Wow, So Happy I got a mention!
A little constructive criticism if I may; I feel like some of these photos don't define a portrait. A portrait should clearly expose the face, and mostly be from the waist up.
3rd place and even 1st place, while awesome shots, I don't feel fit this category. I am definitely not trying to be a sore loser, and participated for fun, but this might deter others from continuing to enter when the categories don't stick the definition of what you are trying to capture.
3rd place you can't even see the persons face.
I wasn't the judge, so I don't know what they were looking for, but I saw a lot of great photos with the photoconcest tag that more accurately portrayed what the category was about.
It would be wise to make sure the judges know exactly what they are judging on and looking for. Just my 2 cents.
Anyway, great photos everyone!
Technically you would be correct in this buttttttt this contest has been going on for 37 weeks now... not all photographers will always do waist portraits! Every judge i've had has a different style and a different vision for what a 'portrait' is! Its gotten to the point that as long as it has a person IN the photo then i'm ok with it... Thanks for your comment and CC!!
If not all photographers folder the criteria for what type of shot is in the contest, then obviously their photo shouldn't even be considered. If the rules are going to be so loose to the definition, and be so objective to 'vision' then that's disappointing.
Yes the 3rd place has a person in it, but you can't even see them, it's a silhouette, in no way is that portrait. If it were abstract portraits yes... but for example, it's better matching for this next theme creative lighting than a portrait.