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| Feel free to take all the pictures you want of the Herald building from the sidewalk that's directly underneath the elevated Metromover tracks. |
Today I followed up on a blogger's claim that he was told by a security guard last week that he couldn't take pictures of the Miami Herald building.
This afternoon I talked by phone with the Herald's senior v.p. for operations. He told me he has talked with he guard involved. The executive told me that the guard merely told the blogger that he was on the Herald's property and was advised that it was okay to take pictures from across the street.
The executive stressed that there is no ban on the taking of pictures of the Herald building and "there never has been a ban. But we would prefer that people confine their picture taking to the public sidewalk and not trespass on Herald property," said the executive.
While he didn't say it so in so many words, I have a strong suspicion that the executive has talked to or will be talking with his security guards to let them know that it's perfectly legal for people to take pictures of the building at One Herald Plaza.
I've learned from another source that the Herald apparently uses a combination of staff security guards and guards hired from a private security company.
A personal observation if I may: I think what's needed here is a healthy dose of common sense and common courtesy from both parties: Herald security guards and Miami's budding architectural photographers.
Happy shooting!
THANKS for following up, Bill.
ReplyDeleteIt's not clear from the photo above, but the spot you've got the no-photography symbol sure LOOKS like a public sidewalk to me. That's exactly the disputed terrain. I'm not particularly comforted to know that they approve of me taking pictures of the building from across the street or across town.
Does the Herald own the sidewalk in front of their building? I find it unlikely. Unless they do I have every right to stand there and photograph whatever I like. And the Herald's management's clarification is really them doubling down.
Right?
Alesh - I got your 2nd comment but I'm not posting it.
DeleteAfter you left this comment I tried to contact you three different ways to get your side of the story... I tweeted you, I called you and left a message and I emailed you.
You IGNORED all my attempts to contact you.
You're on you own. I suggest you call the Herald and hash things out with them.
So if I am entering the building for whatever reason as a visitor, would I be arrested for trespassing if I happen to walk out the door and take a phone call on the sidewalk in front of the building or should I scamper across the street to take my call?
ReplyDeleteOr does the trespassing charge only come into effect if I pull out a camera?
Last I heard, the Herald is still open to the public, at least before you walk through the security checkpoint.
How do they determine who is trespassing and who is not?
Carlos there are obviously dozens of possible scenarios.
DeleteIf someone just happens to ride up on bike and wants to take a few pics, then why not do it from a public sidewalk?
"If I am entering the building for whatever reason as a visitor, would I be arrested for trespassing if I happen to walk out the door and take a phone call on the sidewalk in front of the building or should I scamper across the street to take my call?" Of course not. If you are a visitor on business, I don't think anyone's going to arrest you because you walk out side to take a call.
What the exec said that if someone has no business but wants to take a few shots, that's perfectly fine.
If someone needs more access - like if they are on assignment - then that person should call ahead and arrange to get permission. I don't think that's an unreasonable thing to ask.
I think the Herald has right to expect that people not hang around on their property (under the portico etc.) if they don't have business there.
And like I said, I think both sides need to employ some common sense. the exec I talked with was extremely polite and reasonable and sounded like he's willing to work with people.
Why not go over there and do a test run? ;)
Also, is it technically accurate to still call it the "Herald's property" when they are staying there rent-free?
ReplyDeleteIt's the Herald's property until they turn the keys over to Genting and turn off the lights. ;)
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