Vegas for the Photo geek?

jogle

Hi All,

I've just booked a ski trip in Cananda with a 3 nights in Las Vegas on the way home. We're staying in the middle of the strip and I was wondering how photo friendly the town is?

I've heard that they don't allow any photography on the gaming floors, but does that also extend to the other attractions around the casinos? Can I plan on having a camera bag (small lowepro bag with 2 or 3 lenses) with me all day or will that stop you getting in anywhere?

Also anyone feel like sharing their favourite spots for capturing the madness?

Cheers!

Tee Why

I had no problems shooting with a tripod on the strip. I was inside Venetian with a camera and a photo backpack and no one seemed to even notice.

I think they are very friendly towards photographers.

ChatKat

Popular Las Vegas
You are pretty free to shoot there. In February they have the WPPI Trade show - all wedding/portrait photographers and they occasionally give flack when you do things as a pro - like have your subjects climb in the fountains. But as a tourist, not usually a problem. Just be discreet with a big bag o' lenses.

Go Downtown, the roof of the Stratosphere, the Fountains in front of Bellagio, The Flamingo Encounter at the Flamingo. You can do a tour to the Grand Canyon for one day - I did it by Helicopter and it was unbelievable - we flew over the LV Strip and downtown too and I was in the front seat. Bring a ND or Ciruclar Polarizer.

Cygnus Studios

For the most part you should have no issues. The lobbies in some of the hotels are beautiful.
Be mindful of the gaming floor itself, and use common sense and you will not have a problem.

If given the time, take a ride to the Valley of Fire

Really cool place.

happysmileylady

Vegas yeilded some of my favorite images for a beginner. Be sure to get all the lights at night. Very cool. I totally want to go back now, three years later, now that I know a little more about how to work my camera.

Angelo

I can't count the number of times I've walked casino floors, sat at tables, with my camera hanging from its strap 'round my neck. Hell, dealers have offered to stow it behind the table whenever I've gotten tired of holding it.

I've never tried to take pictures at a table (they'd probably frown at that) but I've certainly snapped images everywhere else with no problems.

denisegoldberg

If you're inclined to move away from the flash of Las Vegas for a little bit, check out Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It's on the west side of town, and it's beautiful.

--- Denise

jogle

Thanks all! It's a real help

darkdragon

You shouldn't have any issues as long as you don't look like a professional in the casinos. Definition of a professional? That would be up to the security guards. The basic rules is just don't have a lot of extra gear on your camera. Camera+lens and you will be safe. Start adding lens hoods, battery grips, external flash...ect and you will be more likely to get asked to leave. Definately no monopods or tripods inside the casino (though you could try a monopod, just be ready to leave when they come ask you to leave). Never say you are a pro to the guards, that will get you booted out for sure.

For the most part you will not get hassled by the casinos, but patrons might not want you taking photos of them. I took this shot without anyone hasleing me.



Outside of the casinos you can use tripods/etc without hassle. However, keep in mind that the sidewalks directly in front of a casino are casino property not city propery, so they can ask you to leave.

jogle

Thanks, the only tripod I'm planning on taking on the trip (at the moment) is the SLR sized gorilla pod. Small and easy enough to give a stable base when needed but small enough to fit in a bag.

AngryRed

denisegoldberg wrote:

If you're inclined to move away from the flash of Las Vegas for a little bit, check out Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It's on the west side of town, and it's beautiful.

--- Denise

+1 on Red Rock, one of my favorite places as a local. Walking the strip with a point and shoot has always yielded me some great qucik candids. For more refined shots in casinos Cesar's Palace has some interesting indoor sights such as fountains and statues and Monte Carlo has great outdoor architecture.

If you can make it to Red Rock though the overlook past the park entrance on HWY160 makes for a great sunrise.

BeachBill

I've talked to a few security personnel at the various resorts and the main reason they frown on tripods is insurance restrictions. This doesn't mean you can't use a tripod. You can use it until someone asked you to stop. The gorilla pod is a good idea too as I don't think anyone will bat an eye at it.

Some sample images http://gallery.primarycolors.com/lasvegas

All of my indoor Venetian and Palazzo images were shot with a tripod, and most of my Bellagio images were shot with a tripod. One point to note is that I shoot early morning if I want to avoid people in my shots. Many of the previously mentioned images were shot around 5 or 6am.