When you are thinking of the best family-friendly spots for your pictures, Sin City probably isn’t too high up on your list. This area has earned a bit of a reputation for its hot temps and its legendary nightlife. But trust me, there’s a lot more than meets the eye, and I’m here to tell you all about it! As a Las Vegas family photographer, I adore working with families to plan sessions they’ll treasure for years to come. Here are all the reasons why you should get family photos in Las Vegas.

4 Reasons You Will Love Getting Family Photos In Las Vegas 

Iconic Backdrops

Downtown Las Vegas is full of so many legendary sites that people instantly recognize. The city has it all, from kitschy landmarks to positively iconic buildings. As a Las Vegas photographer, I love working with families to find spots that will liven up their portraits in ways they have never imagined! Here are a few of my favorite spots to incorporate.

Welcome to Las Vegas Sign: When you are taking pics across the strip, I don’t know if it gets any more iconic than this spot. Whether you are a local or you’re just coming here for some pics and memories, this spot is a must. 

The High Roller Ferris Wheel: This is one of the best ways to work the skyline into your portraits. The cars are large enough to snag some pics (some people even get married during their rides!), but you don’t need to buy a ticket to enjoy it. Even as a backdrop, the Ferris Wheel is a pretty classic location.  

Neon Boneyard: This outdoor museum is an amazing spot to really capture the spirit of Las Vegas. As you wander around this destination, you’ll get to see some of the most memorable sites throughout the city’s past. It’s both modern and vintage in a way only Vegas could manage!

The Eiffel Tower: Why go to France when you can enjoy the same views here? The Eiffel Tower (Vegas Edition) is a cheeky and memorable spot perfect for your family photos.

The streets: If you don’t feel like using your entire session to show off the Vegas landmarks, you can just walk around downtown and find different urban backdrops. I love the cacti-lined landscaping clashing against the bustling streets. You can also head to a rooftop garage and get some pics overlooking the city. 

Natural Landscapes

Las Vegas does this amazing thing where it packs jaw-dropping nature right next to its iconic downtown landmarks. Whether you want urban backdrops or nature-filled settings, you’ll find it here! Heck, you can be really ambitious and incorporate both into your session. And while this city is known for its heat, the neighboring natural locations tend to be a little cooler, making it totally doable even in the summer. Need some inspiration? Here are a few natural landscapes you can incorporate into your session. 

Mt. Charleston: Okay, technically, this location is about 30 minutes from the city, but we’re still counting it! On average, this area is about 20 degrees cooler than whatever the city is cooking at, and the sites are pretty gorgeous. You’ll replace the red desert for lush green trees, towering mountains, and open fields. Keep your eyes peeled for wild horses! 

Red Rock Canyon: But Ashley, we want the classic Vegas desert. This is where Red Rock Canyon is going to be your bff. This area is just a short drive from the Strip but takes you out into the middle of nature. You’ll get the breathtaking canyons in the backdrop, the dusty clearings, and Joshua trees dotting the horizon. The area also stays around ten degrees cooler than the rest of the city. 

The Wetlands: If you are looking for a more traditional photo backdrop, The Wetlands might just be your spot. This place is exceptionally picturesque with shady trails that take you by duck ponds. I especially love this area for families with younger kids because it gives them the perfect spot to run around for as much as they need. And because it’s at the lowest point of the Las Vegas Valley, you can escape the heat you typically find in the city. 

The Dry Lake Bed: If you really want to embrace the desert backdrop, this is your spot. This area used to be a lake, but now offers clear views of the mountains. This spot is pretty minimalistic, giving you the chance to bring your own colors! 

Fun & Colorful

As a photographer who gravitates toward all things bright and colorful, Las Vegas is a total dream! Yes, of course, you have all the colors from the strip, but this city makes it easy to find cheerful accents you can sneak into your session. I always love the idea of grabbing some dessert from classic spots like Holsteins or Milk Bar and incorporating them into your pics. Bonus: it’s the perfect way to encourage (read: bribe) your child to get through the session!  You can also find super vibrant spots like Seven Magic Mountains, Diamond Inn Motel, and the Arts District. And if you need a way to escape the heat mid-session, be sure to check out the indoor botanical garden hidden inside the Bellagio! 

Beautiful Lighting

Seriously, I don’t know if it gets any better than a Las Vegas sunset. Whether you are in town on the strip or out in the middle of the desert, golden hour just hits different in this town. It’s also so versatile. Whether you want those warm fall-toned pictures or the bright springtime sun, the lighting in Las Vegas is the best! It’s going to be the thing that transforms a regular family photo sesh into something truly magical. 

Even Your Family Can Enjoy Some Stunning Family Photos In Las Vegas

I hope this list shows you just why I think you will love your family photos in Las Vegas. Now, it’s time to find the right photographer to capture it. I can help with that, too! As a Las Vegas family photographer, I love working with parents to plan sessions that celebrate their unique family. If you would like to see if my style matches yours, I would love to chat! Send me a message today so we can connect.