Stand Your Ground 

Stands in front of huge glass window, says "We've got a lot of confidential stuff here".

Cracks me up, these companies put themselves in these huge iconic buildings then get all jumpy when people take pictures of them. If you're that worried move to an industrial estate in Luton.

Bloody good to see some coppers who know their jobs, well done officers.

So you notice something here. The private security have no idea what they're talking about and try to intimidate people away. The actual Police understood the laws and dealt with it correctly in this video.

fair play to the guy who said they could go onto the private estate and would help them get better images

Good to see the City of London Police actually know the law.

They should put a big sheet over the front of the building so Google Streetview can't take a picture once a year.

"Terrorism Act and stuff" "Which part of the Terrorism Act?" "I think we'll end the conversation there"

The one officer at the end handled it professionally and upheld his oath. I like that, the way it should be.

I have a photographic memory. I'd better not go out anymore. :-(

All of those people that tried to stop you from filming got shot down in flames. Too funny.

First, let me just say that I am an American. With that in mind, I absolutely love every police officer in this video. They all knew the law and upheld it in a calm and professional manner. That, my friends, is law enforcement. It's so rare in America to find any cop willing to do this. I fear American police.

Why do these companies think they own the entire street they have a building on.? if they don't like people filming go move to a private island somewhere, preferably the moon.

How the conversation should have gone:- "May I ask why you're filming." "Yes." (Carries on filming)

The only guy who knew his stuff was the Building Manager at 11:00 on the vid. He had the right approach, if it's for commercial gain there might be copyright issues involved (he's right) if it's for your own use or for an exhibition come onto the estate and we'll help you get the best shots. Top guy! Well done to his employers too.

10:57 that property manager's got great people skills

"I've been told by my manager." The civilian form of "I was just following orders" Neither is a defence.

What pisses me off about the people in these videos is that in London, on an average day, you are captured on more than 300 cameras, so why the fuck should individuals be bothered about being on film (OK that dates me). What REALLY pisses me off though is that jumped up little Hitler wannabes (building security) are ignorant of the law and somehow think they have ANY rights to tell a citizen to do anything at all. These photographers were bloody marvelous and a damn site calmer than I could keep myself in a similar situation. Bravo, great project and well done to the police!!

the chap at 10:44 seemed really nice; He introduced himself, didn't impede and made attempts to help you, can we have more security like him?

I would love to see these same photographers go to these same places now in 2022 and do the same thing. PLEASE.

American cops can learn a lot from these London cops. They knew the law and respected the rights of the photographers, and deescalated each situation in a calm manner. What the hell is wrong with American cops?

Not every photography is confidant when intimidated by security appearing to act in a bullying manner. the hardest bit is being made to feel like you are actually doing something wrong despite the fact that the law is on your side and you stand on public property. i wouldnt go out of my to antagonise anyone but i would feel pressured despite being in the clear. thank you for posting, very encouraging

The arrogance and cluelessness of these security people is as hilarious as it is baffling. What on earth makes them think that people aren’t allowed to take photographs of their buildings?

I love Brits. Even when they're fighting they're so bloody polite.

Thank you for doing that and sharing it - I spoke to security many times while taking photos in central London and they are simply idiots.

I am a videojournalist in the states. I'm glad you posted your encounters with these "security" personnel. This happens on my job all the time. When I am in that situation, I always suggest they call the police as to get a lesson on public spaces.

Security...what a bunch of knobs....couldn't secure their trousers 😂😂😂..!!

10 years later we have gone from the police not really caring to the police having a fit when they see a camera out...

Grey suit guy says "as long as you don't take any pictures of the cameras" ... yet again it's alright for them but not for the general public

some good police work by our Police Officers. Credit where it is due. Its a shame the few supporting bailiffs let the police down by not enforcing the law in this same objective way.

Thank you guys for your hard work. PHOTGRAPHER APPROVED!

Print out the law and take it with you, if confronted it saves alot of messing around. Most security guards haven't got a clue. This is what I do

Rather than cooperate with these paranoid corporate goons the police should make an example of some of them and arrest them for harassing the photographers.

This apparently speaks of a much greater problem with those who think the are above the law where they can hire paid thugs and send them out to harass private citizens going about their own business in public places. How much of a "greater problem" am I referring to? Great enough that ALL six photographers were reported to have been interfered with at least once which means to me some were screwed with more than once.

round of applause for the copper at 12:50

My gosh this was good, even 10 years later. We need more vids from you folks!

Fantastic video - thanks for making it. What is the matter with these people and companies with such policies? Do they truly think a terrorist organisation would be so conspicuous? Wouldn't it be easier to to use a phone and act like a tourist? Have they never heard of Google Street view or Google Earth which makes taking photos virtually obsolete for such purposes.

Well at least it seems in each instance the actual police arrived on the scene the had no problems as long as the photographers were standing on public property. thats good to hear

If never ever ever ceases to amaze me when you put the shoe on the other foot!

