Pictures in Amish Country
I am sometimes asked if, while visiting Amish country, it’s all right to take pictures of Amish people, homes, barns, etc.
Some more progressive Amish don’t mind having their pictures taken, but unless they haven’t joined the church yet, they normally won’t pose for a photograph. Most Amish don’t mind people taking pictures of their homes, farms, horses, and buggies. Some of the more conservative Amish don’t want tourists taking pictures of them or anything on their property. It’s always best to ask first before taking pictures, especially if the photos will include Amish people. For pictures of barns, homes, horses, and buggies, it’s usually fine to take pictures as long as you’re not invading anyone’s private property.
Have you ever had someone take a picture of you without your permission? If so, how did it make you feel? What are some reasons we might not want to have our photograph taken?
I’ve heard that they don’t like to have their photos taken. Some of the that do it anyway need to show respect to these people.
I really never had that issue but sometimes you may feel your hair or dress is not the best so you don’t want to be in pictures. A couple times my Amish friend got her picture taken. We were in Lancaster Pa and we were at an Amish Wedding Luncheon.
I have read all of your books and have a hard time waiting for you to come out with another one
I wondered how they felt about pictures!
My husband and son were just in Lancaster County for a week. It was beautiful taking walks around the roads along the farms, sitting on the porch watching the buggy’s. We were very sensitive to taking pictures though. We love that part of the country
I lived around the Amish and found them to be very godly, hard workers and very trustworthy. I felt very luck to find an Amish lady to babysit my first born so I was able to go to work and not worry, I felt sure he was being well cared for.
I have just received the email about your new book An Amish Ballerina and I am so excited for its release in October 2025. I am an avid reader and Christian Fiction is my favorite genre. I especially love your Amish fiction novels. I love how you incorporate a lesson about faith in your books. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world!
I do not like it when people take a picture while I’m eating.
In my younger years, people did not take as many pictures as they do these days. Usually they took them at get togethers or special events. I am sorry to say I usually avoided being in most pictures because I didn’t like how I looked. Now I don’t have pictures to look back on that I wish I had.
I’m sure someone has snapped a pic without my permission and I would not have liked it but now I don’t really feel that way. I treasure the pictures that have as some people are no longer with me. Pictures are great memories!
We have many amish friends but we have never taken their photos nor have we asked. We have photographed things on their farms but not without permission. I believe it is the polite thing to do no matter if someone is amish or not. I look forward to a time when you will be near where I live in Ohio doing signings.
I have not have someone take my picture without asking first. Usually I just avoid being in the area where pictures are being taken. If someone took my picture without my permission, I would be upset and feel exposed. Some of the reasons we or at least I don’t like getting my picture taken is self confidence. I usually don’t like the way I look in pictures so that is one of the reason I avoid. Another reason is that we may think we look silly and may be ridiculed because of the pictures.
I can’t wait to read your newest book love all of your books
I love your books. I had the honor of meeting you a few years ago. You and your husband were both super nice and very accommodating to all your fans. I keep picking a favorite book and then another one to come out and I switched to that book lol Basically all your books are my favorite. Thanks for writing them and God bless you and your family.
I just love all of your books and the Amish lifestyle.And what a Beautiful granddaughter you have !
Blessings, Julie Phillips
I don’t remember a time where I was upset that someone took a picture of me without my permission. However, if someone were to use it to make fun of my weight, for example, I would be very hurt and offended.
I never had anyone take my picture without permission but they all know I hate being in Pictures. I would b really upset if they didn’t ask me first.
Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your book.
I love reading you stories about the Amish.
Thank you for your books and journal entries. They are such a blessing.
The Bible talks about not having an image made because it may become an object of worship instead of our Lord. This brings up a thought: many churches have a “stock” image of a Christ figure kneeling and praying. This has always bothered me because I worry about people praying to that image. Also, the idea of praying to Mary, Jesus’ mother is another form of idol worship. Anyway, I digress..
