Vegas - night shots in particular

[Andy]

Hi team,

I've read a few threads:
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=30822
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=48868

And I've been there many times. One thing I'd like to nail down is, some good night shooting spots for city lights/views. I'm interested in "access" to a rooftop, parking garage, anything where I can get a good view from an elevated spot. Ability to use a tripod is a must.

Thanks in advance!

:ear

[truth]

I know you can get on the roof at the Palms but it's a nightclub so I'm not sure how they feel about cams and pods. The parking garage at NYNY is outside and you can drive to the roof. Thing is it's not that high but it might get you some neat "eye-level" shots of the strip. I'd imagine there'd be somewhere to shoot from at the Stratosphere which would be cool as it's at one end of the strip and way the hell up there. I'd call around and see what the camera policies are.

Vegas hotels have no balconies to prevent jumpers, I'd imagine rooftop policies are pretty much in the same vein.

[Andy]

Vegas hotels have no balconies to prevent jumpers
How thoughtful of them!
Thx for the poop :)

[cabbey]

I'm working from memory here, and as much as that place changes it might be too stale... but here's some ideas of locations that google earth's sat images seem to imply might still work:

1. Hardrock hotel parking ramp. (north of the casion, on Paradise between Flamingo on the north and Harmon on the south.)

2. The Rio (main tower) roof top decks. (I don't recall if these were public spaces, or attached to suites... I've been to a party up there once, it had a pretty good view of the strip.)

3. The LDS Temple (or at least it's parking lot, or the end of the street nearby). This location can be seen from just about anywhere in vegas, or at least it USED TO be... I don't know if it still is with all the added light polution... I also don't think they light it up like they used to. It's on Bonanza Rd (one of the major east/west streets, on the far east side of the valley, pretty much at the foot hills.)

4. Head twoard Henderson (US Hwy 93/95 out of town to the south east, aka 515/215) Along the way you'll pass several side streets that are above the highway on the south side and have a variety of businesses on them. The view from their parking lots takes in a fair amount of the city skyline.

5. If you have a local with a GOOD 4x4 that's willing to take you there, East Peak is a VERY good trail to go up to see the city (I'm told, never managed to make it up there myself).

6. If you're absolutely stuck on the strip... there's an observation level on the eiffel tower at Paris... So far as I know it's open 24x7... dunno about if they allow 'pods up there... they do charge a hefty admission. :(

Odds of getting a dSLR up to the strat's observation lounge: doable, but not easy. Odds of getting a tripod up to the strat's obs level.... very very slim. Last time I was there, anything beyond a point and shoot was strictly forbidden and security was searching bags on the way into the elevator lobby much like you would see at a major sports event or concert.

[bauerman]

I have gotten some of my best Vegas shots on the over-the-road sidewalks that cross the strip at a number of places......may favorite being the one between the Flamingo and the Belagio.

[Dee]

I liked the one at the Bally. Great reflections on the clear plastic they use as guard rails. I took a little nap and went out around midnight and photographed until 2 or 3. Nice and quiet, cool, but still lots of people around.

[wxwax]

Footbridges good. :nod

http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/133343293-M.jpg

[Zanotti]

http://zanotti.smugmug.com/photos/133351148-M.jpg (http://zanotti.smugmug.com/gallery/2139408#133351148-L-LB)

Andy:

I was there last week, and saw a nice vantage point on the overpass to I15 at Russell Road. You can get to this corner fairly easily with a rental car and there is a large dirt berm beside the overpass.

The actual overpass has wire mesh on it, so it might be tough to shoot through.

Also, there is a self parking at the Mirage, with a skywalk into the casino. A limited, but nice shot of Venetian is allowed from there.

Good luck

Z

[bauerman]

Nice shot - usually at the end of those footbridges there is a vantage point that is not obstructed by the metal fencing that you can see here. Right at the top of the stairs.

I need to stay at New York, New York one of these days.

Footbridges good. :nod

http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/133343293-M.jpg

[JESTER]

Andy, I have a real good friend who lives/works in Vegas. This is what he said:

Try this :
Sunset Rd. off Las Vegas Bl. beside the airport.
Most of the west end roads off Las Vegas Bl goes up hill which
allows you to look back down at the strip. Out on Blue Diamond Rd is nice,
If you go to the Stratoesphere Tower, it puts you above the "strip".
You can also just take 215 towards Henderson and find some spots to
look back at the "strip".
For outdoor scenic, go out to REDROCK....fantastic !

Hope This helps.

