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.
Wearing his Household frock coat, Prince Michael stands against a deep black backdrop, his features defined by sculptural chiaroscuro lighting reminiscent of Caravaggio and Ribera. The composition rejects grandeur in favor of restraint — an exploration of duty, devotion, and quiet power.
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.
In this evocative portrait of Dame Judi Dench, captured at her home for my Selah exhibition, I sought to portray both her regal poise and her remarkable vulnerability. The image is bathed in a chiaroscuro interplay of light and shadow inspired by the Renaissance masters — Caravaggio and Ribera — revealing the quiet strength and deep humanity behind her legendary stage presence.
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.
Michael James Shaw – Character & Screen Test Portrait Session
In June 2021, I had the privilege of returning to Hyde Park Barracks to photograph the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR). Having first captured portraits of this elite unit in 2016, it was an honour to revisit and document a new chapter in their story — this time including some of the first female soldiers to serve in the Regiment.
Michael James Shaw – Character & Screen Test Portrait Session
Former Mayor of Los Angeles and current U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, became my latest portrait subject during a recent session at my Los Angeles studio. As with all my political portraiture, the sitting was shaped not simply by technique, but by a deep well of artistic influence—most notably the indelible mark left on me by Hans Holbein the Younger. Holbein’s work has been woven into my visual consciousness since childhood. Even before I understood it, I was absorbing the weight and clarity of his portraits, the stillness of his subjects, the mastery with which he captured power. Growing up near Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery, I often found myself standing before Holbein’s pieces, drawn to their permanence and their unflinching depiction of humanity. Those early encounters formed a foundation that still guides my work today.
Sarah Clarke OBE made history in November 2017 when she was appointed Black Rod—the first woman to hold the position in its more than 650-year history. She formally assumed her duties as Lady Usher of the Black Rod in February 2018, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of one of Parliament’s oldest offices.
Sarah Clarke OBE made history in November 2017 when she was appointed Black Rod—the first woman to hold the position in its more than 650-year history. She formally assumed her duties as Lady Usher of the Black Rod in February 2018, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of one of Parliament’s oldest offices.
It was a pleasure to welcome actor Michael James Shaw (The Walking Dead, Avengers: Infinity War, Endgame) back to my studio for our second sitting together. Michael is one of those rare performers who can shift seamlessly between roles, and this session was the perfect opportunity to explore that range.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle has served as Speaker of the House of Commons since 2019 and as the Member of Parliament for Chorley since 1997. I had the honour of inviting Mr Speaker to sit for a portrait inside the Palace of Westminster, capturing him within the historic House of Commons Chamber — a rare and significant opportunity.
ChronoVisions: An Epochal Fusion is my exploration of time, memory, and imagination — a project that reimagines history through the lens of cinematic portraiture. Inspired by the mysterious Chronovisor — the mythical device said to reveal scenes from the past — I wanted to create a visual narrative that transcends eras, inviting viewers to step into a dialogue between history and the present moment.
In this newly captured, unreleased portrait of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, I set out not to depict power, but to meditate on it. Blair, who led Britain from 1997 to 2007, remains one of the most defining and complex figures in modern British politics—a leader whose influence continues to resonate through history.
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.
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.
Soldiery is an ongoing archival initiative produced through Rory Lewis Non-Profit, a project I have been deeply committed to for nearly twelve months. The work has taken me across the United Kingdom and Europe, creating a contemporary visual record of the men and women who serve in the British Army.
Portraits in Power: Usha Vance for The Free Press
I was commissioned by The Free Press to photograph Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States. The session took place at her residence on Observatory Hill—a quiet morning where pale spring light slipped through bare branches and drifted softly across cream silk and wide-leg tailoring. The atmosphere carried both intimacy and a quiet sense of national importance.
Artist’s Statement – ChronoVisions: An Epochal Fusion
ChronoVisions: An Epochal Fusion is my exploration of time, memory, and imagination — a project that reimagines history through the lens of cinematic portraiture. Inspired by the mysterious Chronovisor — the mythical device said to reveal scenes from the past — I wanted to create a visual narrative that transcends eras, inviting viewers to step into a dialogue between history and the present moment.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle has served as Speaker of the House of Commons since 2019 and as the Member of Parliament for Chorley since 1997. I had the honour of inviting Mr Speaker to sit for a portrait inside the Palace of Westminster, capturing him within the historic House of Commons Chamber — a rare and significant opportunity.
Ugbana Oyet serves as the Serjeant at Arms of the House of Commons, a role steeped in centuries of parliamentary history. The office dates back to 1415, when the Serjeant was responsible for enforcing the orders of the House—including making arrests. Today, the role is defined by both authority and tradition, with ceremonial duties such as carrying the mace in the Speaker’s Procession and during the State Opening of Parliament.
The Rory Lewis Non-Profit is proud to share another milestone in its mission to honor and preserve the legacies of those who serve. Recently, we had the privilege of capturing Major General Bob Bruce CBE, DSO in a commanding portrait session that reflects his dedication and distinguished career in the British Army..
Reggimento Corazzieri
A black-and-white portrait of actor Andy Serkis captured by photographer Rory Lewis. Serkis is shown in profile, his eyes calm and thoughtful, with soft light tracing the lines of his face. The image feels quiet and intimate — a moment of stillness that reveals the depth and sensitivity behind his legendary performances.
Reggimento Corazzieri
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.
ChronoVisions: An Epochal Fusion is my exploration of time, memory, and imagination — a project that reimagines history through the lens of cinematic portraiture. Inspired by the mysterious Chronovisor — the mythical device said to reveal scenes from the past — I wanted to create a visual narrative that transcends eras, inviting viewers to step into a dialogue between history and the present moment.
David Warner, one of Britain’s most distinguished actors, was celebrated on both sides of the Atlantic for his extraordinary range — from romantic leads to sinister and psychologically complex characters. His filmography spans iconic works such as Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Omen, Time Bandits, Tron, Cross of Iron, Holocaust, Titanic, and Planet of the Apes.
In June 2021, I had the privilege of returning to Hyde Park Barracks to photograph the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR). Having first captured portraits of this elite unit in 2016, it was an honour to revisit and document a new chapter in their story — this time including some of the first female soldiers to serve in the Regiment.
The Rory Lewis Non-Profit was privileged to sponsor a portrait sitting for Lieutenant General James Bashall CBE, a distinguished leader in the British Army. Conducted at his headquarters in Aldershot, the session captured the essence of a man whose career reflects unwavering dedication to service, courage, and command excellence.
One of the most meaningful opportunities through my non-profit archive has been the privilege of photographing senior figures within the British Armed Forces. Among these sittings, capturing a British Field Marshal stands as both an artistic milestone and a moment of profound historical significance.
Acclaimed British portrait photographer Rory Lewis welcomed award-winning actor Tobias Menzies to his London studio for a cinematic portrait session that explored depth, vulnerability, and quiet strength.