Bring as little equipment as possible.
You want to be incognito. People will bring all sorts of equipment that make it look like they’re shooting for commercial purposes which is what most places kick you out for. Bring only what’s absolutely necessary. Don’t take that camera out until you’re ALL the way in.Walk around the place.
I know that seems obvious but some people walk right in and start taking pictures. A perfect example is shooting in the hotel lobby. It’s the fastest way to get kicked out. Cameras, securities, and people are almost expecting you. Instead, walk into the lobby and act like you’re staying at the hotel. Take the elevator, get off somewhere random, is there an empty ballroom on the 5th floor? Be where the people aren’t.Do your research before you go.
Is there a guard? what time is the guard there? Who works there? Is it busier during the weekends or weekdays? I have been in Miami Design District so many times I swear I know where the guards are posted. I look for a blind spot. In order to find me you’d have to actually look for me.Think of something to say in case you DO get caught.
Who is the marketing director of the place? Look them up, know their name, use them even if you don’t know them. For example you can say, “I’m taking pictures for the hotels website I spoke to Mike the Marketing Director” I PROMISE you the chances of a security guard knowing the Marketing Director are very low. They’re in two completely different departments. People don’t like looking like they don’t know things they feel they should know. The security guard may just say “oh ok” and leave you alone.
If you get caught:
Don’t spill the secret.
Don’t you dare tell the owner, security guard, or whoever caught you how you got in. Don’t you dare. You’re ruining it for the rest of us. Don’t tell them about the secret passage, the window, the opening, that the door was unlocked. Don’t do it. They’re just kicking you out. Unless you’re trespassing on private property you’re not going to jail. There’s no reason to spill the beans.You get two strikes, not one and not three.
Once they tell you to leave if they don’t escort you out stay. Yep, stay. Not in the exact same spot, act like you’re leaving but stay around. This works if they’re nice to you about kicking you out the first time. The second time they’re more stern. Don’t let there be a third.Don’t call it a day.
They’ve kicked you out. Now what? don’t go back in…but also don’t call it a day! as much as you want to take pictures inside take a look at the outside of the building. I bet that you can get some pretty cool pictures there too!