I have many pictures of various people, none Amish.
I like your journal entries. They always make me think!
Hello! I have had my picture taken without my permission. Most of the time I dont mind. I dont feel like I take a good picture so I usually dont like it. one reason that I personally dont like to have my picture taken is because I am not prepared. I dont wear makeup most of the time.
I love the Amish people and would never invade their privacy without permission. I sure wouldn’t want my photo taken without knowing it. We should be mindful and honor their wishes.
Love your books 📚
God bless you and your family
Susan ♥️
I have long been interested in the Amish ways. Your books have helped me to understand them better.I would love to sit down and talk to them but since I am an “Englisher” they probably would not. I go to Lancaster frequently and respect them greatly. I would always ask before taking photos of anyone but particularly of them My son has moved to Ohio and near Holmes County so I want to explore their community there as well. Love their food. I am of Dutch heritage and their are many foods the same. Thank you for all.of your books
I don’t like my picture taken because I’m self conscious of my eye that drifts out.
I guess I’ve never had this problem before. I just personally don’t like my picture taken because I don’t take a “good” picture. But we’ve been to Lancaster PA a couple times and plan on going back in October! This article was very insightful. We had the opportunity to visit an Amish farm and we were given permission to take pictures of their buggies and property only. I always want to be careful when visiting not to be disrespectful of their wishes! Love your books!
I don’t like having my picture taken so I can only imagine how the Amish feel. It’s an invasion of their privacy.
THE COLORING OF YOUR HAIR NOW LOOKS GREAT
Yes, I have. I usually don’t like to have my picture taken, as I always look like I’ve had a stroke if I pose. But if someone takes a picture of me and I don’t know about it, it is usually a better picture. I guess I would rather have someone take a picture without my knowledge or consent.
I admit back around 2002, my teenage son and I traveled to Lancaster to go to a massive aquarium store. Imagine my surprise when we started seeing horse and buggies. I had no clue of the lifestyle, the culture etc. we did take several pics of buggies traveling on the road. Luckily, we didn’t get any faces in any of the pics. That night at the hotel, I started doing research about the Amish. I was horrified at my mistake. Today, I’m so grateful, as I have become very versed and go to Lancaster County whenever I can. Funny how things happen.
I don’t like having my picture taken do to the fact that I am very self conscious of my weight.
We have visited Lancaster and seen some beautiful homes 🏡 down there. it is a very beautiful place to visit.
I have had people take pictures of me without asking first, and I don’t like it. I really don’t like having my picture taken. I feel it is an invasion of my privacy. Once I was at an Amish farm stand and I noticed a man starting to take a picture of some Amish children. I quietly pointed this out to the mother. The Amish mother left the stand and stood next to him. He noticed her and turned and smiled and said, “Your children are adorable, and I want to take pictures of them.” She very quietly said, “I wish you wouldn’t.” He looked shocked and said, “What?” She repeated herself. He put his camera down, and she quietly walked away. I never forgot that. What a very peaceful way to make your point.
I am of the firm belief it polite to ask anyone to take a picture of them. Many people don’t want there picture out on social media. I particularly don’t like my picture or ones of my family taken without permission because I am a foster parent. The request is simply for the safety of my family.
I really don’t like having my picture Taken. I feel self conscious about how I look. We have many Amish family’s that live nearby. I would rather talk with them in person than take photos of them..
We don’t have any Amish living in our area.
Yes sometimes I don’t like my picture taken because they always catch me when I am getting ready to talk please enter me in this newsletter contest I Love your books Many blessings coming your way
I don’t like having my picture taken as I don’t photograph well. It also seems people want me to be in a picture at when I don’t feel or am (in my opinion) presentable. I also don’t like pictures of me being put out anywhere in cyberspace. People do it even when they say they won’t.
I honestly don’t mind my picture taken. However, I can understand why a group that lives secluded might not like it. I’m excited about your new book coming out in October! Can’t wait to read all that you shared in your newsletter of books.
