The Fastest Photoshoot I’ve Ever Done… Inside a Las Vegas Casino
Las Vegas has always had a special place in my heart. Ever since I was little, I’ve gone with my dad! Days spent poolside while my dad was in conferences, followed by nights filled with yummy food, endless people-watching, neon lights, and quality time with my dad. To this day, that mix of fun and a walkable city is still my favorite part of visiting Vegas. One day I’ll share my very long list of favorite things to do in the city, but today… I’m talking about a dream shoot I pulled off!
I’ve always wanted to do a high-fashion shoot inside one of the iconic Vegas casinos. But if you know anything about the Strip, you know casinos do not allow professional photography inside. And it makes sense, can you imagine if everyone showed up with lights and cameras mid-blackjack? It would get chaotic fast. Some casinos even go as far as fining photographers or making them format their SD cards on the spot. So, when I was heading back in November 2024 with a group of friends (including Gloria, or GloGlo an actual professional model and total icon), I knew it was the perfect opportunity to make it happen! This was our girl gang, Gloria, my sister Halle, me and my bestie Kasia!
The Plan: Move Fast, Blend In, Get the Shot
I figured our best bet was to look like a group of girlfriends dressed up for a night out, taking cute Instagram pics before dinner. Which truly is what we were doing! I packed light, just my camera, a flash in a purse not even a camera bag. We got ready for the night, and Gloria (a master thrifter with an eye for vintage gold) wore this amazing dark floral dress with beaded fringe. I had a pair of floral black tights that matched perfectly and added a little edge to her look. She nailed the ‘90s grungy Vegas aesthetic I’d been envisioning since I made the mood board for the trip.
Once we were all dressed, I threw my gear into my purse and we scoped out the perfect little corner, somewhere low-traffic but by a good looking machine, not one of the cheesy ones. We found a vintage-looking slot machine with gold accents and dim moody lighting that was just begging to be photographed. That was our cue.
Showtime: 15 Minutes of Chaos and Magic
The second I pulled out my camera, Gloria was in full model mode; Twisting, turning, dancing into poses with zero hesitation. It was like a creative sprint, trying to make fast decisions on lighting, framing, and posing in the moment. Normally I like to take my time and adjust things as we go, but this was different. High pressure, no do-overs… and truly it was so much fun!
After about 15 minutes of shooting, a manager came over and told us we couldn’t take photos near the machine. I instantly dropped my camera and picked up my phone like I was just snapping casual pics. It worked. No fines. No SD card drama. Just a very quick, polite shut-down.
Bonus Round: The Staircase Moment
On the way back to our hotel so I could stash my camera for the night, we passed this gorgeous staircase. It wasn’t in a casino or near any machines, so we weren’t under pressure this time. We grabbed a few last shots before running off to make our dinner reservation and honestly, they turned out chef’s kiss.
I’m so glad we did it. The entire shoot felt like a fun, fast-paced creative challenge. It reminded me why I love photography: even when things don’t go exactly to plan, it’s about capturing a vibe, making it work, and telling the story. And this story? Pure grungy Vegas chaos in the best way.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Just maybe with slightly more time… and a good pair of running shoes.
