What defines portrait?

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What defines portrait?

Postby owen on Mon Jan 21, 2008 12:31 pm

Hey guys.

I've been very quiet over here lately, though still lurking around.

My question relates to the shows where there is a portrait catagory.

Would this photo fit the criteria for a portrait?

Image

Cheers,
Owen.
http://www.ausphotos.com - My Gallery

http://www.doesgodexist.com - a very interesting site.
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Re: What defines portrait?

Postby sirhc55 on Mon Jan 21, 2008 12:59 pm

Owen, according to the dictionary a portrait is, in this instance, a photo of head and shoulders. I would define your shot as more of a candid :)
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Re: What defines portrait?

Postby radar on Mon Jan 21, 2008 1:16 pm

As Chris said above.

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portrait

Also have a look at the Australian national annual photography portrait competition site:
http://www.headon.com.au/

By looking at their submissions for 2007, that will give you an idea of what they defined as a portrait.
(related story: http://www.abc.net.au/ballarat/stories/s1946900.htm )

Edit: one more link: http://www.portrait.gov.au/index.php

Cheers,

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Re: What defines portrait?

Postby owen on Mon Jan 21, 2008 1:22 pm

Cool, thanks guys :)
http://www.ausphotos.com - My Gallery

http://www.doesgodexist.com - a very interesting site.
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Re: What defines portrait?

Postby sirhc55 on Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:23 pm

Forgot to say Owen that I really like everything about this pic. Composition, subject, and a pic that the little girl will just love when she is older.
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Re: What defines portrait?

Postby Matt. K on Tue Jan 22, 2008 9:04 pm

A portrait can be more than just a head and shoulder shot....It can be a full length portrait or an environmental portrait...IE, showing the subject in their environment. The most important characteristic of a portrait is that the subject must be aware of the fact they are being photographed and they are presenting themselves to the camera. They are not doing anything or engaging anyone but the photographer. On this criteria your image is not a portrait but a candid shot of the young girl. If you had asked her to turn around and look at the camera or pose for the camera then it would be a portrait.
Hope this helps.
Regards

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Re: What defines portrait?

Postby Yi-P on Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:59 pm

I think it can also be referred as a pictorial capture/representation of a person's character or inner-self.
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Re: What defines portrait?

Postby Bindii on Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:53 pm

I'd certainly call it a portrait.. an environmental portrait maybe but a portrait never the less..

its also a gorgeous whimsical shot...

oh my I am full of good words today aren't I?.. :P
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Re: What defines portrait?

Postby tocorro on Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:31 pm

Ideas to create a family portrait gallery? I want to create a family portrait gallery for my dining room. The wall is a dark red. I want to blow up real pictures in black and white or colour and have them put on canvas, but I am not certain the best frames. I have thought of using old gold frames to mimic and old fashioned gallery.. any other ideas?
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Re: What defines portrait?

Postby Bindii on Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:45 pm

tocorro wrote:Ideas to create a family portrait gallery? I want to create a family portrait gallery for my dining room. The wall is a dark red. I want to blow up real pictures in black and white or colour and have them put on canvas, but I am not certain the best frames. I have thought of using old gold frames to mimic and old fashioned gallery.. any other ideas?


You may want to start a new thread for this one.. :)
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Re: What defines portrait?

Postby gstark on Thu Mar 04, 2010 9:07 am

Bindii wrote:You may want to start a new thread for this one.. :)


I agree completely, Sue; Tocorro, please do. it's a new subject, and tacking it onto a thread that's over two years old

And, Tocorro, welcome too.

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