Downtown / Art's District
LOCATION:
2 E California Ave, Las Vegas, NV
VIBE:
Urban • Vintage • Artsy
NOTES:
The Arts District is filled with vintage shops, colorful storefronts, murals and little alleys that give every block its own personality. We’ll meet near the address above and wander around from there. It’s perfect for a city look that feels a little raw, creative and less polished than the Strip.
It's my personal favorite for Elopements.
Freemont
LOCATION:
1023 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
VIBE:
Bright • Loud and Fun
NOTES:
Downtown Fremont is a classic Vegas elopement spot and one of the best places to capture that true, unapologetic Vegas energy. We’ll start near the beginning of Fremont and make our way through Downtown, ending around Carousel Bar and the area where The Weeknd filmed his music video. Expect neon lights, vintage casinos, colorful signs, crowds, and plenty of personality along the way. This is definitely a party zone. Perfect for couples who want their photos to feel lively, spontaneous, and unmistakably Vegas!
El Dorado Dry Lake Be
LOCATION:
Eldorado Dry Lake Bed, Boulder City, NV 89005
Searchlight Exit heading toward Boulder City
VIBE:
Minimal • Desert • Dreamy
NOTES:
The Dry Lake Bed is one of my most popular locations and works beautifully with almost any style. The open desert, distant mountains and gorgeous sunsets create a simple blank canvas for your photos. It can be hot, cold and very windy depending on the season, so come prepared!
Mt Charleston
LOCATION:
Mt. Charleston, Nevada 89124
VIBE:
Mountain • Cozy • Seasonal
NOTES:
Mt. Charleston is scattered with cute little spots, pine trees and beautiful mountain views that feel completely different from Vegas. It’s a great escape from the summer heat, with snow photo opportunities during the winter when conditions allow. Perfect for a soft, fairytale-inspired outdoor look.
About an hour from the Strip.
Kyle Canyon Rd
LOCATION:
NV-157 W / Kyle Canyon Rd
VIBE:
Dreamy • Mountain • Desert
NOTES:
Kyle Canyon Road takes you up toward Mt. Charleston and has beautiful photo spots all along the way. There are Joshua trees, soft desert greenery and mountain views throughout the drive. It's perfect for a dreamy outdoor session with a little more texture and scenery than the open desert.
Floyd Lamb Park
LOCATION:
9200 Tule Springs Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89131
VIBE:
Rustic • Green • Magical
PERMIT / FEE:
$6 per vehicle entrance fee. The city currently lists this as the standard park entry fee.
NOTES:
This location is a personal favorite because it really has a little bit of everything. There are historic ranch areas, huge trees, greenery, lake views and usually plenty of rabbits and birds wandering around. We can move between several different looks without ever having to leave the park.
Main Street
LOCATION:
2 E California Ave, Las Vegas, NV
VIBE:
Urban • Vintage • Artsy
NOTES:
The Arts District has a lively, creative feel and is filled with colorful murals, vintage storefronts, bars, breweries, antique shops and lots of little unexpected photo moments. It also changes constantly, so murals, businesses and backgrounds may look different from one visit to the next.
This is a busy, active neighborhood, especially on evenings and weekends, so expect people, traffic and some walking between locations. That’s part of the charm, though; it gives the photos a fun, candid, lived-in Vegas feel rather than a polished Strip look.
Symphony Park /
Smiths Center
LOCATION:
361 Symphony Park Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89106
VIBE:
Modern • Colorful • Architectural
NOTES:
Symphony Park is a fun mix of modern architecture, landscaped areas and little pops of color throughout the space. It feels clean and contemporary without being too serious, which makes it a great option for portraits with a more modern look. There are several easy backgrounds within one walkable area.
Wetlands Park
LOCATION:
7050 Wetlands Park Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89122
VIBE:
Dreamy • Green • Natural
NOTES:
Wetlands Park feels like a little oasis hidden in the middle of the Las Vegas desert. It has tall grasses, greenery, trails and small waterways throughout the park. Every area offers something slightly different, and the colors change with the seasons. Bug spray is always a good idea here!
Lake Las Vegas
LOCATION:
20 Costa Di Lago, Henderson, NV 89011
VIBE:
Romantic • European • Lakeside
NOTES:
Lake Las Vegas is home to an Italian-inspired village surrounded by shops, pathways and views of the lake. It feels completely different from the rest of Vegas and gives sessions a softer, romantic look. It’s a great option if you want something polished without heading to the Strip.
The Las Vegas "Strip"
LOCATION:
Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
VIBE:
Classic Vegas • Glamorous • Lively
PERMIT / FEE:
Varies by property. Only allowed to shoot Casino Exteriors. Never inside.
