Long Arm of the Law

Upon reading the title of this post you might think I am in a bit of trouble. Well, I suppose I almost was. I was taking pictures at dusk on Whidbey Island a few weeks ago and just as the light was getting all glowy and ethereal I saw a figure walking down the beach toward me. I figured someone was taking an evening stroll and I didn't pay much attention until he came right toward me. At first I felt vulnerable since I was there alone but then I noticed his forest green uniform. He walked right up in front of me put his foot up on a log and asked if "that was my car" in the lot. Of course it was my car and apparently it wasn't supposed to be there after dark. If there was a sign I didn't see it and since I was still taking pictures I don't believe it was dark. Anyway, I apologized and told him I would pack up but also asked if I could have 15 seconds to take my last photo which I had been setting up for several minutes. He didn't budge and started counting down from 15....

Well, that's what I get for being polite and not complaining I suppose. Then again, it was better than getting towed or arrested or whatever they do to photographers taking pictures too late in the evening in State Parks these days.

So I did what I had to do and took his portrait! Heck, I spent all that time setting it up. The super-wide angle of this lens exaggerates the perspective- he is actually about 10 feet away. When I looked at the photo later I wished he would have stepped aside, so I photoshoped him out!