Rory Lewis Military Archive: Capturing and Preserving the Legacy of Service Through Portraiture and Storytelling

All soldiers, whether young Non-Commissioned Officers or ancient generals, are deeply aware of their historical lineage. It contributes directly to their courage in battle and dedication to each other. Rory Lewis’s outstanding military portraiture captures the essence of this ethos. Through his contemporary portraits, Rory is doing something of genuine historical importance. And when he eventually hangs up his camera, as old soldiers hang up their boots, I hope another historian photographer will build on his vital legacy.

— Field Marshal David Julian Richards, Baron Richards of Herstmonceux, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL

About photographer Rory Lewis non profit

The Heroes in Focus non-profit, founded by acclaimed portrait photographer Rory Lewis, is dedicated to honoring and preserving the stories of U.S. military personnel and their allies worldwide through powerful portraiture and narrative. By highlighting the heroism, sacrifice, and diversity of those who serve, the foundation fosters empathy and deeper understanding between civilian and military communities.

At the heart of its mission is the creation of a living archive of Rory Lewis’s military portraiture. This ever-expanding body of work is shared through academic lectures, educational programs, museum collections, and curated exhibitions. By capturing service members both past and present, Heroes in Focus ensures that their faces and stories endure as a source of inspiration for future generations.

By bridging the worlds of art, service, and education, the non-profit offers a lasting tribute to the extraordinary lives of those who protect and serve.

Rory Lewis’s unique photographic archive of members of the Armed Forces who have served their respective nations captures the spirit of selfless service and sacrifice, leadership and devotion to duty and the tenacity and resolve that military service demands. He has vividly illustrated the human face of soldiers and soldiering revealing the nature, character and temperament of military service. His work is exemplary.
— General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith GCB CBE DL Chief of the General Staff 2018-2022

Behind the Lens — The Latest from Heroes in Focus

The Rory Lewis Archive is a powerful visual record of contemporary military history, capturing the faces and stories of some of the most senior leaders in the British Armed Forces. Through striking, intimate portraiture, Rory Lewis has documented generals, commanders, and decorated veterans—each image a testament to leadership, sacrifice, and service.

Many of these portraits are now part of prestigious public collections, including the National Portrait Gallery and the National Army Museum, preserving their legacy for generations to come. This archive stands as both an artistic and historical resource, spotlighting those who have shaped modern military service in Britain and beyond.

🎖️ Heroes in Focus: Education Series

Through the Heroes in Focus Education Series, photographer Rory Lewis shares over two decades of experience documenting the faces of service — from regimental soldiers to field marshals. Each installment explores the craft, history, and discipline behind military portraiture, offering insight into composition, lighting, and storytelling inspired by centuries of tradition. Designed for photographers, historians, and enthusiasts alike, the series preserves and teaches the art of portraying those who serve — with dignity, depth, and historical reverence.

Rory Lewis Archive


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"Your donation helps honor and preserve the legacies of military heroes, sharing their inspiring stories through powerful portraiture and education."

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A woman dressed in a World War II army uniform holding an American flag. She is wearing a decorated uniform, a black shako hat with a gold emblem and black plume, and a headset microphone.
A uniformed soldier in historical military attire holding a rifle, wearing a traditional tall hat with insignia and gold accents, white gloves, and a blue coat with gold buttons and white straps, against a dark background.

Contact Us

At the Heroes in Focus (Rory Lewis Photographer Non Profit), we proudly sponsor a limited number of photoshoots each year, depending on available funding. If you represent a military organization, police, fire service, or any branch of uniformed personnel and would like to collaborate with us, we encourage you to apply.

When submitting your request, please outline:

  1. Why you believe the proposed portrait session is important.

  2. How the captured images will educate the public and bring light to the legacy of those who serve.

Each request is carefully reviewed to ensure it aligns with our mission of honoring and preserving the stories of service and sacrifice. We look forward to learning how we can collaborate to share your story with the world.