"Portraits" is the eighteenth episode of season 1 of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.
David Watkins, a civil war photographer, arrives in Colorado Springs. Dr. Mike suggests taking a portrait of the town and an argument ensues over who will be in it, due to bigotry among some of the more prominent townsfolk. Dr. Mike diagnoses David's diabetes mellitus and is frustrated that he refuses treatment and will ultimately go blind. When Horace introduces Myra to his ailing mother, she is furious when she recognizes her and tells Myra and Horace to get out. After David takes a photograph of Emily and her husband, Dr. Mike catches the bouquet and he collapses. When he regains consciousness, against Dr. Mike's advice he takes separate portraits of the townspeople. Brian asks Sully to be in their family portrait but he says it's not right because he isn't family. Myra goes to thank Horace's mother and to say she will take good care of him, and Horace's mother weeps after Myra leaves. Sully tells Dr. Mike he hopes Brian wasn't disappointed about him not being in their family photo and says he cares about them all very much, especially her. He says he meant it when he kissed her on her birthday but admits he just isn't ready yet. When the town photograph is ready to be taken and "unapproved" people turn up, a fight breaks out. The Reverend tries to stop it but to no avail. The horses are spooked and run away and the wagon catches fire with Sully inside. When the camera equipment is destroyed, except for the lens, the whole town must pull together to make a new camera and take the photo before David's eyesight fails. On her deathbed, Horace's mother bestows her blessing on Horace and Myra and asks them to look after Lewis. David asks Loren if he will be in the town picture and he refuses. Dr. Mike tells Loren that David says every picture has a heart. She says that he is the heart of their town and convinces Loren to be in the photograph. Sully joins Dr. Mike's family in the town photograph. He takes his place beside Dr. Mike and puts his arm around her.
This episode provides examples of:
- Deaf Composer: David Watkins is a photographer who is going blind.
- Group Picture Ending: The whole episode leads up to the town photograph at the end.
- Nice Job Breaking It, Rivals!: During the fight over who can be in the town photograph, the photographer's horses are spooked, his wagon catches fire, and all his equipment but the lens is destroyed
- One-Word Title: "Portraits", of course.
- Parental Marriage Veto: Horace's mother's initial response when she recognizes Myra.
- Relationship Upgrade: In the town photograph at the end, Sully stands next to Michaela and puts his arm around her.
