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Rory Lewis Non Profit

@heroesinfocus

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📸 Charity honoring those who serve through powerful portraiture and storytelling

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His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Photographed by Rory Lewis in July 2026.

A privilege to create this portrait and to contribute another image to the historical record.

Making history, one portrait at a time.

Team:

Photographer: @rorylewisofficial
Subject: His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan - @rhcjo
Photo Agency: @contourbygettyimages
Production Director: @alexandralewisofficial
Location: London, United Kingdom

Equipment:

@hasselblad @profoto @sekonicglobal @manfrottoimaginemore @samys_camera @bhphoto taken in London, United Kingdom by @heroesinfocus

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12 days ago

Captain Glennon, Los Angeles Fire Department.

Since its founding, Heroes in Focus — the Rory Lewis Non Profit — has held a simple conviction: those who serve in uniform deserve to be recorded with the gravity history reserves for statesmen and sovereigns. Until now, that has chiefly meant soldiers.

But service in uniform does not end with the armed forces. In the city I now call home, we open a new chapter with the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The Sitter

There is a particular stillness in people who have spent a career moving toward what everyone else is fleeing. Captain Glennon has it. A near twenty-year veteran, captain and paramedic, he sat as soldiers sit: upright, unhurried, direct. No performance. The face does the work.

The Portraits

We made three studies.

The first, in duty uniform against burnished gold — an echo of the gilded panels of the early Renaissance.

The second, in formal dress uniform: white-crowned cap, badge, and the bearing of civic tradition.

The third, in full turnout gear: helmet, breathing apparatus, and a coat carrying the honest marks of the job. This is not costume; it is equipment.

Together they form a triptych — the officer, the tradition, and the work itself.

All Who Serve

This nonprofit exists to honor all who serve in uniform — firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and members of the armed forces.

Every portrait is made at no cost to the sitter or their institution, to full archival standard, and destined for permanent public collections.

Making history one portrait at a time.

Nominate. Donate.

This work is funded entirely by donation, and every sitting is given freely.

If you know someone in uniform whose service deserves to be recorded, nominate them through Rory Lewis Studio.

If you can help fund the next sitting, please consider donating. And if neither is possible, sharing Captain Glennon’s portrait costs nothing — and honors him just the same. taken in Los Angeles, California by @heroesinfocus

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a month ago

Captain Glennon, Los Angeles Fire Department.

Since its founding, Heroes in Focus — the Rory Lewis Non Profit — has held a simple conviction: those who serve in uniform deserve to be recorded with the gravity history reserves for statesmen and sovereigns. Until now, that has chiefly meant soldiers.

But service in uniform does not end with the armed forces. In the city I now call home, we open a new chapter with the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The Sitter

There is a particular stillness in people who have spent a career moving toward what everyone else is fleeing. Captain Glennon has it. A near twenty-year veteran, captain and paramedic, he sat as soldiers sit: upright, unhurried, direct. No performance. The face does the work.

The Portraits

We made three studies.

The first, in duty uniform against burnished gold — an echo of the gilded panels of the early Renaissance.

The second, in formal dress uniform: white-crowned cap, badge, and the bearing of civic tradition.

The third, in full turnout gear: helmet, breathing apparatus, and a coat carrying the honest marks of the job. This is not costume; it is equipment.

Together they form a triptych — the officer, the tradition, and the work itself.

All Who Serve

This nonprofit exists to honor all who serve in uniform — firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and members of the armed forces.

Every portrait is made at no cost to the sitter or their institution, to full archival standard, and destined for permanent public collections.

Making history one portrait at a time.

Nominate. Donate.

This work is funded entirely by donation, and every sitting is given freely.

If you know someone in uniform whose service deserves to be recorded, nominate them through Rory Lewis Studio.

If you can help fund the next sitting, please consider donating. And if neither is possible, sharing Captain Glennon’s portrait costs nothing — and honors him just the same. taken in Los Angeles, California by @heroesinfocus

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a month ago

GENERAL (RETD) SIR JAMES EVERARD KCB CBE Colonel, The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeths’ Own) Honorary Military Patron — Heroes in Focus Inc.

