A good portrait to me is when I sense a moment of tension, humor, a subtle knowing flutter when I connect with the eyes of the subject. It must somehow also have a secret that you want to take part in or that makes you wonder.  If the image has these traits i'll vote 8 - 10.

What strikes me, in all categories, is the feel I have for the subject and not how the photographer "shot" it.  If a photo doesn't strike an interest i'll vote it between 5 - 6.

Let me add that I do take into consideration originality, contrast, depth of field, composition and sharpness on all images.

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I was told by one of the DAGC members that voting on interest for an image was wrong and doing that will get me reported to Admin.  Then Mr. Hall replied to my comment for his RFC and said I have a lack of judgement. So if someone could enlighten me on the correct way to vote I'd appreciate it and take it into consideration the next time I decide to vote.  Hopefully this will stop all the negative comments I get when I answer a RFC.

Scroll down in this section (Ask Questions) click on Numerical Voting System. I like the way Glynn has summed up voting. It's really pretty 'spot on'.

~L