Rory Lewis Photography Tuition
Based in Los Angeles, New York & London
Discover the artistry of portrait photography and unlock your creative potential with award-winning photographer Rory Lewis, recognized by the National Portrait Gallery, Portrait of Britain, and Hasselblad Masters 2023.
About Rory Lewis
With a career spanning over two decades, Rory Lewis has photographed icons including Sir Patrick Stewart, Dame Judi Dench, and Sir Ian McKellen. His workshops offer a rare opportunity to learn directly from a photographer celebrated for blending classical lighting with cinematic storytelling.
One-to-One Workshops
Los Angeles, New York & London
Personalized, immersive instruction tailored to your goals, experience level, and creative direction. One-to-one workshops are ideal for beginners seeking a strong foundation or established professionals refining advanced portrait and lighting techniques.
Each private session is designed entirely around you — your questions, your pace, and your artistic ambitions.
Immerse yourself in practical learning — guided directly by Rory Lewis.
What You’ll Learn
Camera control and lighting mastery
Direction and posing for expressive portraits
Composition, mood, and visual storytelling
Soft vs. hard light, reflectors, and modifiers
Studio flash techniques and controlled location lighting
Every session includes collaboration with a professional model and produces portfolio-ready images.
Locations & Options
Los Angeles — Studio
Workshops and one-to-one sessions take place at Rory’s Downtown Los Angeles studio.
Each session is designed as an immersive, hands-on experience focused on developing your technical precision, creative direction, and personal visual style.
✔ Studio-based, intensive instruction
✔ Real-world workflow and lighting setups
✔ Direct guidance on direction, expression, and composition
✔ Ideal for photographers looking to elevate their portfolio and client work
✔ Limited availability to ensure a focused, high-level experience
Schedule Session Link in Los Angeles
New York — Studio Sessions
One-to-one workshops are also available in New York City.
✔ Studio-based instruction
✔ Tailored, portfolio-driven learning
✔ Focus on lighting, direction, and client workflow
✔ Additional $100 fee applies due to New York operational costs
Schedule Session Link in New York
London — Studio Sessions
One-to-one workshops are also available in London.
✔ Studio-based instruction
✔ Personalized, high-level tuition
✔ Emphasis on cinematic lighting and portrait direction
✔ Designed for photographers seeking a refined and distinctive style
Schedule Session Link in London
Group Workshops
Experience hands-on, practical tuition designed to elevate your portrait photography. Each workshop includes:
Direction and feedback from Rory Lewis
Professional model collaboration
Lighting instruction using studio setups
Portfolio-building opportunities
Upcoming Workshops
Join award-winning portrait photographer Rory Lewis for an intensive two-day masterclass at his London studio. Over the course of two immersive days, you’ll photograph six professional models—including a well-known face or two—while mastering the craft of Portrait Lighting and portfolio-building setups.
Join internationally renowned portrait photographer Rory Lewis for an exclusive one-day masterclass in Amsterdam. This immersive workshop is designed to refine your portraiture skills, deepen your understanding of light, and give you hands-on experience working with professional models in a controlled studio environment.
This hands-on portrait photography workshop in Los Angeles is led by Rory Lewis, internationally recognized for cinematic, painterly portraiture inspired by Caravaggio, Ribera, Rembrandt, and Holbein. The focus: chiaroscuro, tenebrism, and emotional presence—light that sculpts, darkness that speaks.
Beginner Portrait Photography Evening Course (4 Evenings)
Join internationally recognised portrait photographer Rory Lewis for a four-evening course designed to introduce photographers to the art of portrait photography.
Students will learn the foundations of portrait photography including lighting, composition, camera settings, and directing subjects. Across the four evenings, participants will observe demonstrations and photograph professional models during practical sessions.
Join award-winning photographer Rory Lewis for an immersive photography workshop at Samy’s Camera in Los Angeles. Known for his captivating portraits of royalty, celebrities, and prominent figures, Rory will guide you through the techniques and artistry behind creating striking headshots and portraits.
Join internationally published portrait photographer Rory Lewis, on a one day workshop to master portraiture and bring your work to the next level.
Join award-winning portrait photographer Rory Lewis for an intensive two-day masterclass at his Downtown Los Angeles studio. Over the course of two immersive days, you’ll photograph eight professional models—including a well-known face or two—while mastering the craft of Portrait Lighting and portfolio-building setups.