While in London, I had the distinct privilege of photographing our Honorary Military Patron, General (Retd) Sir James Everard KCB CBE—a soldier-scholar whose 38 years of distinguished service embody the values Heroes in Focus Inc. seeks to preserve through portraiture.

Commissioned into the 17th/21st Lancers in 1983, his career spans the highest levels of British and Allied command, including The Queen’s Royal Lancers, 20th Armoured Brigade, 3rd (UK) Division, and the UK Field Army.

He served as Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Military Strategy and Operations) at the UK Ministry of Defence and as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) at NATO, where he also commanded EU military operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Since retiring in 2020, Sir James continues his commitment to defence and deterrence as NATO’s Lead Senior Mentor at Allied Command Operations. On 31 December 2024, he was appointed Colonel of The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeth’s Own) and serves as President of the Army Benevolent Fund.

Preserving Leadership Through Portraiture

As Honorary Military Patron, General Everard supports our mission to create a dignified, historically accurate visual record of military service—ensuring leadership, sacrifice, and professionalism are preserved for future generations.

This portrait, captured in London, reflects the quiet authority and clarity of purpose that defined his service—part of our ongoing archival commitment to British and Allied military history.

It is an honour to count General Sir James Everard among our patrons and to continue building this living archive.

Support the Mission

Heroes in Focus Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to preserving the stories of military and uniformed service through fine art portraiture and educational outreach.

To support future sittings, please consider making a donation or partnering with us.

MAKING HISTORY — ONE PORTRAIT AT A TIME. taken in London, United Kingdom by @heroesinfocus

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6 months ago

Military Portrait Photographer — New York.

Rory Lewis is a leading military portrait photographer, working across the United States and United Kingdom, with regular sessions in New York.

His work focuses on creating timeless, cinematic portraits of service members—capturing not just the uniform, but the individual behind it. Inspired by classical portraiture and guided by authenticity, each image reveals character, strength, and humanity.

Through both commissioned sessions and ongoing archival projects, Rory’s portraits serve as a lasting record of military life—honoring those who serve while preserving their legacy through fine-art photography. taken in New York, New York by @heroesinfocus

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6 months ago

The Royal Tank Regiment Portrait Sittings.

Forged in the adversity of the First World War, the Royal Tank Regiment stands as the oldest tank unit in the world. Today, the Regiment is based at Tidworth and equipped with the formidable Challenger 2 main battle tank—an enduring symbol of British armoured warfare.

Soldiers of the Regiment are instantly recognisable by their black beret and black overalls, a tradition unique within the British Army’s armoured corps. The choice of black was both practical and symbolic: oil stains would not show, and the colour itself has become inseparable from the Regiment’s identity.

Returning to Tidworth after two years, I was honoured to capture a new series of portraits, photographing officers and soldiers across the full spectrum of regimental states of dress. Once again, I had the opportunity to photograph soldiers alongside the powerful Challenger 2, creating a body of work that speaks to both the technical might and the human character of the Regiment.

On a personal note, I felt immediately at home. Many of the soldiers hailed from Liverpool, with others from Glasgow—two cities united by a shared humour and resilience. The camaraderie within the Regiment was palpable, and it was clear that this blend of personalities fostered a strong, cohesive unit.

Among those photographed was Lieutenant Batts, marking a historic milestone as the first female officer to pass out of Sandhurst in a combat role. Her portrait, alongside those of her fellow officers and soldiers, reflects the evolving face of the British Army while remaining firmly rooted in tradition.

These portraits form part of my ongoing commitment to documenting the modern British Army — honouring its history, its people, and the regiments that continue to shape it. taken in London, United Kingdom by @heroesinfocus

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9 months ago

The Royal Tank Regiment Portrait Sittings.

Forged in the adversity of the First World War, the Royal Tank Regiment stands as the oldest tank unit in the world. Today, the Regiment is based at Tidworth and equipped with the formidable Challenger 2 main battle tank—an enduring symbol of British armoured warfare.

Soldiers of the Regiment are instantly recognisable by their black beret and black overalls, a tradition unique within the British Army’s armoured corps. The choice of black was both practical and symbolic: oil stains would not show, and the colour itself has become inseparable from the Regiment’s identity.

