Rory Lewis: Portrait & Headshot Photographer

Portraits & Headshots with the Architect of the Chubbuck Technique

There are rare figures in the acting world whose influence extends far beyond the classroom—whose ideas shape performances, careers, and entire generations of artists. Ivana Chubbuck is unquestionably one of them.

Actor Tyler Huxtable visited my Downtown Los Angeles studio for a cinematic headshot session focused on truth, restraint, and screen presence. The aim was simple: to create portraits that feel authentic, contemporary, and immediately readable to casting directors.

At the New York studio, Rory Lewis captured a powerful new series of actor headshots with Jason Cliff, a dynamic film, television, and stage actor known for his emotional intelligence, restraint, and commanding screen presence.

New York Actor Headshots with Rory Lewis

In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, actor Jeremy Brena stepped into the studio for a focused, cinematic headshot session designed for today’s competitive New York casting landscape. Known for his work across acclaimed television and film, Jeremy’s session centered on clarity, presence, and authenticity—qualities casting directors consistently respond to in New York actor headshots.

With credits including Elementary, Power, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Jeremy brings a grounded, intelligent energy to the camera. The aim of this shoot was not spectacle, but truth—portraits that feel lived-in, confident, and unmistakably him.

Capturing a compelling actor headshot is never about performance alone — it is about presence. For actor Devin McElvogue, our recent session at my Downtown Los Angeles studio focused on exactly that: stripping away artifice to reveal clarity, confidence, and character.

Actor Adam Wesley is known for performances marked by intensity, restraint, and psychological depth. With credits including Where the Shadows Wait (2025), The Lonely Crowd, and Not Every Woman, his work consistently inhabits the quieter, more complex spaces of character—where tension lives beneath the surface rather than being declared outright. That sensibility formed the foundation of his recent theatrical headshot session at my Downtown Los Angeles studio.

Born in New York, Lakshmi Devy is an accomplished actress, director, screenwriter, and producer of Indian descent whose career moves fluidly between New York and India. Deeply attuned to both cultures, Lakshmi brings a rare sense of balance, intelligence, and emotional clarity to her work—qualities that were immediately evident during her recent portrait sitting at my New York studio in Manhattan.

I recently welcomed actor Francis Price to my Los Angeles studio for a set of fresh, cinematic actor headshots. Francis, a graduate of the CalArts Theater School and Middlebury College, brings a grounded presence and disciplined technique shaped by years of stage and screen experience.

Capturing new headshots for Todd Jeffries at my Downtown Los Angeles studio was an exceptional experience, working with an actor whose career spans award-winning stage work, memorable film roles, and appearances across some of television’s most iconic series. In a city where a headshot is often the first introduction to casting directors, producers, and agencies, Jeffries brought a depth and presence shaped by decades of performance.

I recently had the pleasure of photographing actress Echaka Agba at my Midtown Manhattan studio. Echaka is an exceptional talent whose work spans film, television, and theatre, with standout performances in We Grown Now (2023), Chicago Med, South Side, Work in Progress, and the award-winning short Runner. Her ability to move effortlessly between drama, comedy, and deeply human storytelling has made her a rising presence across the industry.

Capturing actress Kayelyn Hull at my Manhattan studio was a reminder of why New York continues to be one of the most exciting cities in the world for performers. Every actor who steps in front of the lens brings their own blend of ambition, vulnerability, and untapped potential—but Kayelyn brought something especially compelling: a quiet intensity paired with a natural ease, the kind of presence casting directors remember long after the audition has ended.

This month, I had the pleasure of photographing American actor Ryan Rottman at my Central London studio, creating a new series of cinematic headshots that highlight his range, presence, and unmistakable on-screen charisma.

As a portrait photographer based in Downtown Los Angeles, I’ve had the privilege of working with extraordinary performers — and Michael Robert House is one of them. A versatile American actor, musician, and model, Michael brings intensity, depth, and sincerity to every frame.

With over two decades behind the lens, Rory Lewis is an award-winning portrait photographer celebrated for creating actor headshots that capture authenticity, depth, and individuality. Every session is carefully tailored to reveal true character and emotional range—qualities that make lasting impressions with casting directors and industry professionals alike.

At our Downtown Los Angeles studio, I recently had the pleasure of photographing Saint, a promising young actor whose natural confidence and expressive presence made for a truly engaging headshot session.

Ana Peralta Chong into my Downtown Los Angeles studio for a recent session of headshots and digitals.

It was an honor to welcome Peter O’Meara into my Los Angeles studio for a headshot session. A lauded character actor, Peter has built an extraordinary career across stage and screen, with performances that have captivated audiences in both Europe and the United States.

It was a pleasure to welcome actor and broadcaster James Packard into my Downtown Los Angeles studio for a recent headshot session. James, known for his role in Darkness Reigns (2017), was born in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, on August 13, 1995, and raised in Denver, Colorado. From a young age, he felt a strong pull toward the craft of acting, pursuing it with focus during his college years. Today, he continues to balance his work on screen and in broadcasting, carving out a distinctive presence in the entertainment industry.

In an industry where first impressions matter, a headshot must do more than look polished—it must reveal character. Actor, writer, and artist Sean Hemeon recently partnered with Los Angeles–based portrait photographer Rory Lewis to create a set of headshots that capture depth, presence, and authenticity.

