Join internationally published portrait photographer Rory Lewis, on a one day workshop, to master portraiture and bring your work to the next level.
About the Tutor
Rory Lewis Photographer has made an outstanding contribution to photography and the visual arts, creating consistently imaginative and thought-provoking portraits. Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Ian McShane, Sir Derek Jacobi, Natalie Dormer, and many others have sat for Rory and his unique portraiture style is becoming renown.
“Learn more in one day than months of reading about photographic technique. ALL courses are practical tuition sessions giving you plenty of time to learn hands on the skills taught. Enabling you to work with professional models on the day and capture amazing photography for your portfolio."
Delegates will walk away from this course with the skill to develop and improve your portrait photography techniques. From Beginners to Intermediate Photographers, these sessions cater for the amateur and semi professional. Learn studio flash lighting, develop your understanding of studio technique and test using photographic models.
You will be shown the effect of soft boxes, umbrellas, snoots, beauty dishes and how to use reflectors. Developing soft and hard lighting techniques to change the mood and effect of a portrait. Learn what a main lights function is; and how to use fill lights, back lights and hair lights and be shown how they affect the final image.
Common Questions
Do I need to bring any Lighting equipment? No Just your Camera & Lens, 85MM - 50MM Ideal for portraits.
Will I get to work with the models? Yes, plenty of time to shoot, working with the models and equipment.
Is the course aimed at Beginners? Yes and Intermediate Photographers who have knowledge on how to use their camera in manual mode.
Course Schedule
10:00am Rory Lewis Talk on the Medium of Portraiture
10.45am Coffee & Refreshments
11.00 am Capturing Portraits (Using Umbrella's, Soft-boxes)
12:30pm Lunch
13:00pm Capturing PortraitsUsing a Beauty Dish
14:00 Chiaroscuro Portraits Portraiture (Rembrandt Lighting, Split & Short Lighting)
16:00pm Rory Lewis Will Sum up the Day
“Excellent photography workshop. We went through 8 different light set ups starting with a single light source and ending up with two light sources with the tightest control of the light. There was a lot to take in and was very happy with the photos I took. The breadth of the material covered was excellent. Very pleased to have attended. Thanks Rory!”
"In one word “Inspiring” “Rory was open to and encouraged all questions, which were answered in detail. Rory shared his extensive lighting knowledge in addition to how to bring out the character in a portrait subject in a fun. informal, enjoyable manner. Would recommend this course to any portrait photographer wanting to improve their craft.”
Founded by acclaimed portrait photographer Rory Lewis, Heroes in Focus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and preserving the stories of military and service personnel through the art of portraiture. To help fund upcoming 2025 projects, Rory is launching the Annual Heroes in Focus Raffle 2025 — with every donation entering supporters to win a private portrait experience or a one-to-one photography masterclass, each valued at $1,250. Your contribution helps continue the mission of capturing the courage, humanity, and legacy of those who serve.
With over two decades of experience, Rory Lewis is one of the UK’s leading photographers, celebrated for his exceptional skill in crafting actors’ headshots that open doors and define careers. His London studio has welcomed hundreds of talented performers—each session tailored to reveal the individuality and emotional
This week, I had the pleasure of photographing Jennifer Riker, an accomplished American actress whose striking versatility spans television, film, and voiceover. Best known for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Helga Jace in the Warner Bros/DC Entertainment hit series Black Lightning, Jennifer brings an incredible depth of intelligence and nuance to every role she inhabits.
Field Marshal David Julian Richards, Baron Richards of Herstmonceux, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL—appointed Honorary Field Marshal by His Majesty The King in June 2025—sat for my non-profit archive, Heroes in Focus, on Monday, 6 October 2025. This portrait marks a significant addition to our mission to document the living history of Britain’s senior military leadership.
My first portrait of Lord Houghton was taken in 2014 when he was Chief of the Defence Staff. Over a decade later, photographing him again as Field Marshal felt like closing a chapter — capturing the passage of time, service, and quiet dignity that defines a lifetime of leadership.
Award-winning photographer Rory Lewis is hosting a special one-day 30-minute headshot event in Downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, 16th November 2025. Known for his expressive and cinematic portrait style, Rory—trusted by actors, executives, and public figures worldwide—offers this exclusive opportunity to capture standout headshots at his Los Angeles studio.
The $375 package includes a 30-minute session, two outfit changes, an online gallery of over 100 images, and one retouched photo. A $149 deposit secures your slot, with the remaining balance due on the day. Spaces are limited, making this the perfect chance to refresh your portfolio and elevate your professional image with one of the industry’s leading portrait photographers.
At our Downtown Los Angeles studio, I recently had the pleasure of photographing Saint, a promising young actor whose natural confidence and expressive presence made for a truly engaging headshot session.
Rory Lewis reflects on his long-held ambition to photograph The League of Gentlemen—icons of British comedy. Having already captured Steve Pemberton in 2024 and recently photographed Reece Shearsmith in London, he now hopes to complete the trio with Mark Gatiss. The post celebrates Lewis’s admiration for their dark, intelligent humour and explores his belief that comedy and portraiture share a deep connection through their study of human expression and character.
After three remarkable weeks photographing in London, I’m back home in Los Angeles, reenergized and ready to continue capturing the faces and stories that define this extraordinary city. From 15 October 2025, my Downtown Los Angeles studio is open for bookings — welcoming actors, professionals, creatives, and military personnel for headshots and portraits that go beyond the surface.
Founded by acclaimed portrait photographer Rory Lewis, Heroes in Focus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and preserving the stories of military and service personnel through the art of portraiture. To help fund upcoming 2025 projects, Rory is launching the Annual Heroes in Focus Raffle 2025 — with every donation entering supporters to win a private portrait experience or a one-to-one photography masterclass, each valued at $1,250. Your contribution helps continue the mission of capturing the courage, humanity, and legacy of those who serve.