Meet Rory Lewis | Royal & Celebrity Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rory Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rory, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Ultimately, my goal is to help individuals and organizations unveil their best selves through captivating and meaningful portraits. A professional headshot is more than just an image; it’s a representation of one’s brand and identity. By choosing my services, clients can harness the power of photography to make a lasting impact in their respective fields. Whether in Los Angeles, New York, or London, I am dedicated to creating portraits that capture the essence of each individual and organization, contributing to their success and making their stories heard.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Absolutely, I’d be delighted to share more about my art and journey as a dedicated portraitist. What sets me apart from others in my field is my commitment to challenging conventional norms and capturing the essence of individuals in a way that goes beyond the typical portrayal of famous figures.

Over the span of more than a decade, I’ve been on a quest to capture the faces of some of the world’s most recognized individuals. From William Shatner to Tony Blair, Sir Ian McKellen to Natalie Dormer, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with iconic personalities and translating their unique essence into captivating portraits. Notably, my work has been recognized and acquired by the prestigious National Portrait Gallery in London, a true testament to the impact of my approach.

What truly sets me apart is my departure from the usual risk-averse and formulaic style of portraiture commissioned within the media industry. Instead of adhering to the status quo, I inject spontaneity and even moments of awkwardness into my imagery. This approach serves to strip away the veneer of artificiality often seen in portraits of the famous, replacing it with a sense of strangeness and quiet authenticity. This unconventional approach is my way of capturing the genuine essence of my subjects.

My artistic philosophy draws inspiration from the Renaissance Italian masters such as Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera. I aim to recreate the mastery of light, atmosphere, and tones that characterize classical portrait paintings. This fusion of contemporary subject matter with classical techniques is what defines my style and gives my work a timeless quality.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey of dedication, persistence, and constant learning. It hasn’t always been easy, as navigating the creative and business aspects of photography can present challenges. However, through these challenges, I’ve learned the importance of staying true to my artistic vision and embracing experimentation.

My brand and story are rooted in the belief that portraiture should capture the soul and essence of an individual, transcending mere likeness. I’m proud to offer an alternative to the norm, providing clients and subjects with portraits that resonate on a deeper level. My goal is to bring a sense of strangeness, authenticity, and quiet beauty to each portrait, creating images that stand the test of time and reflect the complexity of the human spirit.

In essence, my art is about breaking the mold, embracing unconventional approaches, and fusing classical inspiration with contemporary subjects. Through these choices, I aim to tell a story that goes beyond the surface, inviting viewers to explore the depths of each subject’s persona.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
“Absolutely, crafting the perfect week for my best friend would include a blend of cultural exploration, culinary delights, and urban adventures. We’d start with a leisurely stroll around Downtown LA to get a feel for the area’s vibrant energy and enjoy dinner at one of the charming local eateries.”

“Then, we’d dive into the cultural scene by visiting The Broad, a contemporary art museum featuring remarkable artworks. After immersing ourselves in art, we’d explore the historic Olvera Street and its vibrant Mexican marketplace. A fusion-flavor dinner at a local restaurant would cap off the day.”

“The itinerary would continue with a behind-the-scenes visit to my photography studio, offering a glimpse into my creative process. A visit to SOHO House DTLA would be a must – the amazing ambiance and breathtaking views provide the perfect backdrop for catching up and relaxation. And, of course, a night out at The Golden Gopher for drinks and live music would be a fantastic way to experience the local nightlife.”

“Exploring culinary delights would be a highlight. A visit to the DTLA Food Market would let us indulge in a variety of cuisines. We’d also explore the Arts District’s unique boutiques. A day dedicated to appreciating Downtown LA’s street art and murals would offer a different perspective, with a stop at Spring Street for a lively lunch.”

“To balance the urban experience, we’d venture into nature, visiting places like Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon for a hike and scenic views. Nature and relaxation would be complemented by rooftop dining or a bar with stunning city views. And to wrap up the week, we’d visit local farmers’ markets, museums, and cultural centers, concluding with a memorable farewell dinner.”

“In a nutshell, my goal would be to showcase the rich diversity of Downtown LA’s art, culture, cuisine, and urban exploration, leaving my friend with a week filled with unforgettable memories.”

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Behind every successful endeavor, there’s a supportive partner who stands by your side, and Alexandra is that person for me. Her commitment to our shared vision, her constant encouragement, and her dedication to excellence have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of Rory Lewis Photographer.

So, to Alexandra, my wife, my partner, and my muse, I dedicate this shoutout. Your presence, your creativity, and your relentless drive have contributed immeasurably to our shared journey, and I am truly grateful for your unwavering support. Your role in Rory Lewis Photographer’s success is imprinted in every captivating portrait we create, and I look forward to many more shared accomplishments in the future.

Image Credits
Ray Dalio Maye Musk Sir Patrick Stewart Michael James Shaw