what is a portrait?

Naturally, a portrait is thought to be a drawing, painting or photographical representation of an individual who's expression is the focal point. This being said a portrait could represent a person in many different ways.

  An expressionless portrait could subsequently show more emotion than that of a quick photograph of someone at their happiest. I think this radicalises the idea that a portrait has to be a thought out process in which expression, demeanor, posture and the medium involved need to be considered thoroughly and are the main progressor in implying a message meant to be portrayed. I think it's important to realise that an extremely simple drawing or painting etc. could provoke just as much thought or prompt

just as much meaning as an elaborate piece of art, as both will to some extent suggest the same amount of emotion or intellctual based thought behind it. Personally, I enjoy portraits that aren't as conventional as they not only prompt you to respond to it in an alternative way, but immediately it allows you to learn that there isn't just one way to go about portraiture. However, I do also appreciate  traditional portraiture such as that of Yousuf Karsh who's photography portraits are extremely traditional.