Speaking Engagements
Rory Lewis is available for speaking engagements, offering captivating talks on the art and philosophy of portraiture. With over two decades of experience photographing royalty, military leaders, politicians, and celebrated figures from film and business, Rory provides rare insight into the craft of portraiture — from directing subjects and mastering light to capturing character and presence.
His engaging presentations feature behind-the-scenes stories from landmark sittings and explore how portraiture continues to shape our understanding of history, leadership, and identity. Rory has delivered talks and lectures at esteemed institutions including the National Portrait Gallery, the National Army Museum, Notre Dame University, and The Photography Show.
Samy's Camera welcomes Rory Lewis for a compelling, in-person lecture exploring 23 years behind the lens—from royalty and Hollywood icons to senior military leaders.
For $29.00, join us for an inspiring afternoon as Rory shares the creative philosophy, lighting techniques, and direction methods behind his signature cinematic portraits. His work includes defining images of Sir Patrick Stewart, William Shatner, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, and Sir Tony Blair.
Samy’s Camera is proud to host an exclusive talk with acclaimed portrait photographer Rory Lewis—a master whose 23-year career has captured the faces of royalty, world leaders, Hollywood legends, and senior military command.
Past Workshops
I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who attended my recent Portrait Photography Workshop. The energy, focus, and creative ambition in the room made it a truly exceptional two days.
I’m thrilled to announce the opening of my brand-new photography studio in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at 411 S. Main Street, Suite #222. This new space is over three times larger than my previous studio, designed specifically for creativity, collaboration, and world-class portraiture.
To celebrate, I’m holding a special one-time workshop on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at an incredible price of just $200.
Are you ready to elevate your portrait photography skills to the next level? Join internationally acclaimed portrait photographer Rory Lewis for an exclusive one-day workshop in New York City on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025. Whether you're a passionate beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, this masterclass is designed to help you refine your craft and transform your approach to portraiture.
Are you ready to elevate your portrait photography skills to a professional level? Join internationally acclaimed portrait photographer Rory Lewis for a one-day immersive Portrait Photography Masterclass in London on Saturday, 8th March 2025. This exclusive workshop is your opportunity to learn directly from a renowned expert whose work has graced galleries and publications worldwide.
Are you ready to take your photography to the next level? Join us for not one, but two exceptional workshops on October 17 and October 19, both from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. These workshops, led by acclaimed British Royal and Celebrity Photographer Rory Lewis, promise to revolutionize your approach to portrait photography.
Join internationally published portrait photographer Rory Lewis for a one-day workshop in London designed to elevate your portrait photography to the next level. Whether you're an amateur enthusiast or a semi-professional photographer, this masterclass offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field.
Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Time is running out, and the clock is ticking! Grab the last few places available for the highly anticipated Los Angeles Portrait Photography Masterclass with the renowned Rory Lewis. On Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of portrait photography.
Rory Lewis Photographer has made an indelible mark on the realm of photography and the visual arts. With his consistently imaginative and thought-provoking portraits, he has had the privilege of capturing the essence of notable figures such as Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Ian McShane, Dame Judi Dench, Natalie Dormer, and many others. Now, aspiring photographers and enthusiasts have the exclusive opportunity to learn from this esteemed photographer through the 2024 UK Portrait Photography Workshop Tour.
Looking forward to working with Samy’s Photo School, Thursday 19th October 2023 Ill be running a portrait masterclass. The workshop will be a practical tuition session giving you plenty of time to learn hands portrait photography skills.
As an acclaimed British Royal & Celebrity Photographer, Rory Lewis has made an indelible mark on the world of photography and visual arts. Recently, I had the pleasure of conducting an extraordinary workshop at Samy's Camera in LA, aimed at sharing my expertise and empowering fellow photographers with practical skills and techniques.
Looking forward to working with Samy’s Photo School, April 15th I’ll be running a portrait masterclass. The workshop will be a practical tuition session giving you plenty of time to learn hands portrait photography skills.
Those of you who follow my blog and twitter feed, see me using Manfrotto Lighting Equipment & Backdrops on the majority of my Portraits/Headshots Recently I was commissioned by Manfrotto to film a series of videos on my headshot techniques and how I use their equipment in my workflow.
In this relaxed, hands-on workshop, Rory Lewis explores how much you can truly achieve with one light — and when adding more actually helps (and when it doesn’t). Drawing on over two decades of experience photographing actors, artists, executives, and public figures, Rory demonstrates a simplified, intentional approach to portrait lighting that prioritises clarity over complexity.