Few vacation destinations are as flippantly stereotyped as Las Vegas. In fact, the City of Lights doesn’t seem to mind co-opting all things pop culture to enhance its casino-resort offerings, which means the city’s identity is based almost entirely on a lawless, entertainment-based supply and demand.

Still, despite the city’s association with extravagance and over-the-top productions, it’s a haven for just about any traveler—regardless of how deep their pockets are. In fact, penny slots are the most popular game in the city, which means newcomers and seasoned visitors alike don’t need to shell out big to have fun and get the ‘real experience’.

Little aspects like these make Vegas a layered destination that has more nuance than its reputation hints. And, as anyone who’s ever had an extended stay in the desert mecca, it’s way weirder than many give it credit for. While up to 42 million visitors can file through the city in a good year, according to local tourism authorities, more than half a million call it home year-round.

Their eclectic interests have helped drive some of the most unique creative projects, such as the ones listed below.

James Turrell’s ‘Akhob’

Location: Louis Vuitton, City Center

What’s cooler than a hidden art gallery inside a Louis Vuitton store. In this case, it’s the light-based art show itself—or the fact that entrance is free. The immersive art installation from master light- and color-worker, James Turrell, transports visitors into a shifting color scape that’s almost too gradual to notice. The result is a literal bath in light, surrounded by some of the world’s finest handbags.

Seven Magic Mountains

Location: South Las Vegas Boulevard (outside the city)

This art installation comes from Ugo Rondinone, commissioned the same year Louis Vuitton signed on Turrell for ‘Akhob’ in 2013. Rondinone also works with color to create seven brightly-colored ‘mountains’ in the wild desert landscape. Though minimal, the installation packs a punch, begging visitors for a bit of introspection.

Martin Lawrence Galleries

Location: Caesar’s Palace

Most visitors interested in fine art will pencil in a trip to the primary Caesars Palace Martin Lawrence Galleries. In keeping with Vegas flair and an interest in the finger things, all pieces are up for sale—from Joan Miró to Pablo Picasso to Andy Warhol originals. However, the location’s heavy investment in the ‘classics’ of modernism is a surprisingly austere turn for the City of Lights. Be sure to schedule a time to get lost in this 27,000 square-foot gallery.

Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum

Location: Charleston Boulevard, Downtown

Those who have caught an episode of Travel Channel’s ‘Ghost Adventures’ can’t have forgotten the demure, passionate host, Zak Bagans. His penchant for proving the existence of ghosts has translated into a who’s-who of haunted dolls, which are neatly on display at his The Haunted Museum location, which is built into a 1938 mansion. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, you’ll be asked to sign a waiver related to post-tour hauntings.

Bellagio Water Show

Location: Bellagio

Though constantly billed as part of the classic Vegas experience, the high-soaring water show outside the Bellagio rarely gets the credit it deserves. Anyone who’s witnessed the show live can attest that, regardless of what’s happening on the Strip, it’s a surprisingly moving experience.

Think the water show is overrated? Consider the fact that the streams of water shoot 25 stories into the air, which draws water from a man-made lake that’s got a total of 22 million gallons of water in storage for reuse in the show. The 29 mechanics on employ literally wear wetsuits to do maintenance and call their workspace ‘The Batcave’—and they’ve worked diligently for years in order for the chance to work as maintenance on the water show.

Getting dressed in the morning isn’t always easy. Whether you’re feeling low energy, you have way too much to do, or fashion not coming as easily to you, getting dressed can be a chore and can leave you unsatisfied with how you look instead of finding joy. However, here are some low-effort ways to elevate your outfit and help you get out the door feeling a little more confident and energized for the day. 

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! 

Accessories can elevate any basic outfit to an intentional look that is unique and put together. The other day I stumbled upon a get ready with me TikTok by @marycjskinner where she was going mattress shopping, but she wasn’t feeling highly motivated to leave her apartment, much less build an outfit, and even less to get the tasks she had to complete that day. She started out wearing a matching white sweat suit, and through her jewelry choices, a hat, a puffer jacket, and a cute bag, she elevated her comfy clothes to an intentional looking outfit. It doesn’t have to be a lot, even a simple necklace, a fun pair of earrings, even a quirky pair of socks can take an outfit up a notch and elevate your style.

Up Your Shoe Game

I know I could have said this in the last section, but shoes are important enough to need their own section. If you’re leaving the house, odds are you’re wearing some, and the right pair is absolutely crucial. Even the most basic outfit can have an added edge from a pair of shoes. For example, a pair of combat boots like Dr. Marten’s can make even a plain T-shirt and jeans look edgy and cool. If you can, another tip is to look at your favorite neutral colored-pair of shoes and get another pair in a bold color or pattern. For example, I have a pair of black Converse High Tops that I absolutely love and I have a pair in a vibrant Snorkel Blue. This way I can mix up my shoe choices and add an extra element while still being in a shoe that I love.

Just Wear A Dress

Though wearing a dress may feel too fancy or overdone, dresses are a lazy person’s best friend. All you need to do is put it on and POOF! You’re in an outfit that makes it seem like you are put together and tried really hard when in reality, you just didn’t have the energy to match a top and bottom together. I remember a few years ago, I read someone’s post about how when she goes out and drinks a lot, the next day she would wear a loose fitting patterned dress. She would get so many compliments because while everyone was so focused on the dress, they paid no attention to the fact that she wasn’t wearing any makeup as well as being violently hungover. If that isn’t a ringing endorsement for the power of a dress, I don’t know what is.

