The first photograph de Mother Thérèse was taken on October 14, 1864 at Montpellier. It presents us with a very solemn and severe image of Mother Thérèse, undoubtedly due to two factors: the very long exposure time necessary in photography at the time, and our sister’s dislike of a practice that was so contrary to her profound humility. She agreed to submit to doing it only out of obedience. She confided to Mother Stéphanie Dambuent on this subject in a letter dated November 14, 1864:

“No, my Reverend Mother, I cannot say that I was pleased to hear about this very unpleasant image for which I was obliged to pose. I would prefer that no one ever speak of it to me again, because it renews my pain. God alone knows what I suffered that day and how repugnant it was to me, seeing myself obliged by obedience to give this example to the Congregation, and I had to tell myself more than once that I had made a vow and that I no longer have a will of my own. In my view, these are useless things that lead to nothing, neither for the glory of God nor for the good of souls. These are worldly practices that we should not envy, much less imitate. Forgive me, my worthy Mother, for speaking my thoughts with you. I had resolved not to speak of my pain to anyone, knowing full well that no one would share it, and if you hadn’t spoken to me first, I would have kept silent about this matter, which I would very much like to forget. I am still astonished that anyone would think to do that for me [take my picture].”