It is part of a series that Struth dedicated to the depiction of families all over the world, started in 1983.
[2] In this case, he took aim to a Scottish family, who lived in Fife, Scotland, called the Smiths.
[1][3] The scene was carefully staged by Struth: all the family members look directly to the camera, with serene, emotionless expressions.
The Tate galleries website states: "Struth maintains a respectful distance, presenting an image of the sitters' sheer physical presence and weight.
In this he deliberately distances himself from much portrait photography which attempts to capture a fleeting, revealing moment or expression.