Most of the Ulama claim that digital pictures and photographs are halaal.

Answer

Allah Ta'ala has bestowed sound Aql (Intelligence) to all Muslims even to simple village folk. In view of natural Imaani intelligence, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Seek a fatwa from your heart."

The issue of pictures is not a conundrum. It is not an intricate issue defying simple intelligence. A Mu'min is not in need of academic knowledge to understand this simple issue. The intelligence of a sincere unbiased Muslim revolts against the stupid claim that a picture is not a picture if the method of production differs. The claim of most of these morons is absurd. However, since the vast majority of people are the slaves of their nafs, the self-evident absurdity is quite appeasing and palatable for them.

While Taqleed is a necessary concept of the Deen, monkey and donkey taqleed is haraam. Regarding monkey and donkey taqleed, Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Rahmatullah alayh) said:

"The need is for Fahm-e-Saheeh (Correct/well-balanced understanding). If one is blessed with Fahm-e-Saheeh, the reality will be readily comprehensible. If such understanding is lacking, then taqleed of buzrugs (moron molvis and muftis) will be made. Whatever others do will be imitated. The consequence of such (stupid) taqleed will be such as that suffered by a baboon…

For making taqleed of buzrugs, the need for Aql is imperative. Maulana Rumi said that taqleed of the juhala has destroyed the people. …"

People are quick to make taqleed of bid'ati so-called sufis and now of these liberal, modernist, deviant molvis and muftis, simply on the basis of nafsaani pleasure and appeasement. Such taqleed is monkey and donkey taqleed. Pictures are haraam regardless of the method of production.