Saul Rubinek – Capturing a Master Storyteller

Saul Rubinek – Capturing a Master Storyteller (Rory Lewis Photographer Los Angeles 2016)

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.

Photographing an artist of such range and nuance is both a challenge and an honour. When Saul arrived at my Los Angeles studio, I knew we were about to create something special. He is the kind of actor who brings an entire universe with him—emotion, humour, intensity, vulnerability—and my goal was to distill those qualities into a single frame.

Working with Saul was a reminder of why I love portraiture. Our session unfolded like a conversation—unrushed, attentive, and filled with unexpected moments of insight. As he shared stories from decades in the industry, I shaped the light around him, searching for the stillness between gestures, the flicker of expression that reveals the man beneath the character.

Saul Rubinek – Capturing a Master Storyteller (Rory Lewis Photographer Los Angeles 2016)

Saul’s versatility makes him a dream subject. One moment he offered the gentle warmth of a mentor, the next, the sharp intellect of a storyteller. Each shift felt like a new facet of a deeply lived life. My goal was not simply to document his appearance, but to capture the emotional undercurrents that make Saul Rubinek such a compelling performer.

I have been fortunate to work with individuals from every sphere—Hollywood icons, creative leaders, members of royalty, prime ministers, military commanders, and private clients alike. The common thread is always the same: the desire to be seen truthfully.

A great portrait is not merely an image; it is an act of understanding. It requires trust, connection, and a willingness from the sitter to reveal something real. Saul offered all of that generously.

The resulting portraits reflect the essence of a man who has devoted his life to narrative craft. They are visually striking yet quietly human—images that invite the viewer to step closer, to listen, to understand.

In a world where authenticity is increasingly rare, Saul Rubinek remains a genuine force. Through my lens, I aimed to honor that truth. The portraits from this sitting stand among my favourites—testaments to the power of collaboration, character, and the enduring beauty of unguarded expression.