New York Portrait Photography Masterclass with Rory Lewis
About this Event
Portrait Photography Masterclass — New York
Overview
Join Rory Lewis for an intensive one-day portrait masterclass in New York. Rory has spent two decades photographing some of the most recognisable faces in film, politics and public life — sitters include Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Dame Judi Dench, William Shatner and Natalie Dormer, alongside British prime ministers — and his portraits are held in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London.
This is a day of hands-on shooting, not lectures. You will learn more behind the camera in a single day than in months of reading about technique, with ample time to apply each setup as it is taught. Professional models are provided throughout, and you will leave with portfolio-ready portraits of your own.
Who this masterclass is for
Beginner and intermediate photographers who can shoot in manual mode. The day is equally suited to wedding and headshot photographers who want to bring depth and classical refinement to their portrait work.
What you will learn
- Studio flash lighting from the ground up — the role of key, fill, back and hair lights, and how each shapes the final image
- Lighting modifiers — softboxes, umbrellas, snoots and reflectors — and when to reach for each
- Soft and hard light, and how each transforms the mood and impact of a portrait
- Rory's classical approach to lighting, rooted in the painterly tradition of the Old Masters
- Directing and posing models through inventive scenarios for dynamic, engaging portraits
Details
Date: Saturday 19 September 2026
Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
Places are strictly limited — reserve now to secure yours.
Common Questions
Do I need to bring any lighting equipment?
No — just your camera and a lens. An 85mm or 50mm is ideal for portraits.
Will I get to work with the models?
Yes. The day is built around shooting time, working directly with the models and the studio equipment.
Is the course aimed at beginners?
Yes — beginners and intermediate photographers who know how to use their camera in manual mode.
About Rory Lewis
Rory Lewis is a four-time winner of Portrait of Britain (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020). Over nearly two decades he has photographed leading figures across film, politics and the military, including William Shatner, Sir Patrick Stewart, David Cameron, Tony Blair, Iain Glen and Natalie Dormer. His work has been exhibited on both sides of the Atlantic, and his portraits have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery, London.
His two-year project Soldiery, documenting the British Army of the 21st century, was hailed as a national success story and described by the BBC as "The changing face of the British Army."
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 405.18