When character, experience, and authenticity matter, headshots must do more than show a likeness—they must communicate presence. Recently, Stephen Blackehart stepped into the Downtown Los Angeles studio of Rory Lewis for a cinematic actor headshot session designed to reflect the depth and range of a seasoned performer.

My approach to every Los Angeles Actors Headshot Session is to move beyond surface likeness—revealing personality, narrative, and presence. Working with Andy was a fluid and intuitive process. His command of expression, understanding of movement and light, and complete ease in front of the camera created a session that was both dynamic and memorable.

Renowned British photographer Rory Lewis has once again showcased his exceptional talent, capturing striking new imagery for Caitlin Garcia during a recent session for New York Actor Headshots. With over 20 years of experience behind the lens, Rory has established himself as a premier bi-coastal photographer, operating high-end studios in both Manhattan and Downtown Los Angeles.

At my Manhattan studio, I recently had the pleasure of working with the incredibly talented Jamarcus Outley, best known for his standout performances in Somewhere Over the Rainbow (2024) and Bad Match (2023). Jamarcus is a rising star with a striking presence and a dynamic range—the kind of actor whose headshots need to convey both cinematic depth and commercial versatility.

Last week, at my Downtown Los Angeles studio, I had the privilege of photographing Oli Lee Andersson, an artist, filmmaker, writer, and educator whose creative work bridges the realms of identity, community, and belonging. The session was both moving and illuminating—a reminder of how portraiture can serve as a vessel for storytelling and self-expression.

Model and actress Hana Mayeda visited my Los Angeles studio for a dedicated headshot session to update her professional portfolio for stage and screen. Working through multiple lighting setups and precise direction, we created a series of vivid, expressive, and thoughtfully crafted actor headshots—designed to capture presence, character, and casting range.

Kirk Baltz is a highly respected character actor with an extensive film and television career. He is best known for his unforgettable role as Officer Marvin Nash in Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic Reservoir Dogs, as well as his appearance in Natural Born Killers, also written by Tarantino. His wider body of work includes the Academy Award–winning epic Dances with Wolves, alongside decades of performances across film, television, and stage.

Lacota Shapley came into my Downtown Los Angeles studio for a model headshot session built around clarity, confidence, and longevity—portraits that feel contemporary and editorial, while remaining timeless enough to carry a portfolio forward for years.

In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, I recently had the pleasure of photographing Dominic Bracco — a dynamic YouTuber, post-production specialist, and content creator whose work spans global campaigns for major brands, agencies, and media platforms. With a background in video editing, post-production, branded content, TV commercials, mobile media, and corporate storytelling, Dominic brings a rare blend of technical mastery and creative vision to every project he touches.

This week in Los Angeles, I had the pleasure of photographing Emmy Award–winning composer James Michael “Jim” Dooley, one of the most prolific musical storytellers working in film, television, and games today. Known for his work with Hans Zimmer at Remote Control Productions and for scores spanning Pushing Daisies, inFAMOUS, Epic Mickey, Secret Obsession, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, and The Da Vinci Code, James has shaped the soundscape of modern screen music for over two decades.

Last month in my Central London studio, I had the pleasure of capturing a series of cinematic headshots and portraits of Jonathan Sacerdoti—a British broadcaster, journalist, producer, and prominent voice on issues of extremism, antisemitism, race relations, Middle Eastern affairs, and the British royal family. Known for his sharp analysis and measured commentary across networks including Fox News, i24news, Cheddar, E! Daily Pop, and Us Weekly, Jonathan brings a unique blend of intellect, lived experience, and clarity to contemporary public discourse.

Matthew Margeson — the acclaimed American composer known for his dynamic, emotionally charged scores — joined me in Los Angeles for a refined, character-driven headshot session.

It was a pleasure to welcome Arshak Papazyan to my Los Angeles studio for a cinematic headshot session. A creative force with boundless energy, Arshak has built a reputation for shaping culture through art, design, and storytelling—a perfect match for the expressive, character-driven portraits I strive to create.

Michael Richardson stepped into the studio for a set of striking model digitals that highlight his natural presence and versatility. With clean lines, sharp features, and effortless style, Michael’s digitals provide agencies with exactly what they need: unfiltered, authentic images that showcase his potential across fashion, lifestyle, and commercial work.

Model digitals are the cornerstone of every successful modeling portfolio. Agencies rely on them to assess true potential, and clients look for honesty and polish in every frame. Drawing on years of experience photographing actors, celebrities, and fashion talent, I create clean, agency-ready digitals that not only meet industry standards but also reveal your individuality and best angles through subtle, professional direction.

Weemunga Johnson brought a rare balance of intensity and refinement to his model digitals session. His striking profile, clean lines, and confident presence translate effortlessly on camera—exactly what agencies look for when assessing potential and versatility.

In my London studio, I had the pleasure of photographing Ana Emdin, an accomplished film producer whose work spans both the UK and the international stage. From the moment she stepped in front of the camera, Ana brought a poised elegance and quiet confidence that lent itself beautifully to portraiture rooted in restraint, presence, and depth.

Through cinematic lighting and thoughtful direction, Rory created portraits that reflect Sexton’s commanding presence and human depth, embodying the drive and character that make him a force in and beyond the courtroom.