Pixiq

A group of Los Angeles photographers made good on their promise to return to the foot of U.S. Bank and protest the ongoing harassment against photographers.

The video, which shows an almost ten-minute debate between photographers and security guards underneath the tallest building in Los Angeles, was shot by Hal Bergman and edited by Discarted, who also operates a website on photographers’ rights.

As we began photographing the US Bank Tower at 633 W. 5th Street, managed by Maguire Properties, we were approached almost immediately by a United Protective Services (UPS) security guard, and soon there were six (6!). We were told they would call the police and we would be arrested, that no pictures were allowed from their “private sidewalk,” that they actually owned the sidewalk, and that we were idiots and jerks who should quit asking questions.

More photos from the protest can be found on Bryan Villarin’s site. The entire conversation was also recorded and posted on Youtube as audio. Here is an excerpt:

US BANK SECURITY GUARD: Excuse me sir, you’re not allowed to take any pictures.

NOHO DAMON: We’re both on a public sidewalk here.

US BANK SECURITY GUARD: No actually this sidewalk is private.

NOHO DAMON: No, no, no, no…(inaudible)

US BANK SECURITY GUARD: No.

NOHO DAMON: This is a public sidewalk.

US BANK SECURITY GUARD: Right…no.

NOHO DAMON: You guys own the street?

US BANK SECURITY GUARD: That’s the public, this is private.

NOHO DAMON: You’re telling me you own the street, you’re telling me you own the sidewalk.

US BANK SECURITY GUARD: Yes sir.

NOHO DAMON: You’re telling me that.

US BANK SECURITY GUARD: Yes.

NOHO DAMON: Would you be willing to discuss that with a cop?

US BANK SECURITY GUARD: Yes.

NOHO DAMON: That you own the sidewalk?

US BANK SECURITY GUARD: Yes.

Sounds of photos being taken.

US BANK SECURITY GUARD: Excuse me sir, you will be arrested