I think it’s definitely a nuance thing. If you’re uncomfortable having your picture taken, by all means, don’t do it. I know it sucks, but some people just…are struggling at times. Maybe there’s an issue of trauma, or even a safety issue if the person in question used to be stalked and a lot of pictures today end up on social media. But, you are still a permanent fixture in the lives of others, and your presence and love means something to people. If you don’t want to have your picture taken - is there something else you could leave behind?

As silly as it is, although I have a lot of photos of my mother, the thing that I oddly cherish the most is an old card that she gave to me when I was a teen struggling with something, and it had a long, heartwarming message about how much she loved me. Her handwriting and her words were important and speaks volumes about what kind of person she was. Likewise - I have no memories of my paternal grandparents. But, I have a baby blanket that was knitted by my paternal grandmother, and a little christmas elf statue with my paternal grandfather’s handwriting wishing a merry christmas on the base. Proof that they were there, and they were loved.

So…yes. Respect people’s consent. But, I implore you, those of you who don’t like your pictures taken: leave something behind to these events. Talk about them, write about them, let people know how much you care about them. It’ll matter a lot to people later.