Napoleonic Wars—they remain at the forefront of battle, defined by precision, independence, and quiet professionalism. True to their motto, Swift and Bold, they carry no flag; instead, their Battle Honours are worn proudly upon their uniforms.
As Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Major General Bruce has dedicated his life to leadership, service, and the embodiment of the Army’s values. This portrait session stands as a testament to his extraordinary contributions and the pride he carries in representing one of Britain’s most historic regiments.
For nearly a year I’ve been traveling across the United Kingdom and Europe as part of Soldiery — British Army Projects, an ongoing initiative through Rory Lewis Non-Profit to create a contemporary visual archive of the British Army. The aim is simple but vital: to preserve a truthful, dignified record of the men and women who serve today, before uniforms, traditions, and identities inevitably change.
In 2018, I had the rare honour of photographing His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent, in a portrait sitting that captured not only royal stature, but a lifetime of military service. Dressed in his ceremonial uniform as Field Marshal, His Royal Highness stood as a living symbol of dedication, discipline, and enduring legacy within the British Armed Forces.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is among the most distinguished mounted units in the world. Tasked with ceremonial duties, they embody centuries of tradition as part of the Household Division, serving as the Monarch’s official bodyguard and providing escorts at state and royal occasions.