NOTES:
The Strip is what Vegas is all about! You can jump from Paris to Venice in about 15 minutes and get several completely different looks in one area. The Venetian and Bellagio are favorites, but we can choose almost any section depending on your style. Casino interiors are not included.
Nelson's Ghost Town
LOCATION:
16880 Nevada State Route 165, Nelson, NV
VIBE:
Vintage • Rustic • Western
PERMIT / FEE:
Their official site requires permission for shoots but does not currently publish a portrait-session rate. Standard rate used to be $20 per hour but this may had changed.
NOTES:
Nelson is filled with vintage cars, old buildings, rusty signs and all kinds of quirky desert details. There is something different around almost every corner, which makes it such a fun place to explore during a session. It’s perfect if you want something rustic, vintage and a little unexpected.
Well's Trail
LOCATION:
1720 E Galleria Dr, Henderson, NV 89011
VIBE:
Natural • Open • Desert
NOTES:
Wells Trailhead offers a quieter, more natural desert setting with trails, grasses and open views. It has a simple, earthy feel that works beautifully when you want the scenery to stay soft and understated. The landscape changes throughout the seasons, giving the area a slightly different look year-round.
Historic 5th Street School
LOCATION:
401 S 4th St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
VIBE:
Historic • Neutral • Architectural
NOTES:
The Historic Fifth Street School has beautiful architecture, warm neutral tones and just the right amount of greenery throughout the property. It has a classic charm that works well for portraits without feeling overly formal. Please note that the school is located in an older part of Downtown Las Vegas.
Springs Preserve
LOCATION:
333 S Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107
VIBE:
Botanical • Desert • Polished
PERMIT / FEE:
Please inquire.
NOTES:
Springs Preserve has a beautiful mix of desert plants, gardens, walking paths and modern architecture. There are lots of different little areas throughout the property, so we can create several looks without traveling very far. It’s perfect if you want nature while still keeping things polished and very Vegas.
Seven Magic Mountains
LOCATION:
S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054
VIBE:
Colorful • Artsy • Desert
PERMIT / FEE:
A Special Recreation Permit from BLM Las Vegas is required for any professional photography session here.
NOTES:
Seven Magic Mountains is a colorful art installation surrounded by wide-open desert views. The bright colors mixed with the natural landscape make it a fun, quirky location with a little bit of everything. It’s perfect if you want something playful while still keeping that classic Vegas desert feel.
Hoover Dam
LOCATION:
Nevada State Route 172 off US Highway 93
Boulder City, NV 89005
VIBE:
Architectural • Dramatic • Desert
PERMIT / FEE:
Their current published fees are:
-
$100 application fee
-
$200 administrative fee
-
$5 per person per entry
NOTES:
Hoover Dam gives us something completely different with its huge architecture, desert landscape and mountain views. It has a dramatic, almost cinematic feel without needing much else in the background. Because it’s a popular attraction, we’ll plan our exact shooting area ahead of time to keep things easy.
The Neon Museum
LOCATION:
770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101
VIBE:
Retro • Bold • Iconic Vegas
PERMIT / FEE:
Photo/Portrait Hours currently run $35–$75 per person. Private personal-use shoots currently start at $400, with portfolio shoots starting at $475 and commercial shoots at $575.
NOTES:
The Neon Museum is filled with preserved signs from old Las Vegas, making it one of the most iconic places to photograph in the city. It’s colorful, nostalgic and full of personality from every angle. Sessions here require advance planning, but the backdrop is definitely worth it.
UNLV Campus
LOCATION:
4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154
VIBE:
Green • Casual • Classic
NOTES:
UNLV is a favorite for graduate sessions, but the campus has plenty of great little photo spots beyond the usual grad locations. There are walking paths, native plants, greenery and simple park areas throughout campus. It’s especially nice for smaller sessions with a relaxed and easygoing feel.
Spring Mt . Ranch
LOCATION:
6375 NV-159, Blue Diamond, NV 89004
VIBE:
Romantic • Green • Mountain
PERMIT / FEE:
For a typical small portrait session, the current Class A photography permit is $50/day + a $25 application fee, plus park admission of $10 per Nevada vehicle / $15 per non-Nevada vehicle. Insurance of up to $100 is also required, and applications should be submitted at least 30 days ahead
NOTES:
Spring Mountain Ranch is surrounded by beautiful mountain views, soft greenery and open picnic areas. It feels peaceful and almost completely removed from Vegas, making it perfect for dreamy outdoor sessions. This location requires advance planning, so sessions should be booked at least a month and a half ahead.
Calico Basin
LOCATION:
Calico Basin, Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, NV
VIBE:
Desert • Warm • Natural
Professional portrait photography may require an advance BLM permit; fee varies. Red Rock specifically lists professional family/wedding portrait photography among situations requiring a photography permit, and processing can take up to 60 days
NOTES:
Calico Basin has beautiful red rock formations, desert greenery and open mountain views throughout the area. It feels a little more textured and tucked away than the Dry Lake Bed while still giving you that classic Nevada desert look. It’s a great option for warm colors, natural scenery and a dreamy outdoor session.
