In the dynamic worlds of PR and advertising, striking imagery is essential to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. As a PR professional or brand manager in cities like Los Angeles, New York, London, and Las Vegas, you understand the importance of visuals that tell a compelling story. Enter Rory Lewis's latest series, Selah, a collection of powerful portraits inspired by master artists Caravaggio, Ribera, and Gustave Doré. This series, featuring famous is a unique opportunity for brands to align with timeless artistry.

The Artistic Inspiration Behind Selah

Selah draws its essence from the works of Caravaggio, Ribera, and Doré, masters known for their dramatic use of light and shadow, emotional depth, and storytelling through visual art. Gustave Doré, in particular, has been a significant influence throughout my career. His ability to convey profound narratives through his illustrations has always inspired me, and I even wrote my dissertation on his illustrations of The Crusades.

One of Doré's most evocative pieces, "The Neophyte," depicts a young man in a monastery surrounded by older, seemingly worn-out monks. This painting, rich in narrative potential, served as the inspiration for a recent photoshoot during my visit to Los Angeles. I had the privilege of recreating this scene with six remarkable actors: Tony Amendola, Peter Van Norden, Leo Marks, Bo Foxworth, James Sutorius, and Frank Weitzel.

Capturing the Essence of The Neophyte

To bring Doré's "The Neophyte" to life, I cast the talented Leo Marks as the young monk, placing in his mind the character of a youthful, contemplative figure. The other actors embodied the roles of the older monks, each with their own silent stories of fatigue, concentration, and introspection. However, I decided to add a modern twist by imagining them not as monks, but as individuals waiting at a bus stop, each with a different reason for being there. Leo, as the neophyte, became a wanted man, recognized by the photographer, creating a dynamic and layered scene.

This approach underscores my belief that art should be simple, with direction that is uncomplicated and straightforward. The result was a series of portraits that evoke the same curiosity and contemplation as Doré's original work, inviting viewers to ponder the inner lives and stories of the subjects.

Why Selah is Perfect for Your Brand

Aligning your brand with the Selah series offers several unique advantages:

1. Timeless Appeal: The classical inspiration behind Selah resonates with audiences across generations, offering a timeless quality that enhances your brand's image.

2. Emotional Depth: These portraits capture deep emotional narratives, creating a powerful connection with viewers and fostering a sense of authenticity and engagement with your brand.

3. Celebrity Influence: Featuring well-known actors, the Selah series leverages their star power to draw attention and elevate your brand's prestige.

4. Artistic Excellence: As a celebrated portrait photographer with over a decade of experience, my work has been exhibited internationally and acquired by prestigious institutions like the National Portrait Gallery in London. Collaborating with me ensures your brand is associated with high-quality, artistically significant imagery.

Elevate Your Next Campaign with Selah

Incorporate the Selah series into your next PR or advertising campaign to create a memorable and impactful visual narrative. Whether you're in Los Angeles, New York, London, or Las Vegas, these powerful portraits will help your brand stand out and make a lasting impression.

About Rory Lewis

Rory Lewis is a dedicated portrait photographer who has spent over a decade capturing many of the world’s most recognized faces, including William Shatner, David Cameron, Sir Derek Jacobi, Iain Glen, and Natalie Dormer. His images have been exhibited on both sides of the Atlantic, with several iconic portraits acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London. Rory’s recent project, ‘Soldiery,’ which documented the British Army of the 21st Century, has been hailed as a national success story.

Dividing his time between Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York & London. Rory works with a wide variety of clients, including Pepsi, Universal, the British Army, The Times, The Guardian, and Cancer Research UK. Rory draws immense inspiration from the masters of art, including Hans Holbein the Younger, Titian, Caravaggio, and Jusepe de Ribera.