Photographically speaking, casino photo shoots are an incredible showcase of talent and artistry. Photographers were able to capture all the energy and excitement found within casinos – capturing what makes them such alluring destinations!
Casinos often impose stringent regulations regarding the use of cameras within their premises. This prevents anyone from taking photos that might facilitate cheating at games or compromise security operations.
Getting Started
Take pictures inside casinos can often be considered inappropriate, however with the increase of mobile phone cameras most casino bosses have relaxed their stance a little. There are however a few key considerations if you intend on taking photographs within casinos.
One key tip for taking photos at casinos is keeping the camera small. Large DSLR cameras may draw unwanted attention from casino security and appear too “serious.” A simple smartphone camera should blend in seamlessly. Furthermore, sticking to still photography rather than video can reduce further attention from security personnel.
Brockton-based organization the Old Colony YMCA has recruited local teenagers for an art-driven initiative designed to examine gambling issues through a social justice lens. Called PhotoVoice, this project gives teens cameras to create artistic shots related to problem gambling; select pictures will then be printed out onto posters for display around town and spark dialogue about this pressing matter.
Taking the Shots
Photography gambling scenes is no easy task – whether in Vegas, Macau or Atlantic City – as soon as any camera with professional-looking lenses comes out it is likely to be met by intimidating security guards who request you leave immediately.
Photographers have begun revisiting their images with an aim of exploring gambling’s deeper significance in life. Jay Wolke’s Same Dream Another Time provides a vivid portrait of casino life in America during the 80s with hopeful metal detectorists, fruit machine cowboys, glamazon signing autographs for her fans and miserable white men sinking into luxurious velvet limousines all providing candid glimpses into aspiration and ambition – in this book of naive aspirationsal imagery.
But gambling has created a culture that destroys families, leads people down paths to suicide and contributes to other serious social problems. Gamblers cling to a false perception that gambling is harmless entertainment with no lasting repercussions or serious repercussions.
Editing the Photos
Skilled and creative photographers are capable of turning any scene into something dramatic and alluring, including this casino photo shoot. The images captured perfectly both its energy and excitement – capturing both aspects perfectly in beautiful photos!
One of the key rules when taking photos at a casino is being discreet. Large cameras may draw unwanted attention from security personnel; using a simple smartphone camera will more likely blend in. Furthermore, be sure to switch off its flash.
Brockton teens are using artful photography to shed light on how problem gambling affects low-income populations and people of color. The Young Colony YMCA provided them with cameras and taught them to view this issue with an emphasis on social justice – the results can now be found displayed at local galleries as well as posters with thought-provoking captions.
Sharing the Photos
Casino photography can be tricky; most casinos do not permit taking photographs within the gambling area. Doing so may draw unwanted attention from casino security and pit bosses who could ask you to leave, inspect your camera, delete photos or even threaten your right to privacy by asking you to leave or inspect.
As luck would have it, there are ways to take photographs without being discovered. The key is being discrete and using a smaller camera – larger cameras will draw unwanted attention, so opting for something like a smartphone camera would allow for quicker and quieter photo taking opportunities.
This photograph depicts a group of men caught up in the irresistible pull of money. Their thoughtful expressions are highlighted by a stark, empty bulb representing their limited fortune; one man has his ear pulled forward so as to hint at potential riches waiting just beyond its borders; all this creates a compelling yet claustrophobic scene filled with urgency and adrenaline that comes from gambling.
