Does Cellular Data have to be turned on to receive/send pictures?

If so, how can I make sure I'm not using/exceeding my data? Is there a way to prevent using 3G data while having cell data on?

I just got my iphone 5c and changed the settings to that I don't use 3G and only use wifi. I have imessenger but whenever I try to send a picture to anyone without an iphone it doesn't deliver no matter what. I want to remain off of 3G all together and only use wifi, but have read that cellular data uses 3G. However, it seems that the only way I can send/receive pictures from other users w/o an iphone is through cell data. How can I customize cellular data to only using wifi and know if I'm using 3G?