- Katelyn Greene
- Apr 20, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 14, 2024
Whether you are just visiting Las Vegas or you are a Las Vegas local, this blog will help you decide the perfect location(s) in and around Las Vegas for photos from a Las Vegas native!
Very "Vegas" Locations
Locations on the strip are no longer used by KalamazooKate Photography due to increased theft. Please contact me with further questions :)
- The neon museum
- Fremont street
- Venetian
Urban Locations
- Downtown arts district
Desert Locations
- Red rock (permit required, $15 a car)
- Jean Dry Lake Bed
- Anywhere on the outskirts of the city works!
Gorgeous Greenery (for Vegas)
- Wetlands Park
This location is near Southeast Las Vegas. It is gorgeous all year round with tall grasses, a few small ponds, and a gorgeous wooden bridge area.
- Mt. Charleston (permits required $50 extra)
This is a beautiful location that has snow during the winter months and beautiful yellow flowers from September - Beginning of November. It is beautiful all year round with pine trees throughout.
- Calico basin (permits required $50 extra)
This is a beautiful location with bridges surrounding a natural meadow. The meadow is fragile, so during my photoshoots I do not agree to take pictures within the meadow as it destroys the natural growing plants / grasses. However the bridges are a beautiful place to take pictures just the same! There is also another park of calico basin with a walkthrough meadow that we can get photos within it, it is a 2 minute drive up a path. :)
- Gilcrease Orchard
This location is packed during the holidays. However we can rent it out for $50 an hour (subject to changing in price), or we can do what we did here and find a hiding place!
- Floyd Lamb state park ($6 per car)
Floyd lamb park is up north in the centennial hills area. There's a few ponds with ducks and of course, peacocks! This is a great park for kiddos. Lots of greenery to run around and explore.
Beautiful locations to travel to (with driving distance)
Nellis sand dunes (~30 minute drive)
This location is definitely a fan favorite. Even though the dunes here are small in comparison, it is just enough to create a gorgeous sand dune photoshoot. The wind moves sand around so it's a search for the dunes every time we go up, but it's worth it. Prepare for some off-roading if you do not have a 4 wheel drive vehicle,
feel free to jump in with me!
Please ask about my secret desert oasis landscapes for a water photoshoot!
Things to keep in mind Prior to your photoshoot!
Heat and Trek
- Some locations require quite a bit of walking, so be sure to bring your favorite pair of comfy shoes and be ready for a trek.
- Las Vegas is known for its heat, so if you plan a photoshoot in the summer make sure to plan accordingly (water, sunscreen if needed, mini fan, etc.)
Indoor Locations
- Most casinos do not appreciate photographers taking pictures inside their property and could cite you for trespassing, so take this as my pre-warning: we may be kicked out if we try to take photos there.
- There are a collection of indoor studios that can be used, but they do cost extra to use and need to be scheduled for a particular day. I will link them below! :)
Permits & Fees
- I have linked which locations require permits, those locations will need to be scheduled ahead of time due to location scouting requirements.
- Extra fees do apply to those locations.
Message me for details. Kalamazookatephotography@gmail.com
Indoor Locations:
- Yellow the photo studio
- Museum of dream space
- Rentable studios (ask about these if interested, plenty to choose from!)
- My personal travel studio equipment: suitable for portraits of 1-2 people / animals