Blue Hour at Yasaka Pagoda

I wanted to capture sunset and blue hour for a blend, so once planted, my tripod couldn't move. Arriving 90 minutes prior to sunset, I placed my tripod in the center of the road, leaving just enough space for a car to pass by using the curb.

This seemed to be working out fine for the first 3 taxis that passed, all giving me a thumbs up and a smile. However right as blue hour started, a very angry women stormed out of her shop and unleashed what I can only imagine a wraith of obscenities (I do not speak Japanese). By this time a crowd had gathered to share in the event and I was informed that the women said she had called the police. As she continued her assault I nodded, shrugged and smiled, this combination appeared to work, as she eventually returned to her lair. This however was short lived, as moments later the gate opened and a van emerged, determined to dislodge my tripod from its hold.

I leapt in-front of the van and repeatedly motioned for the driver to turn his wheel and go around, but he did not want to comply. His comrade still spewing her verbal attack in the street behind him. This battle ensued for some time until finally he took the route of the curb, narrowly passing my tripod's feet, his companion retreating to her shop.

The street was quiet again and blue hour had begun. I continued my bracketed exposures only to look up and see 3 police officers walking up the street. The mad woman wasn't bluffing, she actually called the police! As they approached I began packing up my tripod, however they simply walked by, smiling and nicely asked me to go my way. I later learned that during her rant, the women said "I call the police all the time, but they never come to help!" I guess I wasn't the first stubborn photographer on this street.
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