Ever heard that one before?Did I tell you about the time I was taking photos in the Philadelphia Airport? I spend a lot of time in airports and always carry a pocket camera with me for spontaneous grab shots. As a matter of fact I can't help but notice that lots of people take pictures in airports. Most of them, however, are taking pictures of their friends and family; not of the airport itself.
One day while discreetly snapping photos of the rather impressive International Arrivals area, a rather unimpressive gentleman in a dark uniform with a badge approached me. He wasn't a police officer. He was with the much more feared and dreaded PPA, the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
In a gruff tone he asked, "Are you taking pictures of the airport?"
"Yes", I replied.
"Well, where you from?", he shot back.
"Me? I'm from Allentown", I answered cheerfully. "Where are you from?"
"No, I mean who are you with?", as in what approved media conglomerate was paying me to take pictures there.
"Who am I with? Me? I'm not with anybody", I told him. "I'm here all by myself!"
"No. That's not what I mean", he stammered. "I mean why you taking pictures here?"
"Because I'm a photographer! That's what I do! I take pictures."
Clearly now, he was spinning his wheels. Unable to intimidate me, he was getting frustrated.
"Well, who said you could take pictures here? Who gave you permission?"
Uh Oh! Now he got me. Who gave me permission?
Slowly I looked up and pointed to the words on the vaulted ceiling and the signatures inscribed on the walls.
I answered slowly. "Who gave me permission to take pictures? Thomas Jefferson! Benjamin Franklin! John Hancock..."
With that he walked away. I guess his lunch break was coming up.
