In Joyce Carol Oates' "Lovely, Dark, Deep," Julia is amused rather than hurt by the behavior of Ryan's family. She notices their peculiar ability to capture moments in photographs or videos while completely excluding her from the frame. This observation highlights the dynamics within Ryan's family and their perception or treatment of Julia.

Julia's reaction reveals her resilience and ability to find humor in a situation that could easily lead to feelings of alienation. The narrative emphasizes the complexities of social relationships and how some individuals may feel overlooked in family settings, yet can still maintain a sense of perspective and lightness in the face of exclusion.