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I've read two threads recently about portrait competitions. One, The National Portrait comp and the other - a shoot that's happening soon with Photography Monthly.
That lead me to create this thread and ask what you think defines a good portrait.
I'll start
I've been questioned loads of times about my choice of EC/HCs (no not an EC/HC debate please) but I have views on what makes a good one. Some I can define, some are in my subconscious and trigger me to award or click without totally being able to justify why.
For me the main ingredient, other than light, is usually the model's contact with the photographer. This can be a tricky element to capture well. The model has to either be a really professional that he/she fakes contact with the camera and it looks like he/she's engaged, or you have to create a rapport to invite the model into your world.
Often the model looks unemotional or uncomfortable.
Children can be photographed without having to worry so much about this.
When the PM shoot occurs each photographer has 15mins to achieve the rapport.
I read an incredible book that suggested you spend an hour before taking photographs just staring at the model without speaking too! I would find this very difficult to do but it allows you to bond in a way that's usually impossible, the photographs you take then are supposed to be more engaging.. I'll have to believe what they say! I guess it's where photographs of your loved ones can often be more engaging, providing they are at ease with the camera.
Of course, the model may not be looking into the camera so that emotional contact is less important, but looking away is also a skill that needs to be captured well. In lots of technically good shots the model lets the shot down because they appear to be staring intently to match what has been requested by the photographer.
In my view it's about catching the natural character of the person. And that is the biggest challenge.
Over to you...
it always seems to be - old bloke , grey hair and beard , craggy features , strong directional lighting , in mono. these kind of show incredibble character i think , you do see a lot of them but its a classic subject and shot well i dont think any kind of person shot can beat something along these lines.
Quote: Often the model looks unemotional or uncomfortable
or dead behind the eyes. As the eyes are the windows to the soul thats often the contact that will strike a nerve - for me, technical issues not so important. I've seen so many technically good portraits but they leave me cold, no emotion, no feeling of warmth.. as if they have been positioned to within a mm for that technically perfect composition.
undoubtlebly a positive rapport has a lot to do with a good person shot but i dont think its essential.look at the churchill shot karsch(spelling?) did , pee him off to get the shot!! the ability to shoot a good person shot (where the subject is aware they are being photographed) comes from an understanding of people and how to get the best out of a person. few people can do this everytime (i certainly cant). the point above is a good one , these perfectly lit shots you see hanging on peoples walls are good shots but they never really leap off the paper at you.
Quote: That lead me to create this thread and ask what you think defines a good portrait.
The most important element is the connection between photographer (and subsequently the viewer) and subject. Even without eye contact there can still be a connection.
Light is not so important, great light and no connection is a technical exercise, not a great portrait. Technique enhances and helps shape that connection, but without it, it fails as a portrait.
Boobs...and lots of them... 
On a serious note, I am not always a fan of portraits, but ones that have caught my eye from the gallery are photos with a sharp eye(s), shot in a dark room, with a window light from the LHS or RHS highlighting just half of the face.
Like this as an example.
Anil.
Glad this question has been asked.
My last post the subject has a lot of hair across the face which i wasnt sure detracted from the image as it hid the eyes a bit.
The spontaneity would have been lost had i stopped to sort the subjects hair out.
Whilst in some ways i am not sure about it in others i like it because it captures spirit.
I thought you posh photographers do it on the 'i' of Armarni? 
thats the fella, I'm having trouble today lol
This may sound nuts but I hate doing portraits but it is some of my best work. Most of it never gets up on EPZ, have to respect the clients wishes.
I find I get my best results when I ask the subject to give me a certain look or pose and take the picture the instant they stop doing what I asked.
I guess thats because i hate portraits with the model looking right at me.
Allan
Dave wheeler from Smethwick camera club is the best portrait photographer i have ever seen, old nikon film camera no flash just back to basics stuff. Subject in there surroundings, pin sharp and showing the connection he has with his subject. He takes them from all over the world and i have not seen a bad one yet
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