not really a portrait.

Quote"...........A portrait is a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other artistic representation of a person, in which the face and its expression is predominant. The intent is 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 in a still position. A portrait often shows a person looking directly at the painter or photographer, in order to most successfully engage the subject with the viewer."

There appear to be no faces in this, therefore it is not a portrait.

Oh, what a concept! So adeincyprus, you had to go look up the meaning ? I photograph people for a living, I think I know what a "portrait" is. Now look up the word CREATIVE

Maybe this picture is not the exact definition of a portrait, but I have to agree with you author. IMO, this is a creative shot of a portrait, it's just thinking outside the box. Beautiful picture, btw.

show us your"MOST UNIQUE"- IMO that does not mean people standing and smiling in front of a camera- so, thanks Mikaelbg!

Great Pic!...Love the Colors...Good Job Author

Thanks Gia!

As awesome as this photo is, I kind of agree with Ade. I was under the impression that this was a portrait contest and even without a definition I was under the impression we were supposed to make something that would show everybody's faces, like a family picture you hang on the wall. But that's just IMO......

Just once, could you not be so defensive and just step back and see where we're coming from? I knew who you were from the comments. But still as awesome photo.

I believe some of us should stretch our imagination and try thinking outside the box!!!

Author, maybe you could learn from other people's critique for a change, instead of getting all defensive.
It's not a portrait! A portrait has faces in it, yours does not. Being creative is not the same as changing the definition of a word.
If you can't handle critique (valid critique in this case even) - then stop taking pictures. The world is not gonna change its definition of "portrait" for you. You should be thankful that people point out mistakes... And if you refuse to learn from it, just ignore them and don't improve.

raketman,how funny you dont even have a portfolio on here?

Fine, ignore everyone's useful advice and keep making your portraits from behind

Its one of my favorite shots so far, however I do have to agree...this isn't really a portrait. You are a fabulous photographer, and always very creative, but even thos of us with a more creative standing in a contest don't always make it on theme. I've been outside the box enough times to know that sometimes those pesky definitions can be the death of an entry.

I will say, awesome shot, great memory for the family, yet....not quite a portrait in the sense of artistic definition.

I cant believe this is causing such a commotion! RED FLAG IT THEN! OFF WITH THERE HEADS! LOL!

No, I didn't have to look up the meaning, I just had to find one worded simply enough for you to understand..............

You are not the only one who takes pics for a living, and it certainly does not make you right!

Here is a quote from a member of this site

PS (some of the comments you've received on your pieces are down right dreadful.

I believe adeincyprus, you are just making yourself look bad. I feel sorry for people like you who have to put others down in order to put themselves up.

I don't put people down, I make constructive crticism, based on many years of photography experience. Unfortunately, some people cannot take it. I am not interested in 'putting myself up' as you say.

I just had to find one worded simply enough for you to understand.............. Constructive criticisim,LOL!!!!!

I wasn't going to comment on this, but a portrait is surely something where you can see faces and expressions.

I think it's just great to study everyone's reaction. So different point of views... so different personalities...
Hey, it's great to have "met" all of you in this contest site. It makes my horizon get wider and my tolerance get stronger.

Ade isn't dreadful, he's honest.

It's a great photograph, and a lovely family photo, BUT not a family portrait.

luv this photo,...maybe not your conventional portrait,...
much more than just a portrait,..better!
respect!

I do like it very much, but i agree with others about it not being a portrait

What cracks me up is that after ALL THIS, the mods never removed it! That is because it is unique,it is a family and it is a portrait, put them all together and you get a unique family portrait!!