Capturing Napoleon's Complex Legacy: A Collaboration Photoshoot

Napoleon Bonaparte, an iconic figure in European history, left an indelible mark on the world through his military prowess, political savvy, and lasting cultural influence. His legacy not only resonates in contemporary creations, such as Hollywood's 2023 blockbuster movie "Napoleon" starring Joaquin Phoenix, but also in the art of his own era. From paintings to furniture, Napoleon's profound impact is omnipresent.

Recently, I had the privilege of embarking on a captivating collaboration photoshoot that sought to encapsulate Napoleon's multifaceted life journey. Through the lens of my camera, I aimed to depict four distinct phases of his life, each brought to life by talented actors who breathed authenticity into their roles.

Mark Fedirko Capturing Napoleon's Complex Legacy: A Collaboration Photoshoot Los Angeles Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis

The first portrayal featured the young and talented actor, Mark Fedirko, embodying Napoleon during his formative years at Military School. His performance exuded the youthful ambition that would later define Napoleon's ascent.

Samuel Tehrani Capturing Napoleon's Complex Legacy: A Collaboration Photoshoot Los Angeles Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis

For the second stage, the Iranian-Austrian actor Samuel Tehrani, known for his role in the Sundance award-winning feature film "The Persian Version," portrayed Napoleon prior to the Siege of Toulon. His portrayal captured the intense strategic planning that transpired on the battlefield.

Andy Brodhag Capturing Napoleon's Complex Legacy: A Collaboration Photoshoot Los Angeles Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis

The third chapter of our visual narrative saw actor Andy Brodhag don the role of Napoleon in his moment of triumph, following the decisive Battle of Austerlitz. Brodhag exuded the charisma and authority that marked Napoleon's victorious period.

Peter van Norden Capturing Napoleon's Complex Legacy: A Collaboration Photoshoot Los Angeles Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis

The fourth and concluding segment of our visual narrative showcased the incredibly talented actor Peter van Norden, who masterfully embodied Napoleon in his moment of defeat following the Battle of Waterloo. With nuance and depth, he portrayed the resilience and vulnerability of a fallen emperor. The fallen bust of Napoleon, captured at various angles, symbolized his journey from zenith to nadir, and Peter's performance added a poignant and compelling dimension to this crucial chapter in Napoleon's life.

To add depth and context to each stage of Napoleon's life, we incorporated props such as books on the art of war, which were central to his military strategies. These props served as a visual bridge between the different phases of his life, providing a cohesive narrative throughout the photoshoot.

The creative direction for this project drew inspiration from the 1930s, evoking the atmosphere of 1930s England, as captured in Ian McKellen's portrayal of Richard III. This choice added a unique and thought-provoking dimension, offering a perspective on the tumultuous historical backdrop of the time when the clouds of fascism were gathering.

This photoshoot marked a return to creative expression for me, and I'm excited to continue this journey with many more projects on the horizon. The entire series was meticulously crafted in my Los Angeles studio, utilizing Hasselblad X1 D II & 65mm Lens, Profoto A2 lighting, click soft boxes, and translucent L umbrellas to achieve the desired visual impact. The Manfrotto Halo Compact Reflector and the backdrop Manfrotto Tobacco and Olive added the final touches to the captivating visuals.

In capturing the many facets of Napoleon's life and legacy, this collaborative photoshoot pays tribute to a historical giant whose influence continues to shape our world today. Napoleon's enduring story is one that transcends time and remains a source of fascination for artists and creatives alike. This project beautifully captures the complexity of this historical figure, from his early ambition to his military triumphs and, ultimately, his fall from grace.