The great photojournalist Dorothea Lange once cautioned against going out to take pictures with a list of shots in your head: “To know ahead of time what you’re looking for means you’re only photographing your own preconceptions, which is very limiting.” But that doesn’t mean that you can’t pick a spot for the day and let the unexpected happen—and our Valley offers some prime locations for that, well beyond the Strip.
Film Photography
Boulder City
It’s a time machine of sorts—a proper midcentury small town, rich in charms both new and timeworn. If you lean goth, be sure to check out the town’s unofficial pet cemetery (bouldercitypetcemetery.org).
18b Arts District
Day or night, this neighborhood is candy for street photographers, with great people-watching, abundant wall art and genuine surprises potentially lurking at every turn.
Fremont Street/Fremont East district
This is one of the most-photographed streets in the world for a reason. Wander under the canopy and paint with light and color; hang out by the nightclubs and capture the party vibes.
Red Rock Canyon/Mount Charleston
Some of the most photogenic natural attractions in the West are practically at our doorstep. Go, and remember the saying the Boy Scouts appropriated from Chief Seattle: “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures.”
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