Scripps News
New York City: Get Great Photos INSIDE on Cold and Wet Days
February 2, 2025
BEST San Diego City views: Harbor Island
February 16, 2025
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada—the wildest, craziest, most colorful city in the United States, if not the world! Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just looking to capture unforgettable shots on your smartphone, this guide will take you on a virtual photo walk through the best spots to snap iconic Las Vegas photos.
The Basics of Shooting in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Strip, a stretch of dazzling resorts and casinos has remained pretty much the same since the 1940s and 50s–well, the same concept, anyway. A whole bunch of over-the-top resorts using massive signs and other tools to try and wheel you in.
The best concentration of photogenic hotels for a photowalk is around Flamingo and Las Vegas Boulevard. Here, you’ll find the Bellagio, Paris, Caesars Palace, and The Flamingo—the first hotel built on the Strip. It’s an easy walk to start here and go north, up to the Italian themed Venetian.
Must-Visit Photo Spots
1. The Bellagio Fountain Show
A must-capture moment in Las Vegas is the Bellagio water fountain show. It runs every half-hour in the latter part of the day and evening, and it’s free. The prime viewing spot is on Las Vegas Boulevard South, where the fountains dance against the backdrop of the Bellagio. That’s where most people go to check it out–but here’s a tip: walk all the way up to the lobby area, where you get an even better view. From here, you see the fountain against the backdrop of the Vegas Strip, with the Paris Hotel, Horseshoe (formerly Bally’s) and Flamingo behind her. For view number 3, try taking the elevator to the top floor of the parking garage. It’s not as dramatic as view #2, but it’s still a winner, especially at nighttime.
2. The Sphere
One of the newest attractions in Las Vegas, The Sphere is a high-tech entertainment marvel with stunning digital displays. It looks amazing on the outside; with it’s ever-changing visuals. On the inside, not so much, though the movie shown on the tour is great–it’s not worth $95 to view it, nor can you get any great shots inside. Stick with standing outside the Sphere and get shots that way.
3. Overhead Views of the Strip
Flying a drone legally in Las Vegas is very hard, if not impossible, as it’s so close to the airport. However, several hotels offer great overhead views, usually for a fee.
- The Paris Eiffel Tower, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Tickets start at $25 and you’ll get a great view of the Bellagio, but your camera has to fit through a cage.)
- The High Roller Ferris Wheel, 3535 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Tickets start at $23.50, and you’ll get a fantastic view here–but the windows can have lots of glare during the day–it’s way better at night. Plus a better view.)
- The Stratosphere Tower 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South (Probably the best unobstructed view of the Strip, and admission is $22. Again, best at night.)
- Circa 8 Fremont Street (This downtown hotel has the best view of downtown in its Legacy Club and it’s 100% free. You won’t even be asked to buy a drink, although you can, of course.
- The Waldorf Astoria Sky Bar 3752 Las Vegas Blvd. South(This is my favorite spot in Las Vegas for a view of the Strip–through windows. No admission fee, but you are encouraged to buy a drink and enjoy the view!)
4. Best Free & Affordable Views: Parking Garages
While most high-rise attractions charge an entry fee, some hidden gems provide excellent Strip views from a different vantage point. Parking garages, for instance, offer some of the best angles, and my all-time favorite is the Bellagio. Note that virtually every resort in town now charges parking fees, to the tune of about $20. But it’s free to just walk right up there if you’ve parked somewhere else.
5. Downtown Las Vegas: A Neon Wonderland
If you’re craving classic Vegas neon, head to Fremont Street. Neon is harder to find on the Strip nowadays, where it’s mostly been replaced by LED lights, but downtown, you can still find the real night.
- Fremont and Second Street has the best collection, with the Four Queens on one side and Binion’s Gambling Hall on the other. They’re part of the Fremont Street Experience, a neon wonderland complete with a zip line and outdoor concerts.
- The modern Circa Resort, just off Fremont, has preserved its neon heritage, and you can still find Vegas Vickie all lit up inside.
- The Neon Museum (best visited at night, though tripods and pro cameras are restricted)
Photo Tips for Capturing Vegas Like a Pro
- Timing is everything. Shoot just after sunset to capture neon signs with a slightly dark blue sky, making colors pop.
- Avoid reflections. When shooting through glass (like at the High Roller), press your camera lens directly against the surface to reduce glare.
- Get creative with angles. Move around to find the best composition—sometimes the best shots come from unexpected locations.
- Use neon lighting. Instead of silhouetting yourself in front of a neon sign, turn around and let the light illuminate you for a stunning portrait.
- Try slow-motion video. Flickering neon lights look incredible in slow-mo footage.
Photography Pro Tips:
✔️ Use the “Golden Hour” – Just after sunrise and before sunset for the best lighting. ✔️ Shoot from high vantage points – Parking garages and hotel bars offer fantastic views. ✔️ Minimize reflections – Press your camera against windows for cleaner shots. ✔️ Experiment with angles – Move around to find the most dynamic composition. ✔️ Capture neon at the right time – Just after sunset for the best balance of color and contrast. ✔️ Use video creatively – Try slow-motion or time-lapse for unique storytelling.
