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I've received an email asking that I expand on the above post, as it is too general. So here goes...
First, it probably is general in that the "building blocks" can apply to all portraits whether done from life or photo, and regardless of medium.
The category description asks how we conceptualize a portrait and consider lighting, pose etc. I guess in order for me to properly conceptualize a portrait I place an importance on knowing the subject (personality etc) and the client's expectations and plans for the portrait before any thoughts are given to how I might pose or light the subject or what clothing I might suggest be worn. I don't believe in just starting to paint or sketch without a preconceived idea of what I want to accomplish with the portrait, so I consider the most important thing is the knowledge gathered before hand. That knowledge helps me envision the mood and emotion that I want to hopefully bring into the portrait, then the additional decisions rest on that.
As an example, I did a color pencil portrait of a new mother with a 2-week-old baby. Because of some prior "history" in the mom's life, this was a very special baby to her. Also, the mom has a rather "laid back" personality, and their home is very casual and informal. I desired to capture the special intimacy between the mom and her newborn. All my decisions were based on that intimacy, and also the "informal" factor. So here was my approach.
First, I didn't have her "pose" as I wanted a natural look, so instead I just kept sketching as she went about her routine with the baby. As for lighting, I wanted to keep the values closer together. Brighter light or strong contrast would take away from the intimate mood that I sought. I had diffused light in the room and no strong shadows, and this seemed to add to the intimacy.
So I sketched her holding him and then smiling at him. Then I sketched her nursing him. I just kept sketching and everything seemed either static or contrived. Then she dosed off with the baby just laying on top of her and there it was, the mood that I was looking for. While the mom and baby took a "cat nap" together, I sketched to my hearts content. The result was casual, informal and intimate.
Mary
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