What to do in Las Vegas for 1 day (photography spots)?

[Nicole]

Ok, so, although I wish I had time to meet up with a few DPS'ers, I'm headed to Las Vegas for a security conference in about 2 weeks time. I don't have much time while I'm there (refer to the first sentence ), but I figure I have about 1-2 days to see Vegas (while also catching up with family in between). So I'm hoping that maybe some people on the forums can give me an idea of what to see and do when you have very little time and a camera.

So far, my plans include renting a car and heading out to Red Rocks Canyon and possibly over to Hoover Dam since I haven't been there since I was a small kid. Then obviously walking around the various casinos on the strip. I was considering also the Neon Museum, but I don't know if that's actually worth it photography wise since the part I'd like to see is the boneyard and that requires advanced planning and won't let you bring camera bags, etc. So I may just stick to the neon that's still on the strip.

So, any suggestions for what I should do?

[mainak_ch]

There's an article on photography in Las Vegas in Photography BB magazine, Issue #12 - January 2009, by Dave Seeram. Hope you find that useful.

[Nicole]

Cool, thanks for that. Downloading it now

I figured a google search wasn't nearly as fun as finding stuff out from people here on the forums

[Chip]

Nicole - I was there last year and was surprised to be able to take photos inside some of the actual casinos. I first asked an employee - someone who looked in charge. Some places said I could take photos of anything I wanted in the casino, others said I could take pics of anything but people at gaming tables, etc. Each place seemed to have its own rules. But, this option is likely available if you feel inspired.

Have a great time!

[Nicole]

Interesting idea Chip Not sure if I'll be brave enough to go that route, but it's not something I'd thought of at all, so thanks for that suggestion!

[Rolling Stone]

Since your heading to THE dam, if you have time, Laughlin and Searchlight are neat little towns.
Be warned though, try to stay off I-15 through Vegas. Lots of road work. LOTS of delays. Just went through there a couple of days ago. Not very driver friendly right now. The major streets may be faster.

[Nicole]

Thanks for those traffic warnings. Being a Chicago native I'm well aware of the horror that is road works... you know the seasons... roadworks and winter Oh, and thanks for the sightseeing recommendations too

[Haj533]

I've been to vegas twice, and both times i took about 1000 photos... lol! Trust me, you will find interesting things everywhere! Make sure you go see the Bellagio gardens and the Chihuly glass!

[BryanC]

The Venetian Hotel has interesting possibilities. Search Flickr, Venetian Hotel, to see some great examples.

[VegasMike]

Red Rock and the Hoover Dam are always favorites. North of Las Vegas is the Valley of Fire which is always a great spot. Mt. Charleston to the north west still has snow. The Conservatory at the Bellagio is great for color with all the live plants and flowers. And of course the Strip at night is always good.