Behind the Lens: Capturing Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux

Written By RORY LEWIS

Behind the Lens: Capturing Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux (Rory Lewis Photographer 2025)

Behind every portrait lies a story — not only of the subject but of the moments that unfold before the shutter closes. This behind-the-scenes look captures the quiet intensity and reverence surrounding the sitting of Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux, photographed for Heroes in Focus.

Appointed Honorary Field Marshal by His Majesty The King in June 2025, Lord Richards’ distinguished career spans command in Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, and service as Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of the British Armed Forces. His decisive actions in Sierra Leone — taken with moral conviction and courage — helped prevent catastrophe and safeguarded countless lives, cementing his reputation as one of Britain’s most capable and compassionate commanders.

The sitting took place in an atmosphere of reflection and respect — a meeting of history and portraiture. My admiration for Lord Richards’ leadership, particularly his unflinching resolve during the Sierra Leone Civil War, guided the creative direction of the session.

As the cameras rolled and lights shifted, this was more than a photographic session; it was an encounter with a man whose life has shaped modern British military history.

The final portrait will be unveiled in an upcoming Heroes in Focus feature — an image honouring his newly conferred five-star rank, symbolised by the historic red velvet Field Marshal’s baton, and a lifetime of service to Crown and country.

RORY LEWIS

Winner of the Portrait of Britain in 2017 and 2018. Lewis is a dedicated portrait photographer who has spent over a decade capturing many of the world’s most recognised faces. Sitters have included the likes of William Shatner, David Cameron, Sir Derek Jacobi, Iain Glen and Natalie Dormer. Rory’s images have been exhibited on both sides of the Atlantic, and several of his iconic portraits have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London. His recent project, ‘Soldiery’, which documented the British Army of the 21st Century, was completed over a two year period and has been hailed as a national success story, named by the BBC as ‘The changing face of the British Army’. Rory divides his time between London and Los Angeles, working with a wide variety of clients. In addition to his projects and private portraits, his photography has been commissioned by Pepsi, Universal, the British Army, The Times, The Guardian and Cancer Research UK, among others. Rory draws immense inspiration from the masters of art including Hans Holbein the Younger, Titian, Caravaggio and Jusepe de Ribera.

http://www.rorylewis.studio
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Field Marshal The Lord Guthrie (1938–2025)