The right to take photographs

OK I'm going to convey an incident that happened to me today without being racist.

Today we were traveling on old Route 66 in New Mexico. 66 paralleled Interstate 40 with only a fence and about 100 feet separating 66 from the interstate. We stopped numerous times to take photos of old gas stations motels and scenery etc. We observed a BNSF train winding its way around the base of a bluff. Great photo op. I stopped a few feet off the black top. Well I took the photo and got back into our truck. Only to have an old station wagon pull up beside me. I was told in no uncertain manner by the occupant that I was to delete all my photos and not to take anymore. All the land around was reservation land and I had no right to take any photos at all. I was even told that the image of the BNSF train didn't belong to me. I was then instructed to leave route 66 and return to the Interstate.

This guy said he represented the local tribe and that if I didn't remove myself he would call the police. Well not being fussed about having an argument I drove slowly along 66 for a few more miles. The guy followed about 10 feet behind our truck. When we bypassed the opportunity to get back onto the Interstate and continue on our exploration of 66 he got a bit agitated.

Long story short 66 ran out and we had no option but the enter the interstate. I sat on the entry ramp while he sat on 66. New Mexico stand off!!! Well I had a drink and a cookie while he waited. He eventually left. So did we.

Now I guess I could have stood my ground. Asked him to call the police. But this post is just about informing readers about how some folks see their rights and the rights of photographers.

Who was right? Who was wrong? I don't care. But there's a lot of difference between a polite request and a rude demand.

regards