Outrider has a great point, get out to the park early, for an extra bonus, the light is always better first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon...
But in the morning, all the brats and jerks will be asleep...

Too bad there is not a Joe Dios Fan nearby you to go out on photo shoots with. I am 29 and even I find the stares and comments bothersome... I think I hid most of my Joes when I was 16... I just ignore people and put up with their "40 year old virgin" comments and try to point out that when that guy sold his... he made a lot of $$$ (not that I am ever parting with my guys.... well, maybe duplicates still fresh in the box many years from now...???)

Oh well, I hope some of our comments here for you will encourage you to keep going at it to enjoy your Hobbie...