Perhaps not everybody is familiar with this situation, and I'm sure that many of you might have many different opinions on it, but I'm sure that many of you at least are aware that some people simply refuse to cooperate with their photo takers. In a family portrait, someone might decide not to smile and perhaps even pose or look at the camera.

Their common reasoning for this is simple: photos are meant to capture memories. Why lie about my feelings in this photo? I might as well be honest in showing that I honestly don't care.

It has come to my reasoning, however, that this is a flawed logic. While it is true that there are no particular rules to taking photos of simple memories, such as your brother's sister-in-law's nephew's best friend loosing his first tooth, but when it comes to more formal situations, such as a family portrait, there are rules, and they should be followed.

First of all, portraits are meant not only to preserve memories, but are meant to have artistic impression. These are formal pictures. They are something meant to be hung up on a wall and be admired. Perhaps some BZPer might even use a posed photo of them and their best friend as an avatar. They represent something, and are meant to be done tastefully. If people do not cooperate in these pictures, than although their emotions will show quite honestly, the meaning and beauty of the picture will be lost. Also, if it is a family or any other type of group portrait, the rule of respect comes in. If you refuse to work towards the artistic impression of a photo, it is very selfish, because you are making the photo not just look bad for you, but make it look bad for everyone else. It is disrespectful to the family. To the disrupting individual, the picture is of no concern to them and they might not care, but there are others who do. The rest of their family might. By denying them something special, a good portrait, you have disappointed many simply because you didn't feel like doing something which you could have easily done: pose for a picture. What harm does it do to you, really, to just cooperate?

The basic lesson: while capturing memories can be important, there are some pictures meant to be artistic, and it is important to respect the fact that to some people a good photo of you matters.

I write this on the behalf of my sister, who was in a bad mood today, and refused to smile or pose for any pictures which my grandmother wanted to take and hang up on the wall. I hope she learns.

Your Honor,

Emperor Kraggh