I’m from South Africa and I fell in love with your Amish stories, the Amish people and find the Amish communities fascinating. I can’t wait for your next book. I introduced your books to my mom of 90 years and they read your books at their book reading group. The ladies love it. I love the recipes that I always google to make it too.
And then the quilts! It is my dream to own one of the quilts made by the Amish woman one day. I’m fascinated by their history and fell in love with the Amish people. I’m not sure if they will ship to South Africa at all, but I’m going to save money every month to buy one someday.
Unfortunately our rand is weak to the euros and dollars etc so it’s too expensive for me to buy your books so I only download the free books.
I enjoy your books and the interesting facts you provide
That is a good question. Offhand, I can’t remember if someone has taken a picture of me without my permission. I think there may be more reasons today to seek permission to take someone’s photo, especially if you are going to post it somewhere public, such as Facebook. Photos are a wonderful way to capture memories and beautiful sights, but being respectful is important also.
I never took a picture of someone that didn’t want there picture taken. I’ve never been to Amish country but would love to visit there at some point.
Yes, I have had people take pictures of me and post them on their social media feeds in the past (when it was a fade), which I’m not big on exploiting everything that goes on in my life. Now I don’t mind them taking pictures if I know beforehand so that I’m aware of it. I’m not a fan of pictures being taken while I’m chewing food though. Sometimes when I’m not feeling well or I’m not in a good mood, I’d rather not be in the pictures being taken.
I have had people take pictures of me when I didn’t want them to. I just don’t like having my picture taken since I gained weight, because I think I look bad.
I would love to win. Thank you for the chance. Have a blessed weekend.
I don’t like having photos taken of me when I’m eating or singing because it makes me feel uncomfortable having my picture taken when my mouth is hanging open. Just so awkward! I think most people prefer to not have their photo taken when they are not looking their best or are in situations that make them feel awkward or self-conscience.
Anytime I have visited an Amish community I try to be very discreet with photos. I never take a picture of the people. I do like pictures of the buggies and their beautiful farms. Again, pictures are taken from a distance. Not only do I want to respect the Amish beliefs but I know what it’s like to be photographed when you don’t want it! I take horrible pictures so try to be the photographer and not the subject!
I don’t like having my picture taken as I don’t think I look good in a photo, as if you get in a photo that you don’t realize it’s been taken, I would just leave it. You have a gift of writing great stories about the Amish, I enjoy all the stories. Blessings to you and have a great day.
Good morning!!
Personally I am camera shy. I suppose a candid shot might be better than posing but I seldom like a picture of myself. I am aware that the Amish don’t want their picture taken but I don’t recall how I knew that.
I absolutely love learning about the Amish way of life. So inspiring and heartwarming. Makes me realize I don’t need a lot of the “stuff” that I think is necessary. That’s a good thing!! Ask my husband…lol
I have not had my picture taken without my permission. I don’t like it when people take pictures of Amish people. They are against it so I don’t
like it either.
I have had my picture taken without my permission and posted on Facebook. It did bother me a bit because I wish I was asked. As women sometimes we just don’t like the look of that picture.
I feel put on the spot when random pictures are taken. However it isn’t so bad when I know it’s coming. I can smile more for a better quality picture.
I have never liked to have my picture.Most people will not listen and take the picture anyway. If it makes someone uncomfortable they should listen and not take pictures without asking for permission.
I can understand how they feel because they lead a very private lifestyle. I feel my privacy is invaded if someone doesn’t ask before they take a pic because you have no idea what they are going to do with it.
I think it is always polite to ask someone if you could take their picture but I enjoy the memories that pictures give me.
I don’t know whether anyone has taken a picture of me without my permission, but they probably have unknowingly. It doesn’t bother me, unless they post it and make rude comments about it.
I’ve never had that issue but I feel like if I did I may not be comfortable about it. I may not feel like I look that great that day.