It has been a while since I have had time to post. Between here, there, and everywhere, there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
A few weeks ago, I was able to get out during my lunch break and attempt to take a few shots of the Japanese Magnolias that where in bloom. Yes, I know, that is not the real name for them, but that is what they are commonly known by down here.
Needless to say, withing 8 shots, my relaxing lunch became an exercise in photographer’s rights. I was at the building I work at (the hospital rents SEVERAL offices there) and as I was taking some shots of the blossoms, here is what transpired between me an a security guard as I completed by eighth shot…
“Hey! What are you doing!”
It was one of the building security guards. For just an instance, I looked at the camera in my hand, and looked back at him and stifled the urge to make an inappropriate and sarcastic remark. “I’m taking a few photos.”
“Who you takin’em fo.” This was not as much a question, as it was a demand. Not to be intimidated (this wasn’t my first rodeo), I answered his question with a truthful answer.
“Myself.”
“You can’t do that. You gotta stop.” The look on his face was, oddly enough, one of pity?
“For real?” I asked
“This is private property. You can’t take pictures here. You got to get permissionn.”
Now, at this point, I simply said, “Okay” took my camera off my neck, slung by bag over my shoulder, and walked inside. No, he did not stop me, but it sounded like he followed me in till he saw me get in the elevator.
I know the rules and my rights, but once an authorized representative appears and makes the declarations of “stop”, “private property” and “get permission” it is best pack up your toys and go unless you are ready for a confrontation. Since I was at work, I was not willing to jeopardize my paycheck. Beside, this guy was doing his job, as he saw it, and while he was rather gruff he did not try to lay hands on me or detain me once I agreed started inside. I actually think he did not recognize me at first, and once he had started realized that he could not back down without loosing face.
What really got to me though was, by the eighth shot, I was just starting to warm up!
The last shot managed to be the best, and I posted it below.
Japanese Magnolia After The Rain
Not the first time that sort of thing has happened. and probably won’t be the last. I just am glad it did not escalate to a more confrontational level.
More to come soon.
