1. What makes a particular photograph a portrait?

When there’s an intended story or message about the person you are photographing or creating with the camera.

2. Are Selfies Portraits?

In my opinion, selfies could also be defined as portraits because they try to tell a story with a person(who’s yourself, basically).

3. What should or shouldn’t be included within a portrait?

In a portrait, capturing the identity, personality, facial expression, soul, emotions, essence, and the overall inherent character of a subject must be included to deliver the message directly. However, a portrait doesn’t require incomplete themes and features and a fake expression of a model

4. What makes a “good portrait?”

the identity, personality, facial expression, soul, emotions, essence, and the overall inherent character of a subject.

5. Can a portrait only consist of a small detail, such as a close-up of a hand?

I think it is allowed. A portrait doesn’t always require including the full physical body or face, and even a small part of the body can still express the theme and message at the same time.

6. When does a more abstract representation cease to become a portrait – for example, a blurred figure, or a photograph of a person that has been torn, ripped or faded?

An abstract representation ceases to be a portrait when it no longer aims to depict a specific subject, shifting towards focusing on elements like form, color, and composition instead.

7. Is it possible to represent a person photographically without them being present in the image – for example, through a Still-life, an arrangement of inanimate objects? And if so, can this continue to be called a portrait?

I don’t think it is possible to express a person without being in the photo directly. The portrait shows a person physically involving the full body or some parts no physical appearance doesn’t fit the term.

8. Does a portrait have to be a single photograph? How about a sequence of images?

It doesn’t always have to be a single; two or more people can be included too. At least, if there’s a specific subject, then the number or model doesn’t matter. The sequence of images can support a central theme or concept and can be read in various orders, enhancing the narrative.