Private companies approaching members of the public in a public place and TRYING to assert some sort of authority over them. Simply put. GO AWAY.

Unless a person is a sworn in constable in uniform, no one has the right to stop you, ask you any questions or ask you for ID.

These security guys do not seem to compute, they have no juristiction outside the building on public land.

Very well done that policeman who came, admired the camera, and said "I'm not worried. You can photograph whatever you like as long as your'e on public property..." That's proper policing.

Thank you to the photographers videographers and organisers.

There are 2 qualifications for being a security guard:. 1. You are breathing 2. You have no general knowledge or common sense. All the security guards in this clip were eminently suitable for the job based on the required qualifications.

At one point there is a guard who states that it is because of the "Terrorism Act" that people must not film or photograph buildings. Later, his colleague states that the city of London (financial district and separate legal state to the UK) is at a state of heightened alert, and then makes mention of being briefed by the local Police. Quasi Police forces are being formed from within security firms, staffed by people who can just about comb their hair and operate a light switch. Why do we let this legislation slide through? Keep thinking about the Anti Social Behaviour and Crime Policing Bill, read it, digest what it would do to your rights and freedoms in the UK. This video would have been impossible, impossible!

The chap in the pink jumper was quite good, very professional and polite and non-confrontational. And kudos to the great cops who understood that citizens rights are more important than the wounded ego of a security guard. Well done lads, well done.

My go-to line in these situations is "No worries, I'm a professional photographer. I know what I can and cannot photograph.". Communicates you're knowledgeable about the subject and have been through this before. Above all, keep shooting while politely discussing the matter with whomever. Don't be afraid to walk away when you're finished as well. Private security have no right to impede or hold you on public property.

I completely understand security personnel coming up just to ask a few questions (and probably just get a sense of who you are), that is their job and I can see why in some of these clips they might be curious why someone would be spending time photographing certain things. Everyone involved was respectful and courteous. I've only had a few incidents while shooting myself here in the US. I've found, like in the video, if you're polite and respectful that is how you will be treated as well. I've also found it useful to explain what was so interesting to me about what I was photographing and even show them the picture to illustrate that I was interested in the shadows and the light or the way the side of the building overlapped something. The biggest thing is breaking that authority vs suspect mood by just interacting with them as another person. I've even asked if there was something in particular they didn't want me to photograph and the security guard explained they had JUST put in some new cameras right where I was shooting so that's why it seemed a little suspicious to him. No harm no foul, I don't blame them for being curious in some instances. One stupid thing to do though: I was shooting with a friend down in Baltimore once, right outside some building that we didn't know what it was. A security guard came out and headed right for us. That's when my friend decided to head for the hills and took off running down the street. So now the security guard is immediately alarmed at what we might have been doing. I stayed there and simply walked towards the guard and explained we were in a photography class and were trying to get some shots of the reflections in the windows of the building. He explained that someone important was actually in the room that we were aiming our cameras at so he just wanted to come check us out. After hearing my explanation he said "it's cool man, you do what you do, I just wanted to find out what it was you do." Seems reasonable. He didn't ask to delete the pictures or even see them, he was simply doing his job and asking a couple questions about something that he found potentially suspicious. It's a two way street. I don't expect people to just assume i'm an artist because I have a camera. If you let the security personnel know that you understand why they might come ask you a question instead of immediately playing the angry victim card like some youtube videos, then you usually bring them down to your level. In the case of the one security guard who I showed how I liked the shadows the awning was making and said I was waiting for someone to walk through the frame he offered to model for the shot. He gave me his e-mail and I sent him his photo and he loved it. It's people skills... don't always assume you're just being wrongfully "oppressed by the man."

."What do you do for a job?"..oh, I work as an operative that prevents Photographers from legitimately photographing buildings in a public place...oh...ok..that's a nice job...

thanks for sharing!!! this was awesome!!! photographers need to know they'r rights!!!

Well done, guys. Great job done and point well made. The difference here compared to other complaints about photographers being arrested is that you were polite and were happy to co-operate with the olive at all times. You were happy to tell them why you were there and to give them your names. It just proves that a little co-operation goes a long way on both sides. Great video guys.

Frightening how these big corporations dont like being filmed,,,

Bank of America is one of the worst. Once I was photographing, and two officers came over to stop me. It is very sad that people are so stupid. - Clint Crowther

Excellent work team....

Kudos to all police officers featured in this video for not over reacting and dispensing the situations in a positive manner.

These people have never heard of Google Earth Street view.

City of London police, based in the financial district, denoted by the red and white chequers on their caps, they are I think a level above your normal every day copper as they totally know the law and are totally professional in upholding it, good to see that they supported the photographers and their right to photograph and did not side with those private security who are obviously a law unto themselves. Credit to the police on this one.

Nice to see the guy who offered to help them get better shots that what he found out if it was private or for publication and what a nice guy

Fantastic work!

Great police interaction! To bad American cops aren't as cool here.

No. You can film him! Never stop...OMG. And you never have to say anything! Even a policemen can't tell you to stop if it is a public place.

