Rory Lewis: Portrait & Headshot Photographer

Commissioned by The Free Press, I recently had the opportunity to photograph Usha Vance, Second Lady of the United States, at her Washington, D.C. residence. Captured in natural light across the Naval Observatory, the portraits reveal a quiet strength and thoughtful elegance—echoing her growing presence on the national stage. From veranda to fireplace, this session offered a rare glimpse into the life of one of America’s most compelling political figures.

William Shatner is a name synonymous with adventure, charisma, and an undeniable presence—both on screen and in real life. Best known for his legendary portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk aboard the USS Enterprise, Shatner has long been an icon of science fiction and popular culture. Yet, beyond his cinematic legacy, he is also a man of deep passions, with a profound love for horses that has been a defining part of his personal life.

Celebrated actor, model, and voice artist VJ Kesh recently posed for a series of striking portraits at Rory Lewis’s Los Angeles studio. Known for his roles in Wilfred (2007), Blue Heelers (1994), and Narcosys (2000), VJ Kesh brings over 35 years of experience in film, television, and theater. Born in Malaysia and of Indian ancestry, Kesh has spent decades honing his craft across Australia, India, Europe, the U.S., and Mexico. This rich tapestry of life experiences makes him a sought-after talent for character-driven roles and voice narration.

Portraiture has always been about more than capturing an image; it is about telling a story. In my portrait of General Sir James Everard, recently featured in The Telegraph, I aimed to convey not only the authority but also the profound responsibility embodied by one of the UK's most experienced military leaders.

This session with Penny Slinger is just one example of the magic that can unfold when art and portraiture meet, producing images that resonate beyond the moment and celebrate the legacy of true creativity.

In my latest project ChronoVisions: An Epochal Fusion, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph Paul Kaye, known for his iconic characters such as Dennis Pennis and Thoros of Myr. The series draws inspiration from the mythical Chronovisor and blends historical eras with modern portraiture. Paul's versatility shone throughout the session, embodying both playful and introspective personas across three portraits.

I’m thrilled to share my latest portrait commission from the British Army, featuring General Sir Patrick Sanders, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen, who has served as Chief of the General Staff since June 2022. This marks my third portrait for the esteemed gallery of British Army leaders, joining my previous works of General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and General Sir Nicholas Carter.

Last week, I had the privilege of photographing actor Steven Ogg at my Los Angeles studio for my ongoing Selah Project. It's not unusual for photographers to be inspired by other forms of art, and as many of you may have noticed, my portraiture is heavily influenced by Renaissance Italian masters like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera. Drawing inspiration from these iconic artists, I strive to masterfully recreate the light, atmosphere, and tones of classical portrait paintings in my work. This influence is particularly evident in Selah, my latest and most ambitious project to date.

I am deeply honored to express my gratitude to the Royal Photographic Society and its esteemed RPS Journal for featuring my journey and work in the captivating article by Ciaran Sneddon. The publication of this piece, detailing my experiences and the evolution of my craft, has truly been a remarkable highlight in my career.

On this special day, I'm thrilled to share something truly close to my heart—a portrait of Andy Serkis, whose birthday we celebrate today. Andy, your unparalleled contributions to the world of motion-capture have revolutionized our cinematic experience. It was an absolute privilege to capture your essence through my lens, reflecting the profound depth and intensity you bring to every character.

As the golden hour casts a gentle glow over the city, I sit, enveloped in the warmth of an incredible announcement: my portrait of the extraordinarily talented Michael James Shaw has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Hasselblad Masters 2023 competition. Amidst a vast sea of 85,000 submissions, to be selected among the top 10 in the portrait category is an honor that leaves me both humbled and elated.

Steve Pemberton's career is as diverse as it is impressive. From his early days as a member of The League of Gentlemen to his acclaimed roles in television series like "Inside No. 9," Pemberton has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. For Lewis, who has been a fan since childhood, the chance to photograph Pemberton was not just a professional assignment but a personal milestone.

As a photographer deeply passionate about capturing the essence of history and tradition through portraiture, my recent collaboration with The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeth's Own) was an incredibly inspiring journey. Immersed in the rich heritage and timeless values of this esteemed regiment, I embarked on a mission to create evocative table scenes that would pay homage to their legacy.