[Zanotti]

Red Rocks Rock!

http://zanotti.smugmug.com/photos/132983458-L.jpg (http://zanotti.smugmug.com/gallery/2528048#132983458)

And there's always the middle of the median, in broad daylight:

http://zanotti.smugmug.com/photos/132997129-L.jpg (http://zanotti.smugmug.com/gallery/2528048#132997129)

[cabbey]

For outdoor scenic, go out to REDROCK....fantastic !

YES! If you're looking for something other than the bright lights, a trip out to Red Rock Canyon (http://www.americansouthwest.net/nevada/red_rock_canyon/nca.html) is certainly a great escape from Vegas.

[Nikolai]

Eiffel Tower is always a good choice:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/127197002-L.jpg

[bauerman]

Gorgeous shot Nikolai.......wonderful.

[Andy]

Eiffel Tower is always a good choice:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/127197002-Th.jpg

Tripod is allowed, or no?

[wxwax]

Tripod is allowed, or no?
Who needs a tripod with the magical 24-105? Just ask Pathfinder. :evil

[bauerman]

I would bet they are not going to allow tri-pods at the top of the tower - too many people coming and going all the time. Might get away with a monopod.

[docwalker]

Andy,

One location I found for a distant shot of the strip/entire city was here.

36°11'54.76"N
115° 0'43.18"W

The wife and I found it on the way back from Valley of Fire. It was still daylight and we needed to find someplace to eat. I wanted to go back and try a few night shots but we ran out of time.

It is the last pull off before entering the city from the E Lake Meade Rd.

Plug the coordinates into Google Earth and check out the view.

Doc

[Nikolai]

Tripod is allowed, or no?
I would not put my (ball:-)head on the chopping block, but I don't remember any "no tripod" signs in that viscinity. The only few potential problems you may encounter over there are:

Can be VERY windy (=shaky)
As a result of #1, can be VERY cold, dress warm, have the gloves ready
Can be VERY crowded, especially around the times when the Bellagio fountains "play"
Last but not least: the upper level is surrounded with a rather sturdy small mesh metal fence. Large diameter lense may simply be too wide and the mesh would interfere with a frame. I don't remember if there are "shooting openings" in it. :dunno The shot above was taken in Feb 2004 with my then Sony 828, it was barely ok.HTH

[dogwood]

Vegas is a city? :D

http://www.pbase.com/dogwood_digital/image/54795349.jpg

I like the surrounding deserts. But... you can also take an evening helicopter ride over the strip. Yeah, yeah, not exactly tripod-able but maye high ISO-able?

[Nikolai]

Gorgeous shot Nikolai.......wonderful.
Oh, thanks man! :thumb
I never thought much of it, it's just a snapshot from a great vantage point :wink

[Andy]

Thanks everyone :wave

[cabbey]

Thanks everyone :wave

Enjoy the trip Andy... hopefully you'll have some good images to share when you get back. :)

[dogwood]

Odds of getting a dSLR up to the strat's observation lounge: doable, but not easy. Odds of getting a tripod up to the strat's obs level.... very very slim. Last time I was there, anything beyond a point and shoot was strictly forbidden and security was searching bags on the way into the elevator lobby much like you would see at a major sports event or concert.

Just got back from the Stratosphere and I didn't take my 5D 'cause I had seen this comment. :cry Turns out they really don't care-- I asked the security guy checking bags and he said dSLR's were no problem. I didn't ask about tripods, but really, the security seemed pretty tame compared to what I was led to believe from this post. I'm sure you could prop a camera on a bench or better yet-- on the top of one of those pay-binoculars-mounted-on-a-swivel they have on the observation decks. The best shots would be from inside since there's no safety fence blocking the view and you can get 360-view (outside you can't).

Just posting in case someone else runs across this.

Incidentally, the camera the staff was using to snap pics of tourists in front of a greenscreen just before the elevator so they can sell you photos later-- that camera was a 30D. I guess Steve Wynn couldn't afford something fancier... :D

[Sam]

I was there a couple of years ago, and the first day i didn't take my tripod, but after observing everything, and not getting what I wanted I said the heck with it, and took the tripod.

I was able to shoot with the tripod almost everywhere without any problems.

I will try and post a few taken on tripod. I am on dial up until they send me a new modem. :cry

This was taken in the middle of the hall way in the Venetian. I just set up the tripod, and everyone walked around me. :D

[jdryan3]

I'm not sure where you are staying, but I have shot from my room @ Bellagio and The Mirage (like the 22nd floor). Turn off all the lights, close the curtains (eliminates light reflections on the glass), and stick the lens right up on the glass, like sports shooting thru a fence.

