How to Nail the Vegas Aesthetic for Your Instagram Feed

Las Vegas is a metropolis built on exaggerated sparkle, glamor and a splash of absurdity.

From capturing the glimmering lights along the Strip to snapping a shot of well-known sights, getting the perfect hourglass for Las Vegas boils down to balancing explosive imagery and a splash of creativity.

Here’s how to up your Instagram game with some serious Vegas vibes.

1. Embrace Neon Lights

Vegas is well known for its neon signs, from the retro designs downtown to the bold displays on the Strip.

How to Nail It: For a vintage-meets-modern aesthetic, schedule evening shoots at locations like the Neon Museum or Fremont Street.

Use an open aperture to separate the lights, which gives the dreamy glow in your photos.

Pro Tip: Experiment with reflections, like puddles or windows, to double the effect of the neon.

2. Play with Glitzy Outfits

A bit of sparkle cannot be absent from the Vegas aesthetic.

How to Nail It: Bring outfits with sequins, metallics, or big patterns for your night-out photos.

Showcase them at glam places like The Chandelier Bar or the Bellagio fountains.

Pro Tip: Get action shots — twirling, walking or just laughing shots give life to your outfit.

3. Go Big on Luxe Locations

Luxury hotels that are iconic to Vegas.

How to Get It Right: Seek out pretty places, like the Venetian canals, the Bellagio conservatory or the rooftop pool at The Cosmopolitan.

These backgrounds immediately elevate your feed.

Pro Tip: Include the areas of each venue — grand chandeliers, ornate mosaics — that give it its character in your framing.

4. Highlight the Desert Vibes

There’s more to Vegas than the city — just beyond it is the breathtaking Mojave Desert.

How to Hit It: Venture to Red Rock Canyon or Seven Magic Mountains for views of scenic beauty that contrasts with the glitz of Vegas.

Go boho-chic with flowing dresses or wide-brimmed hats.

This is your time to shoot in golden hour: getting soft, flattering light and elongated shadows.

5. Focus on Food and Drinks

From ridiculous milkshakes to Michelin darlings, Vegas food is art.

Nail a Flat Lay: Snapping a flat lay of colorful cocktails or towering desserts at an Instagrammable location like Black Tap or Superfrico.

Pro Tip: Coordinate your nails or outfit to the dish for cohesive pics.

6. Capture Motion and Energy

Vegas is an action town, and your feed should not be boring.

How to Nail It: Snap shots midspin on the High Roller or séduit while strolling under the blinking Fremont Street canopy.

A good tip is to use a slower shutter speed to capture light trails or to blur the background but still keep you in focus.

7. Showcase Vintage Glam

For a nostalgic aesthetic, lean into the retro side of Vegas.

How to Nail It: Hold court at old-school diners or vintage shops, or pose by classic cars downtown. Retro shades and bold lipstick complete the look.

Pro Tip: Apply filters to make the images look like film for an authentic vintage vibe.

8. Mix in Nightlife Magic

There are so many opportunities for those bold, moody Las Vegas nightlife shots.

Nailed It: If you’re using a rooftop lounge, casino floor or nightclub (Omnia, for example) as your backdrop, take the photos. Use lighting, dramatic to get contrast images.

Pro Tip: Accessorize with props, like a bejeweled clutch or chunky jewelry, within the frame to up the glamour.