Honoring Service: Portraits at the National Defense University

Written By RORY LEWIS

Colonel Nyland U.S Army Portrait The National Defense University Rory Lewis Photographer, Copyright © Heroes in Focus Foundation 2025

The Heroes in Focus Foundation is proud to have collaborated with The National Defense University (NDU) in Washington, D.C., to capture the portraits of distinguished military leaders and personnel. Founded by Rory Lewis, a renowned portrait photographer with over 20 years of experience, the foundation is dedicated to honoring the stories of military and service members through compelling portraiture and storytelling.

NDU’s mission to educate joint warfighters and national security leaders in strategic thinking and creative military applications aligns closely with the foundation’s goal to preserve and celebrate the legacies of those who serve. Under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Michael T. Plehn, NDU plays a vital role in shaping the future of military leadership. Lt. Gen. Plehn, the 17th President of NDU, oversees its five colleges, which provide graduate-level education to over 2,000 U.S. military officers, civilian government officials, international officers, and industry partners annually.

During the photoshoot, we had the privilege of working with distinguished leaders such as Lt. Gen. Plehn and U.S. Army Colonel Nyland. Using a professional and friendly approach, we ensured that each portrait captured their accomplishments and pride in service. The session highlighted the unique details of their uniforms, badges, and awards while also capturing candid moments that revealed their personal side.

The foundation’s commitment to preserving these legacies extends beyond photography. NDU’s own vision of fostering globally integrated operations and whole-of-government partnerships reflects the critical role of military leaders in today’s complex world. By documenting these leaders through portraiture, we contribute to a lasting archive of their dedication and service.

As a photographer and advocate for honoring military service, it is a privilege to work with institutions like NDU that uphold such high standards of excellence. Each portrait tells a story of leadership, sacrifice, and resilience—values that inspire generations to come. The Heroes in Focus Foundation remains dedicated to highlighting the remarkable contributions of military personnel and ensuring their legacies endure.

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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