Taking Photos of the Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
For many people, a trip to Las Vegas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For these people, whether they’ve made it by saving carefully or through luck at the online baccarat tables, it is a trip they will not want to forget, so naturally, they will take lots of photographs. Vegas is full of iconic landmarks, but for many, there is nothing that says Vegas more than the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.
Perhaps because of this, taking a photo at the sign has become something of a ritual. People arrive, wait for their turn, step forward, smile, and leave with a photo that confirms the trip has taken place. However, for a variety of reasons, many people incorrectly assume that only official photographers are allowed to take pictures at the sign.
This is simply not true. There is no city department that assigns photographers to the sign. No tourism authority manages how photos are taken or who takes them. There are no Vegas sign photographers, as it is a public fixture, and anyone who wants to can stand in front of it and take a photo.
Where the Misconception Came From
For many years, visiting the sign was difficult and chaotic. There was no safe place to park and no easy way to reach it on foot. People crossed Las Vegas Boulevard where they could after waiting for a gap in the traffic. It was risky, inconvenient, and illegal, as jaywalking is illegal in the US.
Because of this, Clark County took steps to change the situation in 2008. A small parking area and pedestrian access were added. The improvement solved the safety issue and transformed the experience. Lines soon started forming naturally, with visitors waiting for their turn.
Once this started happening, it wasn’t long before others started trying to take control. When someone stood near the front of the line and began giving instructions, most people listened. When that same person appeared again the next day, and the day after, the routine started to feel official. These people would have fake badges, expensive-looking cameras, and plenty of confidence.
As a result, few people stopped to question it. Furthermore, in a city where tipping is the norm, having a person demand payment for a photograph didn’t seem too unusual.
There is an irony to all of this. The sign was designed by Betty Willis, who chose not to copyright it because she wanted it to belong to the public. She did not want it controlled or monetized.
What Actually Happens There
Despite how it may appear, the reality is simple. Anyone can take a photo at the sign. There is no required process and no authorized service. Visitors are free to use their own phones, ask for help from another tourist, or move through the line at their own pace.
The most common solution is also the most practical. Ask the person behind you to take your photo, then offer to return the favor. It is a simple exchange that has worked for years and doesn’t need explaining.
From time to time, someone may object or suggest that rules are being ignored. However, those moments rely on confidence rather than enforcement. There are no penalties and no consequences. Once the photo is taken, attention shifts to the next group waiting for their turn.
The misunderstanding persists because it rarely causes enough disruption to be corrected. People leave with their photos and move on. Compared to the myths regarding casinos, jackpots, or gambling systems, this one is small and fairly irrelevant.
However, if you are in Las Vegas and you want a photo of yourself at the sign, don’t fall for the scam. If anyone challenges you, just laugh them off, take your photo, as there are no Vegas sign photographers, and then head to the nearest baccarat table to try your luck.