Excellent video, thanks

i can tell you that 11 years later in 2022, they still think you cant film in public. we battle on.

Really nice police responses btw, did anyone write to their stations and thank them?

excellent video-nice to see polite well informed police-shame about the downtrodden security trying to justify their paranoid existence

Beautifully done.

This is a refreshing video to watch after seeing another guy trying something similar. But he literally gets in the face of the security guards and starts zooming in on their CCTV, entrances and exits of the buildings and generally trying to make himself look as suspicious as possible.

Do a 2019 version but just make it bigger and better.

From america you have good cops.

What i like about this is all the conversations are incredibly civilised. I really envy that, I live in both Germany and Japan for a while recently without being about to speak the language. It was very difficult.

Excellent video!!

The company doesn't allow? How come Google Maps hasn't been sued? They have photographs of every building.

I remember getting into a pretty ugly incident with some Spanish Police Officers, and when I got back to the UK I went up to a British officer in the Airport and I said I had a bad experience with the Spanish Police, and asked if I could hug him and he said yeah and we hugged :D and he joked "your safe now" xD haha I will never forget it! My friend was pissing himself laughing xD

I really enjoyed watching that. Thanks. :-)

Great Video, Thank You!

Have to say that I was actually impressed with the police. I've seen videos in the past where the police abuse their powers and get things very wrong. This helps to restore confidence to the public seeing they are knowledgeable on such matters. Love the comment about covert surveillance, to a photographer who is standing in the middle of a walk way with a tripod!

Ouch this is painful to watch. but also makes me think about doing a video in edinburgh... could be fun.

Really excellent video. Amazing the hassle photographers get. Only twice have I had issues with security. Once filming in Wuppertal, Germany in a tram station. From nowhere 2 security guys came. They were friendly but said I had 5mins to film then go. The second time in Prague photographing shadows from lamps on the Mandarin Orient Hotel. Security came and stood taking photos and video of me !

That copper at the end was lovely. Breath of fresh air.

I wonder what the attitude of those involved ("security" personnel, police officers) would have been, had the photograpers looked "muslim"/arabic.

Wear berkas next time, and see if they dare speak to you! Lol

You need to come over to America and teach some of our auditors how to behave. You're so polite and you get your message across so much better. Good on you!!

Loved the flashing red arrow above security guard’s head 🤣🤣🤣

I'm fascinated by the arrogance and ignorance of these "security personnel" they have no greater authority than any other citizen, yet they feel entitled to question people going about their lawful business. They further insist that "permission" is required from those who are not empowered to demand such a request. These people are incrementalists, seeking to deny peoples rights a liitle at a time. i'm disappointed that the photographers entertained their enquiries.

Good to see the police knew how to handle the situations properly. Well done officers!

Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Nice to see Police that know the law

Be careful of that great big arrow by the way. :-)

Comes from years of ill information passed down through the ranks. Security guards are on high alert, their jobs are on the line if they mess up. Provoking a reaction just makes it worse. If I approach a sticky situation and I want a picture, I'll approach any security first, show them a contact card and they are happy. It's about making it less tense for everyone. This comes across almost like the sole purpose was to get a reaction out of the security. Not all of them know the law, and not all photographers know it either. Use common sense.

Well done to the security guy for inviting you on site for better images! He knows the law regarding making money off the building too.. fair play to the guy and i hope you got some stunning photos!

Good grief! Give a man a cheap suit and a clip-on tie, and he thinks his head of MI5!

To be fair the photographers didn't appear to be absolutely certain of the law either. Wouldn't the easiest way to shut down the security types be: "If you call the police, I'll wait here patiently til they come to tell you that, yes, I have the right to take photos in a public space."? Assuming they are within their legal rights, that would call the bluff of security goons... BTW, North American cops could take a lesson in civility from the Brits...

I was stopped on my own street taking photos and filming some years back by a very polite WPC and her colleague who asked me what I was doing. I told her I was documenting my local area and had been doing so for many years. She said this may be deemed suspicious as 'many children live on this street'. There were no kids (including my own) in sight on that occasion, and I replied that if I were filming the City, just a short walk away, as I often do, she'd be talking terrorism, not pedophilia. She asked to view my photos but I refused to comply, so she said 'Fine, carry on!' but issued me with a form under the now defunct section 44 of the terrorism act. Many inexperienced photographers/filmers make the mistake of being defensive and rude when challenged by police or private security. I would just say: stand your ground, but be discreet and courteous. In most streets of all UK cities we ALL are on camera ALL of the time.

The cop at 13 mins is great. Please hire more people like him MET. Pleasant demeanour and attitude. 1 in a million. ShootExperienceTeam, keep up the good work

Excellent video.

Bombs and stuff? Have these people not seen Google Street View or Google Earth?

Good on the real police schooling the wannabe rent a cops on the actual law. Would have liked to have seen the police tell the security nazis directly what is what.

Thanks to all who made this video, well done to all (Well not the security guards).

Great. Thank you!