James Purefoy — Portrait Sitting (Rory Lewis Photographer London 2019)

Actor James Purefoy is a magnetic presence on both stage and screen. From crossing swords with Heath Ledger in A Knight’s Tale to leading the dark, psychological tension of Fox’s The Following, Purefoy’s career spans an extraordinary range of film, television, and theatre—placing him firmly among the most versatile British actors of his generation.

I was delighted when James accepted my invitation to sit for a portrait in my London Studio on 8th October 2018. As always, I prepared extensively, revisiting his body of work—Solomon Kane remaining a personal favourite. During the session, he shared a fascinating detail from earlier in his career: his contracts once included a clause that allowed him to keep his character’s sword after filming. His collection is enviable, including the blade of Solomon Kane and a six-foot broadsword from the medieval epic Ironclad.

A deep influence of Renaissance and Italian Baroque portraiture underpins my work—borrowing from the atmospheric tenebrism of Caravaggio, the drama of Ribera, and the tonal richness of Titian and Rembrandt. This sensibility is central to my fine-art series Selah, a project rooted in the meditative, contemplative reverence found in Counter-Reformation painting.

James expressed admiration for my portraits of Sir Patrick Stewart and welcomed the opportunity to be photographed in a similar chiaroscuro style. The Hebrew word Selah, appearing throughout the Psalms, is widely interpreted as a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect. This sense of stillness and introspection lies at the heart of the series.

Before we arrived at the final images, James and I explored a spectrum of expressions—from stoic heroes to darker, more formidable characters. Eventually, he moved into a quieter emotional space, offering a series of contemplative, almost saint-like poses that perfectly embodied the spirit of Selah.

The sitting lasted just over an hour, yielding a portfolio of striking, spontaneous portraits that capture both the intensity and the rare inner stillness of one of Britain’s most compelling actors.

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Johnny Harris — A Portrait in London

A multiple BAFTA-nominated performer, Johnny has shaped some of the most iconic British television and film of the past two decades. He is perhaps best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Mick in Shane Meadows’ BAFTA-winning cult series This Is England ‘86, a performance that earned him both BAFTA and Royal Television Society Award nominations. The final episode of the series was recently named “The Greatest TV Episode of All Time” by The Independent — a testament not only to the writing and direction, but to Johnny’s raw, magnetic presence on screen.

Portraits of Steven Ogg

Last week, I had the privilege of photographing actor Steven Ogg at my Los Angeles studio for my ongoing Selah project. My portraiture has long been shaped by the visual language of Renaissance and Baroque painting—particularly the works of Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera. Their mastery of light, atmosphere, and psychological depth continues to inform how I approach contemporary portraiture.

Capturing the Depth of Reflection with Jared Harris

Artists are often shaped by other disciplines, and my portraiture has long been informed by the visual language of Renaissance and Baroque painting. Drawing from the Old Masters—Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera—I seek to recreate the sculptural light, atmosphere, and tonal depth of classical portraiture. This influence is most fully realised in my ongoing fine-art series, Selah.

Maye Musk — Good Light Magazine Cover

I am honored that my portrait of Maye Musk has been featured on the cover of Good Light Magazine. The session, titled A Timeless Portrait, was conceived as a modern interpretation of classical portraiture—combining restrained elegance, dramatic light, and psychological depth.

Maye Musk: An Icon of Elegance and Intellect, Captured in Timeless Portraiture

Maye Musk is a rare figure whose presence transcends industry and era. A model of international acclaim and a respected dietitian, her career spans over five decades, marked by intelligence, resilience, and an unmistakable elegance. She has appeared on the covers of Time (Health Edition), Women’s Day, international editions of Vogue, and the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue—each image reinforcing her status as a modern cultural icon.

Jared Harris — Portrait Photoshoot, Los Angeles

Jared Harris is one of the most compelling character actors of his generation, celebrated for performances that combine intelligence, restraint, and emotional depth. His work spans landmark television and film projects, including Mad Men, The Crown, Chernobyl, The Expanse, The Terror, and Fringe, as well as major feature films such as Lincoln, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, and Allied. In recent years, he has taken on the role of Hari Seldon in the Apple TV+ series Foundation, further cementing his reputation for gravitas-driven storytelling.

Nicholas Woodeson— Portrait Sitting, London

Nicholas Woodeson is an English film, television, and theatre actor, and a Drama Desk and Olivier Award nominee. He is widely recognized for his role as Posca — Julius Caesar’s loyal and astute servant — in the BBC/HBO epic series Rome, which introduced him to a global audience.

Dame Judi Dench — Portrait Sitting

Few actors embody the depth, intelligence, and quiet authority of Dame Judi Dench. With a career spanning the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, and the Old Vic, her presence on stage and screen has shaped generations of British theatre and cinema. A ten-time BAFTA winner and recipient of numerous honours—including OBE, DBE, and Companion of Honour—her legacy is inseparable from modern performance history.

Bob Gunton – Actor Portraits, Los Angeles

In April 2020, I had the pleasure of photographing acclaimed American actor Bob Gunton at my Los Angeles studio. Known for his commanding presence on both stage and screen, Bob is celebrated for portraying formidable, authoritative characters—most memorably Warden Samuel Norton in The Shawshank Redemption. His screen credits also include Demolition Man, Patch Adams, Argo, Daredevil, 24, and Desperate Housewives.

James Purefoy — Portrait Sitting

Actor James Purefoy is a magnetic presence on both stage and screen. From crossing swords with Heath Ledger in A Knight’s Tale to leading the dark, psychological tension of Fox’s The Following, Purefoy’s career spans an extraordinary range of film, television, and theatre—placing him firmly among the most versatile British actors of his generation.

Gregory Itzin – A Portrait of Depth, Precision, and Legacy

Between 2014 and 2020, I had the privilege of photographing some of the most gifted actors in Los Angeles—artists whose performances shaped my imagination growing up in the 1980s and 90s. Among them was the remarkable Gregory Itzin (1948–2022), an actor of immense range, discipline, and emotional precision. Best known to millions as the calculating President Charles Logan in 24, Itzin was far more than a single role—he was one of the great American character actors of his generation.

Saul Rubinek – Capturing a Master Storyteller

Few performers carry the depth, authenticity, and emotional intelligence of Saul Rubinek. Born in Germany and raised in Canada, Rubinek has built an extraordinary career as an actor, director, producer, and playwright—bringing unforgettable characters to life across film, television, and stage. From the lovable Donny Douglas on Frasier to the enigmatic Artie Nielsen on Warehouse 13, his performances consistently reveal the complexities of the human experience.

Richard Herd – A Face That Told a Thousand Stories

In 2016, I had the privilege of photographing the incomparable Richard Herd, an actor whose presence left an unmistakable mark on film, television, and the generations of audiences who admired him. Best known for roles in T.J. Hooker, V, Seinfeld, Star Trek, and F.I.S.T., Richard was one of Hollywood’s most recognisable and accomplished character actors—an artist with a face carved by experience, wisdom, and unfiltered humanity.

William Shatner – A Portrait of Ease, Presence, and Iconic Character

My second portrait sitting with William Shatner remains one of the most memorable. Our very first session years earlier had been a whirlwind—just five minutes before he had to rush off to a film set. In that brief moment, I had worked quickly, shaping light and expression at extraordinary speed. But this session was entirely different.