Las Vegas is a great place to take pictures. The lights are so bright that a lot can be done with a hand held camera and a fast lens (or a slower lens and fast film). Some more creative shots, like long streaks of tail lights, require a tripod. As with most photographs of lots of lights, it is important to add one or two more stops of exposure than the camera meter calls for. Take lots of film!
Treasure Island, Las Vegas
A flaming pirate falls from his ship into the water at the free show in front of the Treasure Island hotel. The battle between the pirates and the British is a big draw. Arrive early and pick your spot. I watched one show to do metering and check for picture locations and came back for a later show show to get in position and take the pictures I wanted. I knew from the previous show when the actor would ignite himself and dive for the water. This photo was taken with a hand held camera, a 50mm lens at about f2 and a shutter speed of about 1/60 second.
The Fremont Experience, LasVegas
Periodically along Fremont Street, all the outside casino lights go off and the overhead light show begins. Millions of computer controlled light bulbs, covering the street for several city blocks, act like the phosphors on a giant TV screen, putting on quite a show. This picture was taken on 100 speed film with a tripod mounted camera. The exposure was about one stop more than the camera meter called for.
The Strip, Las Vegas
All photos on this page were taken with Kodak Elite Chrome 100 slide film.
Added December 1, 1999
