Meet Rory Lewis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rory Lewis.

Hi Rory , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into photography wasn’t planned, as I initially studied medieval history and literature at King’s College London with aspirations to become a history lecturer. However, my passion for history, art, and film—especially German Expressionism and classic portraiture—eventually led me toward photography. I began experimenting with cameras while working at an electrical store and gradually built my skills by studying the works of great portrait artists and assisting other photographers.

In 2007, I took a leap and opened my own studio, which allowed me to begin carving out my niche. Over time, I transitioned from commercial work to focusing on portraiture, blending my love for history and politics with photography. My project Northerners, where I captured iconic figures like Sir Patrick Stewart and Brian Cox, was a turning point. That success helped establish my reputation, with my work featured in the National Portrait Gallery.

Today, I specialize in distinctive, thought-provoking portraiture for a diverse range of clients, from royalty and CEOs to Hollywood stars. My approach is rooted in capturing authentic expressions and moments that reflect the essence of the sitter, and I continue to draw inspiration from history in everything I create.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, and like many creative careers, mine has had its share of challenges. Early on, my first studio venture didn’t succeed as I had hoped—it was a tough experience, but it was also an invaluable one. That failure taught me important lessons about resilience, patience, and the importance of learning from mistakes. It’s these setbacks that paved the way for future success.

In the beginning, I relied heavily on commercial work to pay the bills, which often felt creatively limiting. The fashion industry, in particular, left me uninspired, as I craved more depth and character in my work. I realized that I wasn’t staying true to the type of photography I wanted to create. But it was during these moments that I honed my craft, improved my technical skills, and gained the experience necessary to ultimately focus on the portraiture I’m passionate about.

It took years of persistence, experimenting with new techniques, and pushing the boundaries of my artistic vision to establish myself as a portrait photographer. Failure, for me, wasn’t the end but a stepping stone, guiding me towards the distinctive style and direction that define my work today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in distinctive portraiture, working with a diverse range of clients that includes royalty, former prime ministers, Wall Street CEOs, Hollywood stars, and members of the armed forces. My work is about capturing authentic expressions and creating portraits that are both natural and thought-provoking. I’m known for my ability to direct my sitters in a way that allows their true personality to come through, blending precise direction with imaginative scenarios to create images that feel genuine and meaningful.

What sets me apart is my deep connection to history and art, which heavily influences my style. Having studied medieval history and literature, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of historical narrative and visual art. This historical lens informs my approach to portraiture, allowing me to create work that not only captures the moment but also has a timeless quality.

One of my proudest accomplishments is my Northerners project, where I photographed icons like Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellen, and Brian Cox. Having David Warner, one of my personal heroes, sit for me—his first portrait session in decades—was a career highlight, and the resulting portrait now resides in the National Portrait Gallery.

Ultimately, what drives me is the essence of humanity. I see each portrait as a document of a person’s unique identity, a time capsule that tells a story beyond the surface. My work is about capturing those deeper, defining moments in my sitters, and I’m proud to continue pushing my creative boundaries in pursuit of that goal.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always a bit of an introvert, deeply fascinated by history and art. While other kids were preoccupied with more typical interests, I found myself drawn to books, films, and anything that allowed me to explore different worlds and eras. I had a particular love for science fiction and classical cinema, especially German Expressionism. Films like Metropolis and Nosferatu sparked my imagination in a way that other genres didn’t, and they played a big part in shaping my creative mindset.

I was also a bit of a history geek—I’d spend hours reading about social change, conflict, and political ideology, which later influenced my desire to study medieval history and literature at King’s College London. I originally thought I’d become a history lecturer, driven by my interest in political art and social movements.

Personality-wise, I’ve always been curious and reflective, often thinking deeply about the connections between the past and present, which still influences my work today. I was also a bit obsessive when it came to things I was passionate about, whether it was learning about historical events or studying the visual style of films. That obsessive attention to detail ultimately became an asset in my photography, where I focus on capturing the essence of my subjects through careful direction and creative scenarios.

At heart, I was—and still am—a lover of stories, whether told through history, art, or the people I photograph.

Pricing:

• Headshots From $1500
• Portrait Sittings From $5000

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rorylewis.studio
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/rorylewisofficial

Image Credits
Sir Patrick Stewart Ray Proscia Dame Jud Dench Alexandra Lewis Model Andy Serkis Michael James Shaw Hana Mayeda HRH The Duke of Kent VMI Cadet Sgt Walters