When In Doubt, Outfit Repeat

Forget what Kate Sanders in the Lizzie McGuire movie said: Outfit repeating is not only cool, but a crucial (and sustainable!) part of developing your personal style. Finding outfits that you feel and look good in regardless of how unmotivated you feel is a great way to FEEL a little more confident and energized throughout the day. Finding these go-to outfits is also a great jumping off point for developing a formula for your outfits. If you find a lot of your favorite outfits include a certain color or fabric, start looking for clothes that share these characteristics, while also donating or selling clothes you don’t find yourself gravitating to as much. This will make getting ready an even easier process rather than an overwhelming energy-suck first thing in the morning. And, to quote Lizzie McGuire, if someone calls you out for always wearing the same thing, they’re an Outfit Rememberer, which is truly pathetic. 

Layering

This tip isn’t the most practical for warmer weather, but when you can, layering your outfit can add an interesting element of dimension and can improve an outfit with very little effort. Something as simple as a turtleneck or collar shirt under a crewneck sweater, or a statement jacket on top of a plain shirt can upgrade any outfit. If you like the look of a collar or turtleneck peeking out from under a top layer, but it’s too warm for a full shirt, you can buy false collars (or dickies) to achieve a similar effect. For those of you in colder climates, layering up can add additional warmth and style to an otherwise basic outfit. For additional warmth, look for layering pieces that are fleece-lined or made of warm nature-fibers such as wool to keep you toasty in those frigid temperatures. 

Focus on Makeup Instead

Maybe clothing just is not your top priority, which is totally ok! Clothing and accessories are not the only element of fashion that matters in creating a cohesive look. If you want another potential low effort way to stand out and tie your look together. Interesting makeup, like a bold lip, eyeliner, intricate nails, or dramatic eyeshadow can be a way to achieve a pulled together look without putting a ton of effort into getting dressed, as well as an easy way to add color to a look. Take a look at Margot Robbie’s makeup by Pati Dubroff. Notice how she’s not wearing anything revolutionary: just a blazer and some silver hoops. But, her beautiful shimmering eye look immediately draws in attention and adds an extra element of interest that ties everything together beautifully. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgaViJ9B9H0/

I know getting dressed is not always an easy task, but with some of these tips, getting dressed doesn’t have to be something stressful. Rather, it should make you feel confident and ready to tackle the day.

Backdrops are game-changers when it comes to capturing memorable photos indoors. Using suitable backdrops can make the picture a clear, clutter-free image that focuses on your subject and makes the photos appealing. 

However, not many people are experts when dealing with backdrops. This is why we have compiled useful tips to help you click unforgettable photos using backdrops. 

Do Photo Backgrounds Really Matter?

Yes, they do. 

Backgrounds can help the photographer to create a narrative. As a result, the image’s background is neat; the subject stands out. Moreover, the subject’s position, angle lighting, and depth work together with the environment to create an attractive image. 

Fun tip: Wood backdrops look great in pictures and go well with almost anything. 

That said, let’s look at how you can click sharp photos using backdrops. 

7 Tips to Click Unforgettable Photos Using Backdrops

Good Lighting is a Game-changer

A great lighting source is the foundation of any excellent photo. Keeping the contrast within a specific range is crucial if using a backdrop. 

Dark backgrounds could bring out the issue in a way that isn’t flattering. A too-light backdrop could be distracting from the subject and draw attention away. Therefore, you need to choose the backdrop according to your subject. 

The Subject Should be the Focus

You might have observed that the backdrop shines more than the subject in specific pictures. So, make sure you focus on the subject and not on the backdrop. This hack keeps the object in the center of the focal point and makes the background a support tool.

Your background should complement the subject and make it stand out. It often happens that a clumsy environment makes the subject look unattractive.

Pay Attention to Detail 

If you’re using a wood backdrop or forest background, check out horizon lines, tree branches, power lines, etc. Sometimes, it could appear as that a tree’s branches are growing out of the subject’s head, or a horizon line cuts them off from the neck. It might sound simple now; perhaps it can make the picture look somewhat odd.

You can also observe the props and make adjustments accordingly to suit your subject. Alternatively, if you aren’t using any props, you can use a quirky backdrop like a wood backdrop.

Fantasy Land

Backdrops can take your subject anywhere! You can make your subject look like they are sitting in Italy while in your home or studio. Make sure you choose a setting that will match the “theme” that you want to convey in your photograph. 

For instance, a stunning ballroom with sparkling chandeliers would be perfect for a couple dressed for a gorgeous party.

Try Using Matte

Shiny backgrounds may be beautiful and all, but they might not be ideal for photography. Matte doesn’t create glare or creepy orb-like designs, whereas glossy sets can have reflections and make the photograph look shoddy.

Positioning of the Subject

It’s not always a good idea to place your subject in the middle of the frame. You can follow the three-thirds rule. Imagine two vertical and two horizontal lines, and then place your subject in the area that the lines meet. 

However, it isn’t a rule you must adhere to strictly. Still, many times will help improve the overall composition of your photograph. The correct positioning depends on subject to subject. It may take a few trials and errors, but you will get it.

Check the Proportions

If you’re using props for your photo, be sure that they are proportional to the scenery you are setting. For instance, if your backdrop features the Eiffel Tower in a distant distance, it’ll appear relatively small. The props you use in your photograph must be in direct proportion with the Eiffel Tower so that the picture seems to appear authentic.

Final Word

Photography is an art that you can master over time and experience. Make sure to follow the tips mentioned above to get the most from backdrops!

Got any questions or comments? Drop them in the comments below.