A triangle

A portrait is so much more than a flattering, well-lit and sharp rightfull representation. One could convey an idea or feeling beyond that, which is not always rightly understood.
Try to see it as a triangle, with 3 persons or parties at the corners:
1. is the hard working photographer, the artist if you like with definite ideas and motivation.
2. is the one who is in the picture, the sitter, what is the sitter's expression or how do people react when their picture is taken? Are they aware of the camera / photographer? Do they connect with the photographer's idea?
3. Than there is the spectator, looking at the final portrait, to consider, who has his own opinion of the contents.

Robert Schilder, photo from the book 'Banaras, City of God, Heart of India
Another example of this 'triangle' is this:
1. what you say must have meaning
2. there must be someone who listens
3. that person must do something with what you are saying