Rory Lewis: Portrait & Headshot Photographer

Last week, I had the privilege of photographing actor Steven Ogg at my Los Angeles studio for my ongoing Selah Project. It's not unusual for photographers to be inspired by other forms of art, and as many of you may have noticed, my portraiture is heavily influenced by Renaissance Italian masters like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, and Ribera. Drawing inspiration from these iconic artists, I strive to masterfully recreate the light, atmosphere, and tones of classical portrait paintings in my work. This influence is particularly evident in Selah, my latest and most ambitious project to date.

I'm thrilled to share the latest addition to my Selah project, featuring the distinguished British actor Jared Harris. Known for his captivating performances in roles such as Lane Pryce in AMC's Mad Men, King George VI in The Crown, and Valery Legasov in HBO's Chernobyl, Jared Harris is an actor of immense talent and versatility. His extensive career spans television and film, with significant roles in Mr. Deeds, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Lincoln, and Allied. Most recently, he took on the role of Hari Seldon in the Apple TV+ science fiction series Foundation.

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.

Photography has always been about capturing that fleeting moment, a split-second where past and future converge and are held forever by the click of the shutter. In my Selah project, I’ve taken this concept into the studio, creating a series of portraits where each sitter pauses to prepare for something significant. One of the most compelling images from this project features actress Anna Passey, known for her role as Sienna Blake in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks.

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 actors and intriguing faces offers a unique opportunity for brands to align with timeless artistry.

In my latest project, Selah, I've drawn deep inspiration from the Old Master painters, particularly those from the Renaissance Italian period. This influence is vividly apparent in my portrait of James Purefoy, where I sought to evoke the light, atmosphere, and tonal qualities reminiscent of artists like Rembrandt and Caravaggio.

As the golden hour casts a gentle glow over the city, I sit, enveloped in the warmth of an incredible announcement: my portrait of the extraordinarily talented Michael James Shaw has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Hasselblad Masters 2023 competition. Amidst a vast sea of 85,000 submissions, to be selected among the top 10 in the portrait category is an honor that leaves me both humbled and elated.

Today, as we mourn the passing of the talented American actor, Mark Margolis, I find myself reflecting on the moments I had the privilege of spending with him during our portrait sessions. Mark's career spanned decades, and he starred in numerous films, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Most notably, his portrayal of Hector Salamanca in "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" earned him critical acclaim and an Emmy Award nomination in 2012.

Thank you, Peter Fenech, Editor of Digital Photographer Magazine, for featuring my captivating portraits of Maye Musk. I am grateful for the recognition, exposure, and support this opportunity has brought. Maye Musk's inspiring presence shines through these photographs, and I appreciate the platform to share my work.

Thank you, Peter Fenech, Editor of Digital Photographer Magazine, for publishing an article featuring my portrait sitting with actor Michael James Shaw. Your support and belief in my work are deeply appreciated, and I am grateful for the exposure and recognition this opportunity has brought.

Notre Dame has asked me to guest lecture at the University on 19th April 2023. I’m looking forward to visiting South Bend, Indiana. My project Selah will take centre stage. I’ll be discussing the religious and fine art inspiration behind the project.

Actress, writer, director, Sarah Wayne Callies is best known for starring in multiple hit television series The Walking Dead, Prison Break and Colony. Sarah & myself collaborated on a portrait photoshoot at the Los Angeles studio for a new project entitled Selah.

Always seeking phenomenal actors to pose for my projects. invited Michael James Shaw to the Los Angeles Studio. Capturing a series of vivid and thought provoking images. Starring in the Walking Dead and Limitless. Michael is the quintessential actor, such a pleasure to photograph, using light and shadow, and drawing inspiration from the old masters such as Caravaggio the results are stunning to behold.

Jared Harris is a British actor. His roles include Lane Pryce in the AMC television drama series Mad Men, for which he was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

David Morrissey is an English actor and filmmaker. Described by the British Film Institute as "one of the most versatile English actors of his generation", he is noted for the meticulous preparation and research he undertakes for his roles.

Andrew Divoff sat for a portrait photoshoot to be included in my Selah Exhibition at the Los Angeles studio in Downtown LA.

Kevin McNally is an English actor and writer. He is known for portraying Joshamee Gibbs in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series.

Caravaggio inspires many of my projects, recently I had the chance to collaborate with Actress Clare Foster. Recreating the character of Judith from the painting, Judith Beheading Holofernes the biblical episode by Caravaggio.

Nicholas Woodeson is an English film, television and theatre actor, and Drama Desk and Olivier award nominee. He reached a global audience as Julius Caesar's clever and loyal "body slave" Posca, in the BBC/HBO TV blockbuster, 'Rome'.

At the beginning of October, after a very long 18 month separation, I was able to reconnect with friends and clients in New York & Los Angeles.

In the back of my mind, I had been itching to capture long time friend and phenomenal actor Tony Amendola in the style of Caravaggio’s St Francis.

Just before Covid-19 ravaged my industry and that of Actors & Entertainers. I did have the chance to express my frustration on a portrait sitting with Actor Chad Philips. Who expressed my Caravaggisti creative direction in this depiction of anger and frustration.

Gratifying to see Selah previewed in my home city of Liverpool from 12-19th October 2020. The pictures were due to be shown in March, but due to the coronavirus the show was postponed.

Thank you to Digital SLR Photography Magazine Contributing Editor Caroline Schmidt, interviewing me about my work and future projects. Please see full transcript below.

(Full Interview) 01 July, 2020

Written by: by Caroline Schmidt, Contributing Editor

Michael John Harney is an American actor of film, television, and theater. He is best known for starring on the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black as Corrections Officer Sam Healy. In 2019, he had a recurring role in the Apple TV+ series For All Mankind.