Photos unexpectedly taken at a function

As Muslims we should not be attending any gathering wherein the commands of Allah Ta’ala are openly violated[1]. On one occasion Hadrat Abdullah bin Masood Radiallahu Anhu was invited to a Walimah function. When he was about to enter (the gathering) he heard the sound of music. He did not enter but returned home immediately. The person asked him, “Why did you return?” He said, “I heard Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam saying, “Whoever increases the number of a nation will be counted amongst them and whoever is happy with the action of any group of people will be counted amongst them.”[2]

In conclusion, you too should have left the gathering the moment you became aware of the fact that photos were being openly taken. You should now sincerely repent for your error and make a firm resolution not to attend such gatherings in the future. At the same time, you should get in touch with the photographers and endeavor to have the photos deleted.