People getting defensive at car shows!

Can't say as I totally agree. I have people take pictures of my car at shows all the time. Sometimes they ask, but usually not. I think it is rather flattering. I did ALL of the work myself; body, paint, interior, mechanical, powder coating, etc. So I am flattered that they like it well enough to take pictures. That being said, I don't think I would appreciate a person focusing in taking pictures of my fender tag and VIN.
That was my point as well......it raises suspicion and as stated before the owners were right there and a simple request to take the pictures was all that was needed and i'm guessing almost always would get a sure go ahead response.