About 30 minutes from the Strip.
Aliante Park
LOCATION:
2627 Nature Park Dr, North Las Vegas, NV 89084
VIBE:
Green • Relaxed • Waterside
NOTES:
This North Las Vegas park has a beautiful mix of greenery, walking paths and small water views. The waterfall and lake area give us a softer backdrop that feels a little different from the usual desert scenery. It’s a great option for family sessions, couples or simple outdoor portraits.
WAN;T TO TRY SOMETHING NEW?
These are a few locations I haven't had the chance to photograph yet, but would absolutely love to!
Since they're new to me too, we'll plan our exact meeting spot and any location details ahead of time.
CACTUS JOE'S BLUE DIAMOND NURSERY
LOCATION:
12740 Blue Diamond Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89161
VIBE:
Desert • Quirky • Botanical
PERMIT/FEE:
Advance permission required. Photography pricing varies.
WEBSITE:
NOTES:
Cactus Joe's is a desert nursery filled with cacti, native plants, pathways and beautiful views toward the Red Rock area. It would be perfect for something colorful, playful and a little different.
11TH STREET RECORDS
LOCATION:
1023 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
VIBE:
Retro • Music • Downtown
PERMIT/FEE:
$20 for a 15 minute session.
WEBSITE:
11th Street Records
NOTES:
11th Street Records is a fun little Downtown spot filled with vinyl and plenty of old-school music-store personality. Great as a quick stop during a Downtown or Fremont session.
MESA TRAILHEAD
LOCATION:
Mesa Trailhead, Las Vegas, NV 89178
VIBE:
Desert • Open • Mountain
WEBSITE:
Mesa Trailhead
NOTES:
Mesa Trailhead is a quieter southwest Vegas spot with open desert, natural trails and mountain views in the distance. I think this one would be especially pretty around golden hour. Similar vibe to Wetlands Park.
WELCOME TO FABULOUS LAS VEGAS SIGN
LOCATION:
5100 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119
VIBE:
Iconic • Colorful • Vegas
PERMIT/FEE:
Commercial photography permit required.
Clark County currently charges a $45 processing fee.
WEBSITE:
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
NOTES:
It doesn't get much more Vegas than this! I haven't photographed a session here yet, but it would be perfect for elopements, couples visiting from out of town or anyone wanting that classic Vegas look. It can get busy, so this works best as a shorter stop within a larger session.
VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK
LOCATION:
29450 Valley of Fire Rd, Overton, NV 89040
VIBE:
Bold • Desert • Dramatic
PERMIT/FEE:
Photography permit required. A small Class A shoot is currently $50 + $25 application fee, plus park entrance of $10 per Nevada vehicle / $15 per non-Nevada vehicle. Applications should be submitted at least 30 days ahead.
WEBSITE:
Valley of Fire State Park
NOTES:
Valley of Fire is filled with bright red sandstone, winding roads and some of the most dramatic desert scenery around Vegas. It’s about an hour outside the city and perfect for couples, elopements or anyone wanting something a little more adventurous.
FOX HILL PARK
LOCATION:
231 Antelope Ridge Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89138
VIBE:
Scenic • Green • City Views
PERMIT/FEE:
Photography requirements to be confirmed.
WEBSITE:
NOTES:
Fox Hill Park sits high in Summerlin with open views overlooking the Las Vegas Valley. There is a mix of greenery, pathways and city views in the distance. I think it would be especially pretty around sunset when the valley starts lighting up. It has one of the coolest playgrounds in Vegas. Highly recommended for family sessions with lots of kids!
LAKE MEAD
LOCATION:
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Boulder City, NV
VIBE:
Lakeside • Desert • Open
PERMIT/FEE:
Park entrance is currently $25 per vehicle. For small sessions of eight people or fewer using only hand-carried equipment in public areas, a photography permit is generally not required. Ceremonies and larger or more involved shoots may require additional permits.
WEBSITE:
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
NOTES:
Lake Mead has so many different areas with blue water, rocky shorelines, desert mountains and wide-open views. It's a beautiful option if you want water while still keeping that Nevada desert feel.
DISCLAIMER:
Some locations require an additional entrance fee, photography permit or advance reservation.
These costs are separate from your session price and are subject to change, so I'll always confirm the most current information with you before booking.
I always follow the rules and requirements set by each location. I do not skip permits, avoid fees or photograph in restricted areas, as doing so can create problems not only for us, but for other photographers in the future.
If a location requires a permit, reservation or additional fee, it must be completed before our session.
