imp by mike Loc: Minnesota/Wisconsin/North Carolina

I'm having a discussion with a fellow Hogger as to portraits or snapshots. I still haven't figured out his definition, but he suggested leaving it up to you guys (& which also means you gals. Yes I'm politically incorrect. 🤔)
So I'm going to submit a few & let y'all vote portrait (not glamour shot) or snapshot. H

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

This one is sort of in the middle. I can see it as a portrait in which the subject was positioned and some thought was given to the background. But then we have what looks like on-camera flash placing the shadows where no portrait photographer would place them and it also makes for very flat light on the face and a dead-center tiny catchlight in the eyes. The leaf or flower growing out of the rear of her head is distracting as is the bright spot at the extreme left.

IMO, any image made with the flash on the camera is a snapshot if that is the main light.

Baz Loc: Peterborough UK

The subject is "people" Not portraits or snapshots. The shots here show the subjects correctly. That is to say as people. It isn't the amount of work you put in, or the fantastic and complex lighting set-up you use, it's what you portray of the subject at that split second that matters. Mike, I would say that you have shown that you have that skill just fine.

trc Loc: Logan, OH

Hey Mike,

I tend to agree with Cliff on this one. I would like to say that a portrait shot may sometimes be achieved if you have the flash mounted on the hot shoe by bouncing the light off a side wall at the correct angle, but it takes some time and thought before pressing the shutter release button. Also, a small diffuser of some sort attached to your speed light that is mounted on your hot shoe is usually best in trying to achieve a portrait shot using this method or set-up.

I believe that the best portrait shots are achieved by using off camera lighting with properly diffused mono lights, modeling lights, beauty dishes, etc.. Don't forget natural lighting can be used from a properly positioned subject to window light, which can be very soft light depending upon the situation, perhaps use of a white sheet over the window, the position of the subject, and the size of the window.

IMO, to me, this image you posted looks much more like a snap shot than a portrait shot.

Best Regards,
Tom