Millennials are constantly referred to as the vain generation. This negative view derives from our liking to take selfies and other photos of ourselves. However, it’s not just the older generation that lacks appreciation for the art of picture taking.

It’s also occasionally my own generation (yes, even though we’re all a part of the generation that put “selfie” in the dictionary) who like to feel like they’re above those who like documenting memories.

It’s time to stop the hate on people who like to take photos, especially since it’s clear the haters don’t understand why this has become such a common practice.

As a girl who loves to take photos, let me make it clear that the reason I take photos is not because I think I look like America’s Next Top Model. I take photos constantly with my boyfriend, friends, and family because I love looking back on the memories we made.

No, I don’t consume all of my energy at an event on taking photos and miss living in the moment. No one should look back on their life not remembering all of the fun things they did, and instead remember just trying to get that one perfect picture.

But when I go out and do something fun or attend some event, I personally find a short amount of time to dedicate to taking a few cute photos so I can remember the environment and how I felt, all while having fun taking a few shots. Memories can fade, but pictures on my phone/laptop won’t.

Selfies undeservingly are the most common type of photo with a bad rap. Many people believe those who like to take selfies are vain and self-centered and want to simply post pictures of their gorgeous features all over the Internet.

These people, surprisingly, partly have it right, because we are all gorgeous and we do tend to post these pictures on social media.

However, they would be surprised to find out that the reason selfies are so common is because it boosts people’s self confidence, not because we think we’re the epitome of a perfect person. The feeling of getting that one cute selfie can do wonders to a person’s self esteem.

We should be encouraging each other to feel good and be confident in the people that we are and share it with the world, instead of being discouraged and told we shouldn’t be so self-centered.

We all get one life, and I personally want to be able to look back at some of my happiest moments when I’m old. Let’s be real, I love looking back at pictures I’ve taken even now while I’m still young. Seeing pictures where I have a genuine smile on my face with people I care about is the quickest way to brighten any day.

So, you over there, with your judgmental looks sneering as I pose for photos with my boyfriend or friends, if you don’t like seeing people having a good time and documenting a memorable moment, you can help yourself by looking the other way.

I’m going to keep posing and snapshotting everyday moments in my life, because contrary to what you wrongly believe, I’m not taking these pictures for you or anyone else. I take pictures because they make me feel good, which shouldn’t be a crime, and because they remind me of all the things in my life I have to be thankful for.

Like the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”