Summerlin’s photographers choose community’s finest

Tom Craig of Opulence Studios and Eric Jamison of Studio J collectively have taken more than 125,000 photos of Summerlin in past 17 years.

Craig, who first began photographing the master-planned community when it was in its infancy in the early 1990s, has personally amassed an amazing library of photos that once consisted of thousands of slides cataloged in three-ring binders; but is now totally digital.

Jamison, who has been photographing the community for more than eight years, specializes in the lifestyle shots that capture residents interacting with the community where they live and work.

The photographers recently named their favorite Summerlin photos at the judging of the community's annual photo competition, Scenes from Summerlin.

Their choices are reflective of their respective focus areas. Craig, who specializes in wide-angle landscape shots that capture the community's panoramic beauty, chose a photo of Tournament Players Club at Summerlin.

The photo was taken from a helicopter and encompasses both the area's natural beauty with the mountains in the background, as well the golf course and the community.

"This is a great photo because it includes three of Summerlin's best features -- its great world-class golf courses; the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area that frame its western edge; and beautiful homes."

Craig also explained that the photo is important because it showcases how the community is carefully integrated into the natural environment.

"The contrast between the lush green fairways and the area's natural topography is not only beautiful, it demonstrates Summerlin's commitment to preserving the natural environment wherever possible."

Jamison's favorite Summerlin photo features Kevin Orrock, top division executive of The Howard Hughes Corp., Summerlin's developer, on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle riding through nearby Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Jamison, who specializes in lifestyle shots, chose this one because it demonstrates how Summerlin residents enjoy and interact with their community and the natural surroundings.

"Many Summerlin residents take advantage of living next door to some of the best hiking, cycling and riding areas in Southern Nevada," Jamison said.

"And Kevin Orrock is no exception. This photo was even more interesting to me because it captures the community's top executive in an unusually casual and relaxed environment -- riding his Harley -- doing what he loves most.

It demonstrates exactly how Summerlin residents enjoy the plentiful outdoor opportunities that exist within and adjacent to their community."

For more information on Summerlin, visit summerlin.com or call 791-4000.