Behind the Lens: Honoring Leadership with Admiral Sir Tony Radakin
Behind the Lens: Honoring Leadership with Admiral Sir Tony Radakin
When you step into a studio session with a figure like Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, you quickly realize that you are not only photographing a man—you are capturing an office, a role, and a legacy.
For this sitting, I wanted to create something that resonated with both history and continuity. The table scene I built drew inspiration from my love of classical portraiture, draped with the Royal Navy Ensign and flanked by symbols of service. A bust of the Duke of Wellington—Britain’s great military statesman—anchored the composition, while Admiral Radakin held the baton of Lord High Constable of England, a ceremonial honor he assumed during the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Rory Lewis Holding the Baton of the Lord High Constable, Behind the Lens: Honoring Leadership with Admiral Sir Tony Radakin
Rory Lewis Presented with Chief of the Defense Staff Plaque, Behind the Lens: Honoring Leadership with Admiral Sir Tony Radakin
Behind the camera, the studio hummed with energy. Softboxes and umbrellas carefully shaped the light, echoing the chiaroscuro tones of Old Masters while maintaining the clarity of modern portraiture. Each adjustment, from the placement of fabric to the angle of Radakin’s gaze, was part of a dialogue between past and present.
One of the most meaningful moments came when I myself had the privilege to hold the baton of the Lord High Constable—an object steeped in centuries of tradition. In that instant, the history I so often seek to capture through my work became tangible.
This was not just another portrait session. It was a collaboration between subject, photographer, and history itself. Admiral Radakin became the fifth Chief of the Defence Staff I’ve photographed, adding another chapter to the Heroes in Focus Foundation’s mission of preserving the stories of leadership, sacrifice, and service.
As I look at the final portraits, I am reminded that these images will endure beyond today. They will speak to future generations of leaders, offering not only a likeness but also a glimpse into the spirit of service that defines the British Armed Forces.
Final Portrait & Former Chiefs of the Defence Staff
