I don't think it steals your soul, but as a photographer myself, i do feel that it provides a glimpse into someone's soul. So much can be said by a photography that words could never convey.

As far as getting my picture taken, I've learned to embrace it. I smile a lot more than i used to. Just like I am trying to capture a moment when I take a photograph, the person that is photographing me is trying to do the same. They deserve the same respect that afford myself.