A portrait is typically defined as a photograph that captures the personality, likeness, of a person. It often focuses on their face or upper body. The subject is usually the focal point, so the composition and lighting will aim to emphasize this subject’s features in a way that will reveal something about them, whether it’s their mood, character, or context. A portrait’s main element is a person; a good portrait often will convey something about the person, whether it’s through their expression, posture, or the environment they’re in.
Selfies can be considered portraits, though they might not always meet the more formal, artistic standards of portraiture. A selfie is more of a self-portrait where the photographer is the subject which is typically taken with a phone nowadays. The key difference from traditional portraiture is the level of control over the composition, lighting, and context. Unless it serves a purpose, things that distracts from the subject (like a cluttered background or object that takes attention away). A portrait is about focus.
It’s also possible to represent a person photographically without actually being physically present in the image, which can be a more metaphorical portrait. By arranging inanimate objects or still life compositions so that they reflect the personality and interest of the individual, the photograph can tell their story. It’s the idea that the person’s presence is implied rather than a literal person. The objects will act as a symbol for the subject.
A sequence of images will allow for a dynamic representation of the subject. Each image in the sequence might capture different aspects of the person’s personality, various moments in their life, changes in their modd etc.