CurleyB Loc: MAITLAND FL

We’re going to Las Vegas in a few weeks. I like sunsets and night shooting. I was thing about going to Red Rock Canyon if mom will let me off the leash one evening. Is there anyone out there that can let me know if LV’s lights will kill my starry photos. Maybe another location reasonably close?

stephen901 Loc: Leander, Texas

My wife and I drove there last year to do some star gazing, but it was cloudy the whole we were there. Sorry no help.

repleo Loc: Boston

There are several 'dark skies' maps on the internet. Try this one. https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/
Compare the site you have in mind with the darkness level of somewhere you are familiar with and you should get an idea of what to expect or where to go to improve your chances.

george19

There’s an app, Light Pollution Map. Should be free or minimal cost.

alberio Loc: Casa Grande AZ

Within a 50 mile radius from downtown LV the light pollution will affect your images. If you are doing nightscape or Milky Way shots you might be able to use it to your advantage. You need to be as far on the south side of town as you can get. Towards Searchlight. That will put Vegas lights somewhat behind you and the Milky Way in a darker part of the sky. I think the road to Parumph has spots where you could get reasonable shots also. The Dark Sky Maps are really useful, but there are places that will work. I'm not familiar with Red Rock Canyon, but if it gives you a view of the southern sky without the lights interfering then go for it. Good luck and Clear Skies, Charlie

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

You are going to be in Vegas, you are planning on slipping away from your Mom for the evening, but, not to experience the visual and physical pleasures of Sin City? Instead, you want to go out in the desert and shoot photos? Not photos of showgirls but of the night sky? Good gosh, what is becoming of today's youth? Hasn't anyone explained the dangers of addiction? How it can last a lifetime and consume all of your finances? Before you know it you will be prowling the streets offering to take a picture, any picture, just to earn some money towards a new filter or tripod. I won't even try to warn you about what you will do for a new camera or lens! You are condemning yourself to a life seen through a viewfinder! Countless hours sitting before a computer monitor! Your neighbors will be startled by the sound of wild, manic, cackling whenever you find a deal on printer ink. Eating, shaving, bathing will become secondary pursuits! In extreme cases you will prowl the night time streets painting an f in front of STOP on traffic signs! All this just so that you can see pretty shapes and colors! Don't do it! Don't succumb to the pleasures and temptations of this addiction! Live a normal boring life. At least then you will be able to afford shoes and you won't have to bootleg electricity to your refrigerator carton under a bridge!
BTW, the night sky app seems like a good idea. Hope you get some great shots!

alberio Loc: Casa Grande AZ

Hahahaha, so true!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

👍👍 Excellent (and pretty much true).

Uaana

Valley of Fire, about 45min north of Vegas should fit the bill.

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

Some of the best advice given on this site. Gotta go - GAS just flared up and I am late to my Photographer's Anonymous meeting!

uhaas2009

it’s not about you letting you of the leash-it’s what kind of idiots, bad people are meeting you. You tell your mom this is a beautiful Natural phenomenon which you never can see from where you live - light pollution. Google it and explain this to your mom. If your mom doesn’t want to go then ask here if someone she trust to go with you. Do right is your safety.
You need the 500er or 600 rule, tripod, remote

https://www.lightstalking.com/how-to-photograph-the-milky-way/

Look up Zhuoya on FB- he shot some couples with the Milky Way.....let me know if you need more info. Good luck have nice trip

CurleyB Loc: MAITLAND FL

First: for those that misunderstood “mom” I am 70 years old and call my sweaty mom. And she will be tickled to death to be turned loose with the slots unencumbered.

Secondly: that light pollution map is awesome. I got a couple recommended sites, checked the map and found what hopefully will be a productive shooting site.

Thank all y’all for your comments and suggestions!!

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

It's great that you can still call your Mom at your age. She must be getting on in years. But, to describe her as "sweaty", well............, that's not very sweet of you!

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Your post made me laugh out loud. You are a talented writer. Keep it up.

Best wishes,
Alan

uhaas2009

😂😂😂