Portrait photographer Morten Rygaard has a unique talent for capturing the essence of his subjects. Captivating and iconic, his images focus on prominent figures, from renowned musicians and celebrated actors to influential politicians, all of whom he documents with personality, often adding an unexpected twist that draws the viewer in, making them pause and want to delve further into his visual universe.

His flair leads him to work on album covers for musicians, promotional photos and posters for films, as well as editorial shoots for magazines, with each new project letting him explore the unique character of his subjects through compelling, visual storytelling.

Thanks to his unique approach, Morten is in high demand, and whether he’s working on an album cover or a major editorial project, portraiture is such a passion for him that he always pushes boundaries and transforms simple concepts into striking images. “I love having the time to fully realize my creative vision on a portrait," he says, “and that includes everything from directing the shoot and experimenting with my own lighting setups, to adding elements like smoke or getting creative with locations and compositions."

“For instance, when working on an album cover, I immerse myself in the artist’s music for inspiration,” he continues. “I note every concept, and then we discuss them together to select the idea that best captures the artist's spirit. Whether in the studio or at an exciting location, I aim to create timeless photographs. I also enjoy collaborating with makeup artists and stylists to bring my creative visions to life.”

The latest addition to Morten’s toolkit is the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens, which has quickly become essential in his work. Using it extensively on recent shoots with the Sony Alpha 1, it promises to be a long-term staple. “I’ve shot with this lens on four different projects, and it has excelled in each,” he says. “Its compact design ensures effortless handling while consistently delivering the kind of stunning images that enhance my work. Every time I use it, it helps me reach new creative possibilities.”

“One of those projects involved images for singer-songwriter Bastian da Cruz,” Morten continues. “He needed the photos to promote his next tour, and we agreed to do some simple, classical portraits on a beach with his guitar, near where we both live. The new lens was perfect for everything on that shoot, from wide shots to closeups, and working in low light. Its huge maximum aperture really helps to gather the light and make subjects stand out from a dreamy background.”

“The shoot also highlighted the spontaneity of collaborating with other creatives,” he adds. “On our way to the beach, we passed a swamp, and I said, ‘Bastian, I would love to create a photograph that stands out!’ We went into the water, shooting at f/1.4, close to the surface and relying on the A1’s incredible autofocus to perfectly capture his eyes. It was a photograph I had wanted to create for years, and Bastian was ready for it.”

In another shoot, Morten photographed soul and R&B singer Betty Bass in a small national park near her childhood home. “I asked her to climb a fascinating-looking tree,” he recalls. “I illuminated her with a flash and added smoke to the surroundings. It became a graceful and powerful scene through that lens, which tells you a lot about her as an artist.”

In another image, shot within an archway, Betty is positioned near the corner of the frame, which Morten says wouldn’t be as easy with lesser lenses. “The FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II has brilliant corner-to-corner sharpness, even wide open,” he explains, “so you can really experiment with placing your subject near the edges or composing them smaller within a wider scene.”

“And when you want the simplicity of a plain background, it’s perfect for that too,” he continues. “For instance, shooting Shanne Rosenberg in the studio, the sharpness was incredible, and it shows all the small details in the photograph.”

Morten emphasizes that success in his portrait work means exceeding his clients’ expectations. “My goal is always to elevate the results for them,” he explains. “I thrive on the moment when I present the final image, relishing their reactions when I succeed in delivering something unique. When they love the image, it brings me immense joy and satisfaction. It’s rewarding to know that I’ve not only met their vision, but also added my creative touch to it.”

"The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens is now my new go-to lens for portraits,” he concludes. “It delivers stunning image quality, beautiful bokeh, and sharp detail, elevating my portrait photography to the next level."