Ka-ching...Ka-ching...You've landed in Gambler's Paradise. From the time you step off the plane, the slot tunes will be playing everywhere.
Roulette, Black Jack, Craps, Poker - 24/7 living by the roll of the dice. This was my impression of Vegas and not one I wanted to get up close and personal with. But when I visited for a streaming video convention 2 years ago, I realized Vegas had much more to offer this ShutterQueen. You may want to add this larger than life metropolis to your photo opps list.
First night - Sahara Hotel. I ventured out on foot with my camera to explore the strip and capture a night view of the town. I passed the Boardwalk Casino, carefully navigating across the streets to avoid being splatted by the Indy 500 drivers. The energetic vibe reminded me of those commercials where cars move in a blurring motion under the neon lights and people zoom around at warp speed. About halfway down the strip I stopped for a pictographic France rendezvous at the Paris Hotel. Massive, Gi-normous, each hotel is its own themed universe occupying several blocks of real estate.
At a business appointment that day I had mentioned walking from hotel to hotel and my client said with a smile, I don't think you understand how much distance is between them. He gave me a ride back to The Sahara via the strip so I'd understand the magnitude of the area. I ended up getting lost just trying to exit each of the monstrous buildings during my sightseeing tours. See for yourselves why in my album.
The next day I rode the tram to the MGM Grand on the far end of the strip. With adult beverage in one hand and camera in the other, I patroned cool clubs like Tabu and Studio 54. Alcohol is a very accessible public perk - that's right you do not have to finish your drink before hitting the streets in Vegas. If you're a Food TV Network foodie fan, check out Emerils.
I made a few snapshot pit stops during my 4 mile hike back to The Sahara. The Mirage Hotel is designed as a tropical rain forest, complete with palm trees and waterfalls. It also houses a shopping arcade, secret garden, theater, and volcano! Then there are the multiple restaurants, bars, and clubs. The dolphin habitat was my favorite! And the Bengal Tigers were gorgeous!
No shortage of Kodak moments in the grand flourish of the massive Ancient Roman atmosphere in Caesars Palace. The Forum Shoppes are a full fledge shopping mall and there's a unique talking statue show at the fountain inside, amidst the Italian Architecture.
The Venetian has an authentic Gondola ride and murals up above that make you feel like you're outdoors. Be sure to bring a wide-angle lens to capture all that Venice, Vegas has to offer!
I asked one of the cabbys "How do you live here and stay out of trouble?" thinking of the naughty amount of fun I'd been having. He said simply, "you stay off the strip." Advice I'd need to follow as, I drank more calories than I ate while visiting.
Plaza Hotel. Located downtown. First Friday of the month. Huge block party with outdoor bands, flair bartenders performing, and the incredible Viva Vision Canopy light show. For 10 minutes, they turn off the lights on the buildings down Fremont Street, crank up the tunes, and flash animated lights, characters, and racing cars. Check out my Fremont Street experience in the album!
An edgy and electric adventure! Whether you go for photography or some other mission, take your camera, comfortable shoes, and be prepared to be in awe of the spectacle called Vegas!
Do you have an exciting Vegas photographic experience that you'd like to share?
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