When I entered an image without my face in it for the last SP challenge I was certainly told by a few people that they didn't see it as a portrait, both via comments and PMs, after the challenge was over. Forum threads also included lots of messages from people expressing that same idea.
In my opinion a portrait is an image (painting, photograph, collage, whatever) that shows me the person in question. What it shows me might be nothing more than what they look like. Or it might be an image that tells me about their personality or about the way they live their life. Something more than skin deep.
My votes also suffered because of the nudity - some people were offended by it. Others missed the point entirely and assumed it was included only to win favour. Actually, given my body, that's the opposite of the truth. But some people GOT IT and for that reason alone I am still pleased I entered it.
I do hope people will look at creative ideas as well as standard responses. I'm certainly going to be looking out for those images that offer more to look at than faces.
Note I am not saying that I will automatically vote traditional portraits lower. I will vote, as always, on how much I like an image, also taking into account technical and creative aspects.
Message edited by author 2005-02-12 13:56:22.
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