Capturing the Essence of Reflection with Peter Van Norden

It's not unusual for photographers to be inspired by other types of art. As you may have noticed, there is a great deal of Renaissance Italian influence in my portraiture. Drawing inspiration from the Old Master painters like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera, I have attempted to masterfully recreate the light, atmosphere, and tones of classical portrait paintings. This influence is even more apparent in my latest project, entitled Selah.

Capturing the Essence of Reflection with Peter Van Norden (Selah Rory Lewis Portrait Photographer Los Angeles)

The Hebrew word "selah" appears throughout the Book of Psalms. Its precise meaning is mysterious, but it is interpreted as a pause to breathe and reflect. Throughout the Selah project, my aim has been to recreate meditative religious scenes, directing my subjects to capture the highest moments of drama. Selah finds its foundations in counter-reformation art, particularly in the work of Ribera. His depictions of saints and religious figures draw their inspiration directly from Caravaggio’s tenebrism.

I'm hoping to finish Selah over the summer and bring it to exhibition in 2025. In this latest series, I captured two inspiring actors, Peter Van Norden and Frank Weitzel. When directing both subjects, I asked them to imagine they had taken a long pilgrimage, now reaching the end. Both are depicted as men of faith who are almost pensive, taking the time to pause and reflect.

In the portrait of Peter Van Norden, his expression is one of deep contemplation. The chiaroscuro lighting technique accentuates the solemnity of the moment, highlighting the emotional intensity in his eyes. This portrait, like the others in the Selah project, aims to capture a moment of profound reflection and decision-making.

I would like to spend more time on personal projects like Selah. These are what I tend to call labors of love. However, without patrons, it is difficult to set up portrait sittings and take time away from commercial assignments. If you would like to support my projects, please consider donating below. Your name will be placed on my website and in exhibition literature as a patron, and you will have my deepest admiration and thanks.

I have spent over a decade capturing many of the world's most recognized faces, including William Shatner, Tony Blair, Sir Ian McKellen, and Dame Judi Dench. My approach breaks the mold of typical risk-averse portraiture, injecting moments of spontaneity and quiet contemplation into my imagery. Several of my iconic portraits have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London, solidifying my reputation as a leading contemporary portrait photographer.

For more information on my work, visit Rory Lewis Photography.
If you are interested in supporting my artistic endeavors, please consider donating. Your contributions will help bring projects like Selah to life and ensure the continuation of my work in capturing profound human experiences.

My wife, Alexandra Lewis, and I continue to explore the depths of human emotion through our collaborative efforts in photography, creating timeless images that resonate with viewers across the globe.