Family portrait

**mattie** · 5th February 15, 06:10 AM

Hey everyone, my wife wants to get a family portrait done of me, my wife and our Westie MacTavish! Of course I will be kilted. What does the rabble think?

**GMan** · 5th February 15, 06:22 AM

Go for it!

**OC Richard** · 5th February 15, 06:32 AM

I'm glad for you, that your wife is on board with this. When we've done family portraits with myself, my wife, and our two children, me wearing the kilt was never even in the discussion!

**Jock Scot** · 5th February 15, 06:44 AM

To be perfectly honest and as you are asking, don't do it. In the future people will look at the picture and see what we see in those Edwardian posed photographs , with the the only thing in the picture that is anywhere near accurate, is the body inside the outfit. Sorry, but you did ask.

**Tarheel** · 5th February 15, 07:37 AM

One can always get different views from this group. It makes the experience sincere. The photo will document you, wife and pet in history. Think of the future as Jock suggest, but follow your heart for prosperity.

**Father Bill** · 5th February 15, 07:47 AM

Why not take along a change of clothes and do it both ways?

**Liam** · 5th February 15, 09:53 AM

Go for it! My marriage has survived 40 years by generally doing what my wife suggests, unless I have a strong objection. Now, if you're looking for reasons to object, I'm sure folks here can help you out.��

**IsaacW** · 5th February 15, 10:49 AM

I hesitate on responding, but since you asked...

Historically (throughout many periods), portraits were posed and even utilized clothing and props that were not common to the sitters of the portrait. I still think this is true today. I look at the last family portrait that was done of my parents and siblings (many years ago) and have trouble believing that my father is the man in the photo. He is wearing a jacket and tie in the photo (of course you MUST wear your best in such a photo... ??) and that is what he did. This said, I have seen my father in a jacket and tie maybe a half dozen times in my life. Posed... and not real... sort of.

SO... I guess you need to ask yourself. What is your purpose of this portrait. 1.) to chronicle your family in a historical sense/to show your family as you are 2.) to show your family as you wish to be seen (certain a common answer historically and today). Then you need to ask, who are you and/or how do you want to be seen. Is a kilt a big part of your identity and who you are? Does it fit your answers for the aforementioned questions?

IW

**mookien** · 5th February 15, 11:31 AM

I think it's a great idea! Go for it! And share it with us, so we can enjoy it, too.

**WillowEstate** · 5th February 15, 11:42 AM

Hmm, by portrait, do you mean one painted by an artist or a professional photograph? That might give a clue as to what it's purpose would be.

If you (or she) were thinking of a rigid formal pose, I'd be with Jock in saying this might not be the best idea. But if you can come up with a more informal natural picture that represents your typical lifestyle, then that could be effective as a marker in the course of your family history. A professional photographer could capture such an image and lift it up from a typical family snapshot.

Just my thoughts but then I'm not a great one for photographs of me - they steal my soul! But each to his or her own.