Photos and Videos

Q: I have a few questions regarding photos and videos. Is taking pictures and videoing allowed in Islam? By pictures and videos I mean normal pictures and videos by phone or camera. Pictures and videos in special events such as wedding, party etc or in a normal day? If it is not allowed, will we be punished for doing it? If I die and I have my videos or pictures in this world, will I be forgiven or punished? Also can I perform namaz in a room or place where there are framed pictures of my family or myself? Will my namaaz be accepted if I pray in such a place? Can I perform namaz in a place where there are pictures behind me not where I am facing?

Changing one's intention regarding giving something to someone

Q:

1. I have made niyyat to give someone something then later I changed my decision and thought I will not give. Is it allowed for me to change my decision after making niyyat to give to that person?

2) I have made niyyat to give a dress as charity to Zaid, then is it allowed for me to give the same dress for Umar as charity, because I found Umar is more deserving than Zaid? Can I change my decision this way? Whenever I make niyyat to give something to someone is it necessary that I give that thing to the same person I made niyyat for or I can give it to someone else whom I like?

Stray thoughts

Q: I am a Muslim girl. I want to ask you a question about how can I get rid of my evil habits and my evil thoughts. Whenever I start praying to Allah Ta'ala and remember Allah Ta'ala and my Nabi-e-Kareem (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) many bad intentions come into my mind. I say many bad things which I don't want to say when I recite the name of Allah Ta'ala or use my Holy Qur'an. I am restless and don't know what to. Please help me for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.