BONNIE SPRINGS
FORMER HOME TO A POPULAR RANCH IN THE SPRING MOUNTAINS.
THE DRIVE
About 35 min from downtown Las Vegas.
Very close to Red Rock Canyon & Spring Mountain State Park.
Bonnie Springs Desert Area - Google Map
THE COST
FREE
THE SKINNY
Bonnie Springs was home to Bonnie Springs Ranch which has sadly been demolished. The area is now under construction for luxury estates. The road leading to the former ranch has minimal traffic, primarily consisting of people exploring the area.
The desert areas directly next to Bonnie Springs Road have phenomenal views of the Spring Mountains, are abundant with Joshua trees, and have beautiful rock formations.
The drive to get there is beautiful, passing by Red Rock Canyon if you're coming from the north. From the south, the location is easily accessible from the Mountains Edge part of town.
RED SPRING PRESERVE
RED SPRING PRESERVE IS A HIKING AREA JUST OUTSIDE RED ROCK CANYON.
THE DRIVE
About 30 min from downtown Las Vegas.
Neighbors Red Rock Canyon.
Red Spring Preserve - Google Map
THE COST
FREE
THE SKINNY
Red Spring Preserve is a popular hiking area with a designated boardwalk. The boardwalk is very clean and makes the area accessible for those with disabilities or those who might have difficulty on a traditional hiking trail.
The area does get extremely busy on weekends and is popular for photoshoots. It is not impossible to do a shoot on the weekend but be prepared to be patient and work around other people on the boardwalk.
NELSON GHOST TOWN
NELSON GHOST TOWN IS THE SITE OF AN ABANDONED GOLD MINE.
THE DRIVE
About 45 min from downtown Las Vegas.
South of Boulder City.
Nelson Ghost Town - Google Maps
THE COST
$20 per hour
THE SKINNY
There are A LOT of very old vehicles to include buses, trucks, RV's, and airplanes. You can get in the autos, not the planes. There is an open-air chapel, phone booth, and other old small buildings.
The area has no shortage of photo opportunities, and it covers a lot more ground than you might think by just looking at a map. If you want to explore most of the grounds, at least two hours would be suggested.
FLOYD LAMB PARK
FLOYD LAMB PARK IS A LUSH 680-ACRE PARK IN NORTHWEST LAS VEGAS.
THE DRIVE
Located in the northwest part of Las Vegas, approximately 25 min from downtown.
9200 Tule Springs Rd
THE COST
$6 per vehicle, unless you have a yearly pass ($50)
Free entry with valid handicap placard.
THE SKINNY
The lush park if filled with shade trees and surrounds four ponds, stocked for fishing. The park is home to numerous birds that roam the park, including peacocks, geese, and ducks. Walking and biking trails run through and around the park.
The grounds were once a working ranch and still hold several of the original buildings.
The park can get busy depending on the time of year, day of the week, and time of day. Even when busy, it is still suitable for photoshoots.
SEVEN MAGIC MOUNTAINS
THE SEVEN MAGIC MOUNTAINS ARE AN ART INSTALLATION IN THE DESERT OUTSKIRTS OF LAS VEGAS.
THE DRIVE
Approximately 35 min from downtown Las Vegas.
Located off the I-15 in Jean.
Seven Magic Mountains - Google Maps
THE COST
FREE
THE SKINNY
Comprised of seven towers of colorful, stacked boulders, which rise over 30 feet tall. The artwork was designed by Swiss artist, Ugo Rondinone, and produced by the Nevada Museum of Art and the Art Production Fund in May of 2016. The exhibition was scheduled to be on display for two years; however, due to its popularity, the exhibition continues to be on display, with the Rondinone hoping to keep it in place for several years.
If choosing this location, it is highly recommended to schedule your photoshoot during a time of low visitor numbers. The area is small, making it difficult to photograph without other people in the shot.
PRIVATE SUITE
PRIVATE SUITE IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD DOWNTOWN.
THE DRIVE
Located near downtown Las Vegas.
Cross streets of Charleston Blvd & Rancho Dr.
Suite General Location - Google Maps
THE COST
$60 - $85 per hour
Cost depends on number of people (including photographer)
THE SKINNY
Very clean and contemporary suite with round, freestanding bathtub, modern bathroom with black tile. Tons of natural light or can be blacked out. Boudoir photography allowed.
LEE MEADOW
LEE MEADOW IS A LARGE CLEARING IN THE MOUNTAINS.
THE DRIVE
About 50 min northwest of downtown Las Vegas.
THE COST
FREE
THE SKINNY
A great mountainous escape close to Vegas! The area is popular for sledding when it snows. Many use the meadow for picnics and hiking. You may even encounter some wild horses!
The area can get busy, but it is quite large, so it's usually not a problem.
DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS
DOWNTOWN. NO, NOT THE STRIP.
THE DRIVE
A great starting point is the El Cortez.
El Cortez Hotel and Casino - Google Maps
THE COST
FREE
THE SKINNY
Iconic. Legendary. Vintage. A lot of change has come to Las Vegas, but downtown still maintains the feeling of "old Vegas". It's vintage glitz and glamour with some grit.
It's easy to scooch around on foot or by car.
Weekdays in the morning are not busy at all. If you want the night shoot, Sunday - Thursday is best to avoid it being overcrowded.
THE SPRINGS PRESERVE
180-ACRE NATURE PRESERVE IN THE MIDDLE OF LAS VEGAS.
THE DRIVE
Located close to downtown next to the historic Rancho Bel Air neighborhood.
THE COST
Members - FREE
NV residents - $9.95, ages 3-17 $4.95, ages 65+ and military $8.95
Non-NV residents - $18.95, ages 3-17 $10.95, ages 65+ $17.95, military $8.95
All children 2 and under are free.
THE SKINNY
A beautiful nature preserve listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is owned by the Las Vegas Valley Water District and focuses on teaching water conservation. There are various areas to explore including a cactus garden, botanical garden, butterfly habitat (hours vary depending on season), and walking trails. The buildings on the grounds house a museum, galleries, event spaces, and cafe.
The Springs Preserve hosts events and activities throughout the year which are displayed on their calendar, so prior to selecting this location, we would ensure there are no events that would interfere.