Your T/S 24 would be great for this to eliminate the funky perspective

The wife and I found it on the way back from Valley of Fire.

I note this because I only went to the Valley of Fire on my way back from Zion and the NR Grand Canyon in June, even though I've been to Vegas a dozen times. I was there at noon (can you say 'hot' and washed out light) but still got decent shots. The rising sun on those rocks would be so cool and worth the $45-50 bucks to rent a car for the trip to catch it at sunrise.

EDIT: OOPS! I just realized Andy's original post was last March. :doh

[Zanotti]

Andy:

Did you get a good shot?

Z

[Sunnyvalejohn]

Just thought I would resurface this thread to see if anyone has any other spots they care to share for cityscapes in las vegas? I am headed out there this week (security conference) and will be shooting. Also headed out to one of my FAVORITE spots - the Valley of Fire!

http://www.jharrisonphoto.com/photos/562311551_TXjgS-M.jpg

[BrentC]

Andy and Anyone,
I live here in Vegas. I know Las Vegas like it was on the back of my hand, oh my what is that blemish on the back of my hand. You have heard from the tourists, now 2 cents from a local. Bellagio's self parking garage faces Las Vegas Blvd. and it is located beside(not behind) the hotel. Great shots both day & night. Great shots can be had from the second story buses that go up and down the strip. Having a car to get around the city in, knowing the back roads into and around the hotels. If you got great glass and it's clear and cool in January, from the top of the parking garage at the airport! Need a good tripod too. From all parking garages behind and to the sides of hotels, both on and off the strip. The roof top of the Rio Hotel, make reservations to eat up there(51 stories), take the elevator and then when you get up there you tell the hostess(women are more attractive than men) that you think you might just go to the bar instead. Once in the bar, the patio is 51 stoires up, great shots! Top of the Palms already mentioned. Good Luck!:barb Don't believe the scare, the city is very nice to photographers if you are polite to us first. Rude begats rudeness!

[Nikolai]

Andy and Anyone,
I live here in Vegas. I know Las Vegas like it was on the back of my hand, oh my what is that blemish on the back of my hand. You have heard from the tourists, now 2 cents from a local. Bellagio's self parking garage faces Las Vegas Blvd. and it is located beside(not behind) the hotel. Great shots both day & night. Great shots can be had from the second story buses that go up and down the strip. Having a car to get around the city in, knowing the back roads into and around the hotels. If you got great glass and it's clear and cool in January, from the top of the parking garage at the airport! Need a good tripod too. From all parking garages behind and to the sides of hotels, both on and off the strip. The roof top of the Rio Hotel, make reservations to eat up there(51 stories), take the elevator and then when you get up there you tell the hostess(women are more attractive than men) that you think you might just go to the bar instead. Once in the bar, the patio is 51 stoires up, great shots! Top of the Palms already mentioned. Good Luck!:barb Don't believe the scare, the city is very nice to photographers if you are polite to us first. Rude begats rudeness!
Awesome stuff! I'll make sure to hit you up when I get there! :-)

[Sunnyvalejohn]

Thanks so much for the tips! That is great. I am headed out Thursday - Sunday to come sweat out there. I do have a car so it should be worth exploring.

Thanks again!
John
:ivar

[BrentC]

I live here also. Once you get so far off the strip, haze and other lights can affect exposures. I like to visit and shoot from the top of parking garages that are either on the sides of hotels or those garages that aren't near I-15 on the west or Koval Lane on the east side of Las Vegas Blvd. If you want to get an overall pan but isn't that far off the strip, go to the top floor of the Airport Short Term Parking garage. Also at the top of the Rio Hotel. Here's my trick and it works at the Fremont and Mint Hotels too. Make reservations to eat at the top of the hotels, then take the elevator up there. Before you go up there is a person checking to see if you are on the reservation list. Great you are and up you go. Once off, tell the hostess there that you are going to the bar first or that you really don't feel like eating a huge meal and will get something from the bar. Then you can stay for as long as you like and shoot, shoot, shoot. This works also at the Palms except during holidays when tourism is up. For fireworks on national holidays you need special permission. The trouble with the Stratosphere Hotel is that all of the rides up there are located on the good south, west and north sides of the patio. There is only a small area for a photographer to shoot from and it can be very crowded. The patio up there that is open for just gazing is the east side only. If you place a camera on those special pay binos for viewing, you can get a decent(sunset) shot straight south for a 20 second f/16 exposure. Good Luck! There are other choice spots, but you have to know people and I do know some, and continue to look for even better spots. Good luck!