Is it possible to go out and avoid photos?

[Aquarius1234]

Is it possible to make new friends, but avoid pictures?

Im in that late 30 to 40s bracket where its still possible to not do the selfie thing when going anywhere with a friend/ family or group activity/ night out/ theatre/ country walk. Whatever else.

Ive realised I really need to make new friends before I get too old..
Can't be too picky so it will likely be people in their 20/ 30s/ 40s.
I can't quite join the over 50 s groups yet lol

Anyway. I dont like being in photos due to a medical reason and never used to when younger. But I didnt have the medical issue. So put up with it..plus I was younger and fitter.

What am I supposed to say?
I have managed this most of the time with family. Or when going out with one person.
But new groups or activities is a whole other story.

You could always offer to be the one behind the camera. That's been working for me for years.

Yes Ive thought about this, but chances are there will be at least a couple of people taking pictures.
Even when I went to a film quiz in a dark pub over a year ago, one person started taking pictures then another wanted a group picture at the end.
I realised and just said I needed to get my train home.

Can you always be constantly looking around a table and be ready to get up as soon as someone gets their phone out?

Its hard isn't it! Hense me hardly going out.
I feel like cinema is the only thing available.

I do find it starts off with no pictures as of course everyone is a stranger. But it doesn't take long for one person to put up a photo!

Its a shame as you can have a good time without photo evidence.
Plus privacy issues.

Quite frankly I find it absolutely ridiculous that taking photos has come to be seen as a compulsory part of doing things for a lot of people.

I don't see why you can't just say you don't want to be in a photo. If they think any the less of you for not wanting to be in a photo then are they people you really want to mix with anyway?

Tbh i woukd find oeople obsessed with taking selfies and photos pretty tedious .

I feel the same. Whenever I say I don’t want my photo taken I get treated like I’m some weirdo for not wanting my photo taken and posted ugh

Exactly! It’s like some people act like if you don’t take photos the event didn’t happen ugh 🙄

Yes that's what I think.
I would have to say something and say Ill take the pictures. It'd still tedious though. And depending on what the social event its not gonna be that easy to avoid all.

I do feel I will be the awkward one so can see me not going back.

Im not even sure its easier with groups that are in their 50s and 60s?
Anyone else feel pressure to be in pictures when they can't be bothered.?

Not quite ready to join the over 50s? It’s a shame really as they aren’t anywhere near as shallow. I have never taken a selfie in my life

Yeh and I can't see this changing any time soon...
A perfect example used to just be that some people are not beautiful and photogenic.

Im totally fine that im not great looking, which to me means stay away from photos! Your only gonna feel bad when you see them.

Why can't it just be the nice attractive ones are in the photos and the others stay back lol

What are the medical reasons?!?!

I am against photos faod I just try to drift away

But I bet sometimes your in them, even if not front and centre.
Some people do whatever it takes even if I try and move out the shot. Which is weird. Probably had a few drinks over Xmas!
Still I said that it was out of order and they just shrugged. Then im like the weirdo.

Does anyone else find the people that are always doing the selfies, have normally made a great effort to look good?
So less likely they are gonna look out of place.

its so hard too when people are pushy about it

Er not really

I will for very good old friends if they ask but I hate it so not for random groups and at work events I tell them that in this day and age it's a recipe for being out in deep fake porn (which is true)

Here's a thing - on the rare occasions I'm in a photo I smile with my mouth closed (I always smile with my mouth closed) and some people tell me not to do this. WHY?

Yeh I think everyone likes to show teeth as it looks better.

Not gonna reveal exact medical reason. But an example would be you have a rash over your arms and you cover it up. But when you see pics you wish you were like normal people that didnt have a dermatology condition.

Ok that's not a medical reason not to be in photos though. You still deserve to exist in memoriam if you want to. (I don't)

It doesn't look better it looks deranged.

I mainly dont for privacy reasons but also my condition is a pain.
But I still deserve a life..

I just think it should be respected and allowed that not everyone wants to be in the photos.

But I have no idea what social groups aren't bothered about this. Or would be happy with not taking pictures of someone that has mentioned they would prefer not to be in the group pictures.

It seems impossible.
I read about a walking group recently and on it pictures were mentioned and it was to advertise the group but these would not be close up.
I mean at least its not selfie types. But still weird.

Just don't be in photos. I've been doing it my whole life

I loathe having my photo taken. Apparently that makes me awkward/weird etc. People.cannot seem to accept it in any way. Seem to (unfortunately) be in every conceivable photo ever.. It is so annoying

But depending on the group I dont know how easy it will be.

For all I know people younger or older..than me might be snapping away in pubs and outdoor events all day and night.
I haven't had social groups for a long time.
Like I said even walking groups are taking pictures.

Is everyone else who hates photos also a hugging hater? High five if so?

Yes I dont really do hugs. Also this is seen as weird.

I let people hug me now but its a bit odd as Im not that kind of person.

My worst nightmare is going to weddings.
Which luckily rarely happens. But for relatives I have no choice and absolutely can't not be in photos. I just will look rubbish and my medical issue blindly obvious.

I used to take part in a lovely walking group. I live quite a lonely life so was happy to have discovered it. There was always one photo taken at our destination, then we headed back. I always stepped out of the photo and there were no issues. Then a lady joined and brought a selfie stick, she takes multiple photos and videos. I didnt know until I saw myself online. I haven't been since, it makes me sad.

My top tip - it is fine to be a bit weird

Same to weddings, fuck weddings!

On the other hand, why is it so terrible to have a photo taken? You know that people can see what you look like when you see them in person?

When you’re gone, your loved ones will consider every single photo of you precious, and wish there were more of them!