What makes a portrait?

 "A portrait is a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other artistic representation of a person, in which the face and it's expression is often predominant. The intent to display the likeness, personality, and even the mood of the person. For this reason, in photography a portrait is generally not a snapshot, but a composed image of a person." - Wikipedia

Important points to consider for portraiture:

• Countenance - How much of the face will be included in the photograph? All/half/%/only certain features? How zoomed in/out? How much of the frame will be filled? Focal point? 
• Pose - Staged/posed photograph? Using techniques to put model at ease/create atmosphere? Eye contact suggesting confrontation? Suggestive poses to portray certain ideas?
• Clothing - Attire can be very suggestive of a person and their personality, challenge this by using clothing they may feel un/comfortable in? Photograph in work/leisure clothing - both suggestive of different ideas? How much clothing?
• Location - Although this project has to be photographed in the studio, the location still plays a large part in a portrait. Include props to suggest ideas? Take advantage of negative space to suggest ideas? What lighting to use to create mood/atmosphere in studio?
• Subject - The model and subject of the photograph is perhaps the most important, and the reasoning as to why I want to photograph them and what significance it has/ideas that I am trying to suggest/statement that I am trying to make. How I portray this person is crucial as many opinions and ideas will be made by viewers.