What is a portrait? A portrait is a representation that goes beyond mere appearance, capturing and symbolizing the essence of a person. Sometimes it depicts a subject directly, but a portrait can also take more abstract forms, such as artworks featuring meaningful objects, colors, or even someone else reenacting gestures or actions that reflect the individual. Selfies, for instance, are a form of self-representation and can be considered portraits, but I believe they tell only part of the story. A strong portrait should be more than just the subject’s image; it should consist of elements that speak to their identity and world. These could include objects they hold dear, animals they cherish, or scenes that evoke their passions and memories, or even in abstract forms. A portrait doesn’t always require the physical presence of the individual to represent them. Sometimes, a thoughtful arrangement of objects—a favorite book, a beloved instrument, or symbolic items—can evoke the identity of a person without them being in the frame. For example, a blurred or faded image could be an identity of somebody if it captures and represents something that echos their character or story.