Dealing With Security
[by Paul Bartholomew]
This is one of those situations you can never be too prepared for. I often do commercial architectural photography projects that involve public locations. Security or police may be notified or notice photography going on and may become suspicious. People tend to feel uneasy when someone is photographing certain areas. I wish I had an answer to why but it depends on the situation.
Here is my advice to help make things less painful. First of all be prepared. I always have my client’s name on hand with contact info. A letter from the client also helps but none of this matters if your client or you didn’t notify the proper people for permission. Have this permission info on hand and ready to reach for.
Prevention is key. When I photograph a building in New York that is owned by a certain company I try to stop by the front desk and let them know who I am. Don’t be surprised if stopped by other security people even though you cleared things upon arrival. Not everyone gets the memo.
Here is another very important point. Security and police are just doing their job so don’t over react and act outraged. This is sure way to end up with problems. When you see security approaching don’t try to avoid them or give them a nasty look. Try to give a smile and have your info ready. I mention who my client is and why I’m photographing the location. Of course mention right away that you have permission.
Normally I have to give my name and info related to the project. This may take 5 minutes of your time unless security wants to call the people you mention. Usually a report or note has to be filed and that’s it.
Like I said earlier, just have a positive attitude and usually things go fine. Of course I can’t be 100% on this because you never know but be prepared and that’s all you can do.
5 Responses to 'Dealing With Security'
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Remaining friendly and understanding that they are just doing their job is important. I just spent about an hour this weekend wandering around downtown Phoenix taking pictures for fun and got stopped several times by various security personnel.
Excellent advice. I was just thinking about all this before heading out on a shoot this morning. (Good timing). It is amazing where you can go with a smile.
Rosh
Yeah. Well. Sometimes they are not ‘just doing their job’. They’re acting illegally because they don’t understand the laws. Since when do you need anyone’s permission to photograph a building from a public place. Private property. Yes. Of course. I don’t believe in being overly nice if you are in a place that does not require permission. Lets not placate too much people that are hassling you without good cause. It starts a bad precedent.
Just in response to Graig’s comment. Yes, you’re right that it possibly can start bad precedent. Then again, the people hassling us are following orders on the most part and/or are ignorant. My preference is to be open and communicate calmly. It’s been my experience that things move on much more smoothly by being respectful. It’s not personal, just ignorance if someone stops a photographer illegally. Just don’t let it escalate.
Take your energy and issues to a higher authority. The lower ranks may not care what we say, most of all I doubt they effect policy.
Yes. I totally agree Paul. Its just that when it gets to the point where someone who has no authority to be hassling you or suggesting that you ‘move on’ doesn’t let up after you have been friendly like you suggest then its time to tell them to go take a long walk off a short pier. An actual policeman, no way. You just have to do as they ask then deal with it later.