Tony Blair — Portrait Sitting (Rory Lewis Photographer 2019) London

Inviting former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair to sit for a portrait in London was a remarkable opportunity. Serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007, he was the third former leader I have photographed—an exciting and significant moment in my ongoing work documenting contemporary political history.

As with all major sittings, the preparation began long before I stepped into his office. I revisited portraits created by other photographers, reread sections of his memoir, and watched archived Parliamentary debates. This research is essential; it allows me to understand the public persona, private nuances, and character of my sitters. When a session lasts no more than twenty minutes, being able to break the ice and engage with intention is everything.

Upon arrival at his London office, I set up a compact and mobile lighting configuration using the Profoto B10—my preferred off-camera flash for agile, precise portrait work. Its lightweight design and powerful output make it ideal for tight spaces and fast-paced environments, enabling a controlled yet natural aesthetic.

Drawing inspiration from my earlier sitting with David Cameron, I aimed to portray Blair as a contemplative statesman. We explored a series of reflective poses—some looking back, others directly into the lens—capturing both introspection and presence. Blair proved to be an exceptional sitter; as he spoke briefly about moments from his career, I was able to guide him into a quiet, meditative space that revealed something deeper.

My mission as a portraitist is to chronicle the figures who shape our time. This sitting stands as a meaningful contribution to that ongoing archive—a moment of living history, distilled into a single frame.

Prime Ministers Portfolio

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Tony Blair — A Portrait of Power and Reflection

In this newly unveiled portrait of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, portrait photographer Rory Lewis explores not the image of power but its human cost. Years after their first sitting, Lewis captures Blair with a softened expression yet undiminished intellect—an introspective study of conviction, consequence, and time.

Prime Minister Theresa May – Portrait Sitting

Photographing Prime Minister Theresa May stands as one of the most significant political sittings of my career. Lady May is the fourth British Prime Minister I have had the honour to photograph—an opportunity that places this session within a long-standing tradition of documenting national leadership for posterity.

Tony Blair — Portrait Sitting

Inviting former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair to sit for a portrait in London was a remarkable opportunity. Serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007, he was the third former leader I have photographed—an exciting and significant moment in my ongoing work documenting contemporary political history.

David Cameron — Prime Minister Portrait Sitting

This portrait of former Prime Minister David Cameron was one of the most demanding yet rewarding sittings of my career. Captured in London, the session offered a rare opportunity to portray a figure who played a defining role in a turbulent chapter of British political history. Serving as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016, David Cameron remains a complex and often polarising figure, shaped by the pressures of leadership and the legacy of Brexit.

Sir John Major Portrait Sitting

In 2016, I reached out to Sir John to request a sitting. We initially planned to photograph in Autumn of that year, but the seismic events of Brexit—where Sir John played a prominent role as a vocal Remain campaigner—delayed the session. It wasn’t until July 2018 that our schedules aligned and the portrait could finally take place in London.