Photo shoot begins

The nearing deadline for Summerlin's third annual community-wide photo competition, Scenes from Summerlin, has inspired photography students at Palo Verde High School in the master-planned community to enhance their photography skills at a workshop hosted by Summerlin and its two primary professional photographers, Tom Craig of Opulence Studios and Eric Jamison of Studio J.

Together, the two photographers have documented the community's development since its inception in 1990, taking more than 150,000 photos.

According to Nikki Liesse, director of marketing for The Howard Hughes Corp., an affiliate of General Growth Properties and developer of Summerlin, the competition draws considerable interest from amateur teenage photographers in the community, many who are students at Palo Verde High School.

"The photos submitted by teens in the last two competitions have fared very well," Liesse said.

"In fact, more than 200 of our 500 entries last year were in the teen division. Hosting this workshop for photography students not only infuses interest in the competition, it gives up-and-coming photographers an opportunity to learn from the best."

The Scenes from Summerlin photo competition is open to Summerlin residents and students in the community and features three age divisions for amateur photographers of all abilities -- children ages 12 and younger; teens from 13 to 19 years of age and adults 20 and over.

According to Liesse, the competition is intended to celebrate life in the western Las Vegas master-planned community and is expected to draw even greater participation this year. Last year, the competition drew more than 500 entries.

"Scenes from Summerlin was created to capture all that the community offers on film from the perspective of our residents," Liesse said. "From the Red Rock mountains that create Summerlin's signature backdrop to miles of picturesque trails and parks filled with kids and those who enjoy the outdoors, Summerlin has extraordinary scenery."

"There's a photographer in each of us," said Craig, who launched his career in Las Vegas photographing Summerlin more than 17 years ago.

"Summerlin has evolved into an incredibly dynamic and beautiful community. I know from personal experience that it has great landscapes, interesting topography, iconic architecture and busy social gathering spots. Summerlin's a great place to use a camera."

According to Liesse, all photos must be shot on locations within the community's boundaries and must fall into one of five entry categories -- lifestyle, family and home, community, architecture and landscape.

Entries will be judged by a panel of professional photographers and prizes will be awarded in all categories.

First place will feature a $250 cash award; second place a $125 cash award; and third place a $75 cash award.

In addition to cash awards, winning entries will be displayed in the Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center gallery in September and October, as well as at the Summerlin Art Festival in October.

According to Liesse, winning entries may also be considered for use in other Summerlin promotional and public relations efforts.

Entry deadline is May 25 at noon.

For an official entry form and complete rules and guidelines visit summerlin.com and click on the Scenes from Summerlin icon located on the home page.

Entries also can be obtained at any of Summerlin's three community centers -- The Trails Community Center at 1910 Spring Gate Lane; The Willows Community Center at 2775 Desert Marigold Lane or The Gardens Community Center at 10401 Gardens Park Drive.

The master-planned community began to take shape in 1990. The 22,500-acre community is located along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley.

It features a number of amenities and is home to more than 95,000 residents.

With as many as 7,500 acres still to develop, including its urban core, Summerlin Centre, the master plan is home to more than 100 neighborhood and village parks, more than 150 completed miles of the Summerlin trail system.

The community is also home to 19 public and private schools, houses of worship, shopping, medical and cultural facilities; in addition to business parks and more than 60 model homes.

Homes are available in a variety of styles -- from single-family to townhomes, condominiums and lofts -- priced from the high $100,000s to more than $1 million. Custom home sites in The Ridges are priced from the $500,000s.

Luxury apartment homes offer monthly rents starting from the low $1,000s.

For more information on Summerlin, call 791-4500 or visit summerlin.com.