As you can probably tell Las Vegas isn’t exactly my usual type of adventure and travel. Well the Las Vegas strip isn’t. I’m more the hiking, exploring outdoors type. Although to be honest if you said let’s explore The Big Apple or walk around the streets of Paris its not like I’d say no. I just wouldn’t stay in the city that long. Which is why when I was planning a states road trip with my mom and dad, I said a hell yes to the glamour of the sin city.. the city of lost wages.. The Las Vegas strip baby!
Now I know there is a lot of hiking and outdoor exploring to be done in Nevada but this was a trip with my parents and Vegas was something my dad snuck into the plan. I absolutely love the lights of the Las Vegas strip. I feel like I’m contradicting myself but it’s fun to step out of the norm and what’s comfortable once in a while and step into a world of flashing lights where everyone’s lit and alive. We were only staying one night and it was just enough for me to get my sin city fix.
Most people go to Vegas to party, see shows and gamble. Well nana over here was excited to spend time photographing Vegas. My dad is a very good hobby photographer and we wanted the challenge of shooting neon lights at night and capturing some great shots of the hotels of Las Vegas.
It’s not something either of us shoot very often, obviously, but it turned out to be a fun night of capturing shots, shaking our heads at young girls whose fathers would be ‘so proud’ and admiring the creativity and work that went into building the Vegas strip into what it is.
For those who have never photographed Vegas or situations like it you may be wondering whats the best way to photograph the lights. What about daytime photos? Do you need to bring a tripod? Can you take photos in the hotels? HOW do you get the fountain shot!? Both dad and I did a little research before we went and with a bit of trial and error I came up with a few tips you should know if you’re wanting to capture the Las Vegas strip.
- Ditch the big tripod
Unless you’re going full pro or have a really lightweight tripod, I suggest leaving it behind. You’d think because its night photography you’d absolutely need a tripod for a clear shot but because there are so many bright lights, there’s enough light coming into your camera, you can get your shots handheld. Of course be as steady as possible and unless you would like long exposure shots, or light streaks carrying around a tripod is just extra weight.
- Use a higher ISO
If you choose not to use a tripod, in order to get shots that aren’t blurry, you’ll have to bump up the ISO. I had my ISO at 800 most of the night. This is not set in stone but using a higher ISO will allow you to shoot at a faster shutter speed that can be handheld and not blurry.
- Bring the gorilla pod
So instead of lugging your big tripod around, I suggest bringing your gorilla pod or just a small table tripod. This came in handy shooting the fountains at the Bellagio. - Remote shutter and keep shooting
Catching the fountain show at the Bellagio is a must for photographing the Las Vegas strip. Yes everyone gets it but its an iconic shot and honestly, my Las Vegas shooting trip wouldn’t have been complete without it. The shows run I believe every 15 minutes. Its not a in and out venue for that type of photo though. I suggest watching 2 or 3 fountain shows and plan your angles. Look to see whats going on in the background– hotel towers, lights, even people.
I got to my spot (facing the Paris hotel) and parked myself at one of the pillars. I put my camera on the gorilla pod and waited. I used my shutter release on a cord and when the show was going, kept on pressing the shutter button. You could also set your camera to continuous shooting. You can never have too many photos!
- Get up early!
The next morning I got up around 7:30 and went out to walk part of the strip I didn’t see the night before. I was hoping for about 6 or even sunrise but I didn’t go to bed until about 3 am! It was quiet though and every thing looks so much different! The lights are fun but you don’t want to miss out seeing the strip in a whole new light!
- Research!
Do you own research about the hotels on the strip before hand. Bellagio has the fountains, the Mirage has a volcano show, Treasure Island has a pirate ship, The Venetian has the gondola… Every hotel has some adventure and something cool to see!
- Move around
Look for different angles of the hotels, reflections in the water, bridges, street views, lamp posts, railings…just look around!
- Shooting hotels
Shooting inside hotels can be tricky. I found the lighting quite warm and of course the hotel busy with people. It is allowed to shoot in the lobby of hotels and around the hotels. Some people may shoot in the casino but generally there are signs saying not too and security will boot you out if you’re caught!
- Spare SD card and battery
Make sure you have spare SD card and battery. The number of shots you can take can be endless and sometimes it helps to use live mode to catch really low shots but it does drain your battery. - Choose your season
Down time on the Las Vegas Strip is around December to February, June to September. It gets quite hot in the summer but if you want to bring your tripod without worrying about tripping people up or drawing too much attention these are probably the best times. Don’t be fooled, its still busy, you’ll still be pushed around bit but not compared to the real busy times.
I’ve been to the Las Vegas strip twice now and I still love it! Both times I have been there less than 24 hours, maybe even 12! Each time I see new angles and new shots. Its such a fun place and I can’t wait to go back! I hope these tips have helped and a few photos for some photographing inspiration.
Have you been to the Las Vegas strip?! Any suggestions for shooting!?
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You make me want to go back. We went there last June and I told my husband that I won’t be back again. But your pictures and your trick to take pictures… ugh….