Taking pictures

Yes. Pictures of all animate objects are haraam and forbidden in Islam. It is not permissible to take the picture of an animate object or keep the picture in one's possession. The Hadith explains that the angels of mercy do not enter the home wherein there is a dog or a picture of an animate object. The picture maker will be under the worst punishment on the Day of Qiyaamat. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

Those involved in picture-making will be subjected to the worst forms of punishment on the day of Qiyaamat. (Bukhari 2/880, Muslim 2/201)

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.