Rory Lewis: Portrait & Headshot Photographer

Capturing Leadership: My Latest Portrait of General Sir Patrick Sanders

September 21, 2024 in Military Portrait, London, Featured Sitting, Soldiery, Portraitist, Army General, Corporate Commission, Top Clients, Top Moment

I’m thrilled to share my latest portrait commission from the British Army, featuring General Sir Patrick Sanders, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen, who has served as Chief of the General Staff since June 2022. This marks my third portrait for the esteemed gallery of British Army leaders, joining my previous works of General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and General Sir Nicholas Carter.

Capturing Leadership: Photographing Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, my 5th Chief of the Defence Staff

March 24, 2024 in Army General, Featured Sitting, London, Portraiture, Royal Portrait, Top Moment, Works, CDS, Top Clients

Capturing Leadership: Photographing Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, my 5th Chief of the Defence Staff

In the intricate tapestry of British military history, certain figures stand out not only for their strategic prowess but also for their embodiment of tradition and ceremonial duty. Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the 5th Chief of the Defence Staff, exemplifies this unique blend of modern leadership and timeless heritage.

Capturing the Essence of Leadership: A Portrait Session with Chief of General Staff General Patrick Sanders

December 02, 2023 in Featured Sitting, Military Portrait, London, Top Moment, Soldiery, Royal Portrait, Portraiture, Charity, Army General, Luminary, Top Clients

Capturing the Essence of Leadership: A Portrait Session with Chief of General Staff General Patrick Sanders

In the illustrious world of military portraiture, Rory Lewis stands as the foremost photographer, specializing in capturing the essence of military personnel through his lens. Having previously photographed distinguished leaders like General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and General Sir Nicholas Carter, Rory embarked on another prestigious project – capturing the commanding presence of General Patrick Sanders, the Chief of the General Staff.

Celebrating Excellence: Portrait of Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith

August 02, 2023 in Corporate Commission, Military Portrait, Los Angeles, London, New York, Army Women, Army General, Case Study, Top Clients, Top Moment

Celebrating Excellence: Portrait of Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith

We are honored to share a remarkable milestone in military history as Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith's illustrious journey is commemorated through a captivating portrait captured by the esteemed Rory Lewis Photographer. A distinguished senior British Army officer, Lieutenant General Nesmith has paved the way for women in the military, achieving significant milestones throughout her esteemed career.

Lord Guthrie Retires as Gold Stick as Princess Anne Carries on the Tradition at King Charles III's Coronation

May 07, 2023 in Royal Portrait, Portraiture, New York, Los Angeles, London, Army General, Military Portrait, Soldiery

Lord Guthrie Retires as Gold Stick as Princess Anne Carries on the Tradition at King Charles III's Coronation (London Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis)

Lord Guthrie, a highly respected British military figure, has recently relinquished his role as Gold Stick-in-Waiting to HRH Princess Anne. The Gold Stick is a symbolic position within the British royal household, and its holder is responsible for carrying a golden stick during certain ceremonial events. Princess Anne will now carry out this role during the upcoming coronation of King Charles III.

Lord Guthrie has had a distinguished military career, serving with the Welsh Guards and the Special Air Service. He provided valuable advice to the British government during the Bosnian War and the Kosovo War, and served as Chief of the General Staff and Chief of the Defence Staff.

Lord Guthrie Retires as Gold Stick as Princess Anne Carries on the Tradition at King Charles III's Coronation (London Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis)

In 2012, Lord Guthrie was awarded the Field Marshal's Baton in recognition of his leadership and service. A portrait of him was captured by photographer Rory Lewis, who aimed to recreate the symbolism of the British military uniform, associated with energy, war, danger, strength, and royal power. The portrait, shot from a low angle with harsh lighting to preserve detail, portrays Lord Guthrie as the commander held in immense regard.

The recent coronation of King Charles III was a momentous occasion, steeped in tradition and ceremony. The Gold Stick played a symbolic role during the coronation, representing the royal household's presence and authority. Princess Anne carried the golden stick during the procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.

Lord Guthrie's retirement from the role of Gold Stick marks the end of an era and the passing of the baton to a new generation. Princess Anne's appointment to the role reflects her status as a senior member of the royal family and her dedication to serving the monarchy.

Lord Guthrie's contribution to the British military and his service to the country have been widely recognized and respected. His portrait, captured by Rory Lewis, serves as a testament to his remarkable leadership and service. As the royal household moves forward into a new era, Lord Guthrie's legacy and the tradition of the Gold Stick will continue to be remembered and celebrated.

Lt. Gen. Michael T. Plehn Military Portrait Washington D.C

April 10, 2023 in Military Portrait, New York, Portraiture, Los Angeles, USA Military Portraits, Charity, Army General, Top Clients, Top Moment

Lt. Gen. Michael T. Plehn is the 17th President of the National Defense University. As President of NDU, he oversees its five component colleges that offer graduate-level degrees and certifications in joint professional military education to more than 2,000 U.S. military officers, civilian government officials, international military officers and industry partners annually.

Lieutenant General Richard Wardlaw OBE

July 23, 2022 in Military Portrait, London, Liverpool, Leeds, Los Angeles, Manchester, New York, Portraiture, Army General, Britannia, Corporate Commission

Lieutenant General Richard Wardlaw OBE was appointed as the first Chief of Defence Logistics and Support in October 2019, and is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of a cross-cutting, pan-Defence strategy for Support, a c£14-billion/annum enterprise covering every facet of Engineering and Logistic Support. Commissioned by The Queens Gurkha Engineers, I captured General Wardlaw at the London Studio. The final Portrait to hang in the Regimental Mess.