Returning to Tidworth after two years, I was honoured to capture a new series of portraits, photographing officers and soldiers across the full spectrum of regimental states of dress. Once again, I had the opportunity to photograph soldiers alongside the powerful Challenger 2, creating a body of work that speaks to both the technical might and the human character of the Regiment.

On a personal note, I felt immediately at home. Many of the soldiers hailed from Liverpool, with others from Glasgow—two cities united by a shared humour and resilience. The camaraderie within the Regiment was palpable, and it was clear that this blend of personalities fostered a strong, cohesive unit.

Among those photographed was Lieutenant Batts, marking a historic milestone as the first female officer to pass out of Sandhurst in a combat role. Her portrait, alongside those of her fellow officers and soldiers, reflects the evolving face of the British Army while remaining firmly rooted in tradition.

These portraits form part of my ongoing commitment to documenting the modern British Army — honouring its history, its people, and the regiments that continue to shape it. taken in London, United Kingdom by @heroesinfocus

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9 months ago

The Royal Tank Regiment Portrait Sittings.

Forged in the adversity of the First World War, the Royal Tank Regiment stands as the oldest tank unit in the world. Today, the Regiment is based at Tidworth and equipped with the formidable Challenger 2 main battle tank—an enduring symbol of British armoured warfare.

Soldiers of the Regiment are instantly recognisable by their black beret and black overalls, a tradition unique within the British Army’s armoured corps. The choice of black was both practical and symbolic: oil stains would not show, and the colour itself has become inseparable from the Regiment’s identity.

Returning to Tidworth after two years, I was honoured to capture a new series of portraits, photographing officers and soldiers across the full spectrum of regimental states of dress. Once again, I had the opportunity to photograph soldiers alongside the powerful Challenger 2, creating a body of work that speaks to both the technical might and the human character of the Regiment.

On a personal note, I felt immediately at home. Many of the soldiers hailed from Liverpool, with others from Glasgow—two cities united by a shared humour and resilience. The camaraderie within the Regiment was palpable, and it was clear that this blend of personalities fostered a strong, cohesive unit.

Among those photographed was Lieutenant Batts, marking a historic milestone as the first female officer to pass out of Sandhurst in a combat role. Her portrait, alongside those of her fellow officers and soldiers, reflects the evolving face of the British Army while remaining firmly rooted in tradition.

These portraits form part of my ongoing commitment to documenting the modern British Army — honouring its history, its people, and the regiments that continue to shape it. taken in London, United Kingdom by @heroesinfocus

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9 months ago

1st Battalion, The Rifles Portrait Sittings.

Soldiery remains one of the most challenging and rewarding projects of my career. Now that the exhibitions have concluded, I’m proud to share a selection of portraits created through the Rory Lewis Non-Profit, an initiative devoted to preserving military heritage and honoring those who serve through fine art portraiture.

Among the many regiments I photographed, the 1st Battalion, The Rifles stands out for its deep-rooted traditions and enduring character. Little has changed for The Rifles since the Napoleonic Wars—they remain at the forefront of battle, defined by precision, independence, and quiet professionalism. True to their motto, Swift and Bold, they carry no flag; instead, their Battle Honours are worn proudly upon their uniforms.

Each Rifleman wears history on his belt plate—34 Battle Honours inherited from the regiment’s distinguished lineage. The bugle, long emblematic of The Rifles, has served both as a symbol and a practical instrument of communication since the 18th century. It replaced the traditional drum for its clarity and reach—its piercing tone carrying orders up to three miles across the battlefield. Originally fashioned from ox horn and later from polished silver, the bugle’s call became the heartbeat of the regiment.

That heritage continues today. Bugle calls still mark the rhythm of regimental life, and The Rifles sound Retreat rather than beat it—a proud distinction unique to their identity. Their story has even found fame beyond the military, immortalized in popular culture through the Sharpe television series.

When I arrived at Chepstow, home to the 1st Battalion, I was greeted by a young officer no more than twenty-three years old. Behind the lens, I met soldiers as young as eighteen—each embodying discipline, humility, and the living spirit of service. To witness their composure and dedication at such a formative stage in their careers was deeply humbling.