In the realm of portrait photography, every subject brings a unique story to the frame. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing Nabil Hayel Saeed Anam, MD, Managing Director of Hayel Saeed Anam Yemen and Board Member of HSA Group, for Forbes Middle East. Through the lens of my camera, I sought to encapsulate not just his image but also the profound narrative of collaboration and resilience he embodies.

ChronoVisions unveils the profound introspection of young soldier Tyler Huxtable in a poignant moment. Contemplating the weight of his deeds, the photograph becomes a powerful testament to the human cost of conflict.

In the heart of impending conflict, ChronoVisions captures actor Michael Rose embodying the role of a general. In the eve of battle, Rose's resolute stare pierces through the photograph, encapsulating the burdens of command and the strategic brilliance demanded by war.

ChronoVisions unfolds a tableau of unyielding brotherhood as Devin McElvogue, Michael Rose, and Tyler Huxtable stand united in a scene of soldiers in formation. This group portrait transcends imagery, encapsulating the unspoken bonds forged in the crucible of war. Each face tells a story of shared challenges, camaraderie, and unyielding strength, adding layers of authenticity to the historical narrative. In this visual odyssey, these warriors become a testament to the enduring spirit of brotherhood amid the chaos of conflict.

In the latest issue of Good Light Magazine, the spotlight falls on renowned photographer Rory Lewis as he shares his journey photographing billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, co-chief investment officer at Bridgewater Associates. Lewis's captivating portrait of Dalio takes center stage in a feature that unravels the nuances of capturing the essence of industry icons.

In the grand tapestry of the ChronoVisions project, the Last Supper scene unfolds as a spectacular orchestration of talents and inspirations. The cast includes Tony Amendola as The Duke, Devin McElvogue as Center General, and Michael Rose in the dual roles of 2nd General Two and The Bishop, showcasing their versatility. Tyler Huxtable takes on the roles of The Priest and Third General. Stella Mascio as the Princess and Alexandra Lewis as the Noble Women.

In the intriguing world of ChronoVisions, Rory Lewis embarked on a photographic journey that transcended time and imagination. One of the iconic figures captured for this unique project is none other than the extraordinary actor, director, and producer, Andy Serkis.

Renowned portrait photographer Rory Lewis recently had the unique opportunity to capture the authentic essence of the dynamic British television presenting duo, Ant & Dec. This exclusive session took place at a London studio, where Lewis's talent for encouraging his sitters to express themselves authentically shone through. Let's delve into the behind-the-scenes moments and explore the fascinating journey of photographing Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.

In the illustrious world of military portraiture, Rory Lewis stands as the foremost photographer, specializing in capturing the essence of military personnel through his lens. Having previously photographed distinguished leaders like General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and General Sir Nicholas Carter, Rory embarked on another prestigious project – capturing the commanding presence of General Patrick Sanders, the Chief of the General Staff.

Embark on an immersive journey into the visual narrative of Daniel Weyman, a seasoned English actor celebrated for his captivating roles in "Just Inès," "Foyle's War," and "Silent Witness." Most recently, Weyman has taken on the challenge of portraying the mysterious Stranger in "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power." In this exclusive headshot session at the renowned London Studio, Daniel Weyman collaborates with the distinguished celebrity photographer Rory Lewis, bringing forth the essence of his dynamic and illustrious career.

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has made a surprising return to frontline politics as the new Foreign Secretary, appointed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This unexpected comeback follows Cameron's seven-year hiatus, during which he wrote memoirs and faced controversy over his involvement with the collapsed finance firm, Greensill Capital. Photographer Rory Lewis, who previously captured Cameron's portrait in 2020, showcased the statesman's return through a series of contemplative and thoughtful images. Inspired by the works of Sir James Guthrie, Lewis aimed to convey a meditative statesman akin to political figures during the First World War. Cameron's appointment, amidst a wider reshuffle, demonstrates Sunak's willingness to take risks for political rejuvenation. As Cameron navigates international challenges in his new role, Lewis's portraits serve as a historical record, documenting a pivotal moment in contemporary British politics.