Need some location ideas

Hey guys,
My upcoming trip is just a couple weeks away and I need some advice if anyone has any. As some of you may know and I am sure I have mentioned, I am a photographer, more of an advanced amateur and not totally a pro. I have been contacted via one of the online modeling/photographer link up sites that I am advertising on, for a modeling/portrait session in downtown Las Vegas. The girl lives there and I am asking her for ideas but I am wondering if anyone here has ideas on places to shoot that could produce some good images. This is not a paid shoot but a trade for images shoot. I just want to get some awesome unique images for my portfolio.

Before some ask how I can waste valuable Vegas time doing this, I love photography and this is something I am wanting to do, it will be an hour or two, and hey, that is time that I am not in a casino, and remember I am going on a limited budget, trying to stay around $150/200 a day or less. I do not consider it a waste of time, especially if I walk away with some great images.

 

The Plaza entrance is somewhat iconic, lots of light to deal with though. The forum member here who works at the Plaza might have some Plaza specific ideas (Fred?).

The pool area at DTG could possibly give you some interesting angles, more for the backdrop than the pool area itself. Dusk could be cool there with some light from FSE in the background, but that will mean serious timing for effect/light.

You might want to see about upstairs at MSS, there are some pretty cool older pieces of furniture there that might be a pretty unique backdrop. However, you may need specific permission for photos. Can't hurt to ask.

Just some thoughts as I continue to jones for my own trip that's right after yours!

JW

 

Thanks for the input. Lighting will be the challenge but I am sure I will make things work out.

 

You would need permission, but the now closed Pullman at Main Street Station might make an interesting background. Here are a few pictures from inside the Pullman and also some from the second floor of MSS looking at the pool tables. Not really more up there than that.

 

Joe would you have any idea who I could contact for this location?

 

I sent you a PM

 

Received it. Thank you.

 

The architectural elements and midday through afternoon light in Crystals might be nice for photos.

 

The OP's request was for downtown. I'd advise you to walk around Fremont East a bit. There are several interesting walls, murals, and various "backgrounds" that I find interesting and full of character.

 

what's the name of that super market near downtown?

 

I, too am a photog. However, I do airshow photography, quite different than portrait! Are these pix going to be glamor shots, sexy shots, or shots that revolve around the backdrop? Would it be worth a trip to the GC or thereabouts to shoot? as long as you shoot Canon!

 

The Market. Downtown is so uncomplicated

 

Dear Penthouse,

I never thought I'd be writing a letter like this but one time I was in Vegas...



Just kidding! Good luck with your shoot and building your portfolio. I love the idea of doing something with a vintage feel and the place Joe posted looks awesome.

 

Iv never been in there but we are going to be downtown for this.

It is going to be more of a casual fun shoot. I asked her about shooting at Valley of Fire but she is starting her summer college courses that week so Sunday is the only day she is open and that is my date of arrival.



I appreciate everyones feedback. Hopefully we get some great images to have for our portfolios

 

How about going up in the High Roller to get some neat backdrops? Esp. if you can do some shots at night using a star filter.

 

Are you planning more of a high-fashion shoot or more of an informal "street" shoot?

If the former, I might suggest any of several Strip locations (Bellagio fountains, Caesars, any of several locations at V/P) rather than downtown. However, I could see the contrasting juxtaposition of fashion and the "earthy" ambiance of downtown working quite well. I'm thinking of something like a 3/4 shot of the model against a background (bokeh) of one of the vendor kiosks.

If you're going for a street look, downtown is just the place! Lots of iconic neon and such to use as a background.

Now, since you said "portrait", there may be concerns about light. I know there are some regulations about doing professional shoots at FSE as I was briefly quizzed by a security guy when doing this one here: http://omababe.blogspot.com/2008/04/weegee-on-fremont-street.html

I was carrying a "two piece" Norman flash unit for the effects I wanted. I just explained that I was indeed an amateur and wanted a very bright flash for the style I wanted to see and he left it at that.

For daytime, I would want to at least use a reflector, and I know that will attract the attention of security. At night there's more than enough available light but it may be tricky to get the facial features right and the skin tone natural.

Just a few of my thoughts here ...

 

Depending on your model, she may or may not be able to pull this off... but the back-entrance into Binion's - from the Cal, off of Ogden, leads into their poker room which is almost always empty... & I mean empty...nobody back there. Some shots of the girl actually on a poker table might be nice.

Also - I happen to like the vintage, old-school look of the El Cortez, both the approach from Fremont

and the main hotel entrance... I think you'd find some interesting shots on that plaza leading up to the front doors.

 

We are doing more of a casual fun shoot. She lives in Vegas and attends UNLV but she is unfamiliar with downtown which shocked me but hey, I guess not everyone ventures down there, just like I don't venture to downtown Columbus where i live. It will be more of a street shoot, I am not bringing any of my lighting or reflectors but told her we could possibly make a cheap reflector with some glossy white poster board and foil on one side of it to reflect the light to her face. We are going to be staring around 530pm.

I am only taking my Canon T5i, 18-55 kit lens AND my 70-200 F4 L series lens. I am not taking any of my more expensive gear with me. I have tons of thoughts and ideas and if she is willing to put forth the efforts, I know we can get some great images.

Oh, and of course some of those I am sure will make my trip report or at least I will provide a link (I will have permission to share images online, it is part of my standard release form that everyone I work with on a trade agreement must sign).

 

Looking forward to your pix!