General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, KCB, CBE Portrait Sitting London.

June 24, 2022 in Military Portrait, London, Featured Sitting, Soldiery, Portraitist, Army General, Corporate Commission, Top Clients, Top Moment

My latest Portrait commission from the British Army took place with General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, KCB, CBE Chief of the General Staff

Lieutenant General Sir Tyrone Urch, KBE Portrait Sitting London

March 20, 2022 in Military Portrait, London, Liverpool, Leeds, Los Angeles, Manchester, New York, Portraiture, Army General, Britannia, Corporate Commission

Lieutenant General Sir Tyrone Urch, KBE Portrait Sitting London Military Portrait Sitting London (Rory Lewis Photographer 2022)

General Crissman U.S Army Portrait Sitting New York

January 17, 2022 in Military Portrait, New York, Portraiture, Los Angeles, USA Military Portraits, Army General, Soldiers of the Republic

It is very exciting to now be able to offer Military Portrait Sittings in New York and Los Angeles. Hearing about my portraiture Brigadier General Crissman arranged a sitting at the New York studio in Manhattan.

Major General Chris Ghika CBE Portrait Sitting

October 28, 2021 in Royal Regiments, Portraiture, Military Portrait, London, Featured Sitting, Soldiery, Army General, Works, Britannia, Corporate Commission, Top Clients, Top Moment

The Major-General commanding the Household Division commands the Household Division of the British Army. He is also General Officer Commanding London District. The Major- General has sole responsibility for the Service aspect of all State and ceremonial occasions within London District, having executive command of the Household Division.

Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer, KCB, DSO, MBE Portrait Sitting London

June 25, 2021 in Military Portrait, London, Los Angeles, Manchester, New York, Portraiture, Army General, Britannia, Corporate Commission, Top Moment, Top Clients

Serving from the rank of Private Solider to Lieutenant General is a remarkable achievement. Upon watching the story of his career on a British Army Youtube video, I promptly invited Lieutenant General Lorimer to sit for a portrait at the London Studio.

Commandant Philippa Lorimer MBE Portrait Sitting

May 27, 2021 in Military Portrait, Portraiture, Works, London, Los Angeles, New York, Britannia, Corporate Commission, Army General, Top Clients, Top Moment

Philippa took over as the Commanding Officer of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal's Volunteer Corps) in July 2017. This appointment follows a career that started as an Army officer in the Royal Corps of Signals.

Major General Benjamin Bathurst CBE Portrait Sitting

May 02, 2019 in Royal Regiments, Portraiture, Military Portrait, London, Featured Sitting, Soldiery, Army General

The Major-General commanding the Household Division commands the Household Division of the British Army. He is also General Officer Commanding London District. The Major- General has sole responsibility for the Service aspect of all State and ceremonial occasions within London District, having executive command of the Household Division.

H.R.H Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, KG, GCMG, GCVO, CD, ADC Portrait Sitting

April 04, 2019 in Royal Portrait, Portraiture, London, Featured Sitting, Military Portrait, Charity, Army General, Top Moment, Case Study, Top Clients

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent is a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II through their fathers, Prince George, Duke of Kent, and King George VI. He has held the title of Duke of Kent for over 76 years.

The Chiefs of the Defence Staff

October 15, 2018 in Works, Military Portrait, London, Los Angeles, New York, Army General

The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) is the professional head of the British Armed Forces and the most senior uniformed military adviser to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Prime Minister. The Chief of the Defence Staff is based at the Ministry of Defence and works alongside the Permanent Under Secretary, the Ministry’s senior civil servant. The Chief of the Defence Staff is the British equivalent position of what in NATO and the European Union is known as the Chief of Defence.

Lieutenant General James Bashall CBE Portrait Sitting

June 07, 2018 in Military Portrait, Featured Sitting, Portraiture, Army General, Soldiery, Corporate Commission, Top Moment

Delighted to work with Lieutenant General James Bashall CBE, who commissioned a military portrait sitting at his Headquarters in Aldershot. A tall and imposing man, Lieutenant General Bashall was a hero of the Iraq War. He commanded the 1st Mechanised Brigade in Basra, in 2007.

Major-General Bob Bruce CBE, DSO Portrait Sitting

May 16, 2018 in London, Military Portrait, Featured Sitting, Portraiture, Soldiery, Army General

A recent portrait commission from The Royal Regiment of Scotland to capture Major General Bob Bruce CBE, DSO. The General posed in his uniform as Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

H.R.H Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO, KStJ, CD Portrait Sitting

May 09, 2018 in Portraiture, Royal Portrait, Military Portrait, Featured Sitting, Portraitist, Charity, Army General, Top Moment

H.R.H Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO, KStJ, CD is a member of the British Royal Family. He is a paternal first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, being a grandson of King George V and Queen Mary. His Royal Highness commissioned a portrait at the London Studio.

Lieutenant Colonel Ridgway (The Royal Tank Regiment)

January 08, 2018 in Military Portrait, Soldiery, Portraiture, London, Army General

Outgoing Commander Lt Colonel Ridgway of The Royal Tank Regiment, commissioned a portrait to be placed on the regimental wall of former Commanding Officers. Visiting Regimental Headquarters with my portable kit, the Colonel posed in No.1 Dress. The portrait was indeed historic as it will hang next to all the former leaders of the Regiment for many years to come.