Through the Rory Lewis Non-Profit, I aim to preserve that spirit—capturing not just the image of the soldier, but the essence of duty, resilience, and pride that defines the modern British Army. taken in London, United Kingdom by @heroesinfocus

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10 months ago

The Rifles Museum Acquires Portraits of 1st Battalion, The Rifles.

Rory Lewis Non Profit is proud to donate a series of portraits to The Rifles Museum in Winchester. Located within the historic Winchester Military Quarter, the museum offers a compelling insight into the heritage and evolution of the British Army’s largest infantry regiment.

The donated works come from Soldiery: British Army Portraits, a project capturing the professionalism, character, and traditions of today’s soldiers. The Rifles stand at the forefront of modern operations—highly trained marksmen who move lightly, swiftly, and without the ceremonial colours carried by other regiments. Instead, their legacy is worn.

Every Rifleman bears the regiment’s Battle Honours directly on their uniform. The Belt Plate alone displays 34 Battle Honours, carried forward from their forming and antecedent regiments. Through these portraits, the distinguished history, discipline, and spirit of The Rifles are preserved for future generations. taken in London, United Kingdom by @heroesinfocus

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10 months ago

Virginia Military Institute – Portraits.

It was an honor and privilege to collaborate with the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), capturing portraits of its distinguished staff and cadets. This significant project was proudly funded by the Rory Lewis Non-Profit, founded by portrait photographer Rory Lewis, whose career spans more than two decades dedicated to preserving the legacies of military and service personnel through powerful portraiture and storytelling.

Founded in 1839, VMI is the oldest state-supported military college in the United States, and its history is deeply interwoven with the nation’s military and civic heritage. The Institute’s contributions during the American Civil War remain a defining chapter in its storied past. On fourteen occasions, VMI cadets were called into active duty, demonstrating courage and leadership in critical battles. Many served at Camp Lee in Richmond, training recruits under the command of General Stonewall Jackson. VMI graduates went on to distinguish themselves in both the Confederate and Union forces, with fifteen reaching the rank of general in the Confederate Army and one achieving the same in the Union Army. Before his famed flank attack at the Battle of Chancellorsville, Jackson himself proclaimed, “The Institute will be heard from today.”

Today, VMI continues to uphold its tradition of excellence. Recognized among America’s top public liberal arts colleges since 2001, the Institute educates citizen-soldiers prepared for leadership in both military and civilian spheres. Its alumni have earned Nobel Prizes, Rhodes Scholarships, and Pulitzer Prizes, and seven have received the Medal of Honor, reflecting the enduring values of integrity, discipline, and devotion to duty.

As a photographer, it is profoundly moving to capture the faces of those who embody this extraordinary legacy. Each portrait reveals a story of resilience, commitment, and leadership. The Rory Lewis Non-Profit is proud to have supported this project, ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of these remarkable individuals are preserved for future generations. taken in Lexington, Virginia by @heroesinfocus

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a year ago

Major General James Bowder OBE – Portrait Sitting.

Captured for the Rory Lewis Non-Profit – Honoring the Commanders of the Household Division

The role of the Major-General commanding the Household Division carries immense historical weight and ceremonial significance. As General Officer Commanding London District, the Major-General oversees all State and ceremonial occasions in London, leading the elite regiments of the Household Division and serving as the principal link between these regiments and the Monarch.

In October 2025, I had the honor of photographing Major General James Bowder OBE — the third consecutive Major-General of the Household Division I’ve captured for the Rory Lewis Non-Profit, following Major Generals Benjamin Bathurst CBE and Chris Ghika CBE. This series forms an evolving visual record of those entrusted with upholding the traditions of the British Army and the Crown.

A distinguished officer of the Grenadier Guards, Major General Bowder’s career spans nearly three decades of service and leadership — from Afghanistan to commanding the 6th (United Kingdom) Division and serving as Director of Army Futures. His portrait balances formality and humanity, revealing a modern leader shaped by both command and foresight.

Through the Rory Lewis Non-Profit, this work joins a growing archive preserving the legacies of those who serve — a living continuum of British military heritage. taken in London, United Kingdom by @heroesinfocus

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a year ago