QuadPhoto manager captures splendor of Old Glory

Private Clubs, a client of QuadPhoto and Quad/Imaging, recently petitioned its list of regular contributing photographers to submit creative and expressionistic images of the American flag. The vision of Editor-in-chief Patricia Baldwin was to produce the July/August issue of Private Clubs, specially titled "The American Spirit," as a salute to the celebration and spirit of the Fourth of July.

"In the wake of the events of September 11, we felt it was necessary to recognize the response of America by grouping together the overall sense of patriotism and community in a positive and enriching way," said Lori Cusick, creative director for Private Clubs.

Among the photographers Private Clubs uses is RJ Hinkle, lead photographer at QuadPhoto's full-service photography studio in Dallas, Texas. It was RJ's photo of the American flag, more than any other submission, which caught the attention of Ms. Baldwin and Ms. Cusick.

Stars and stripes
The collection of images submitted by approximately 30 professional photographers from across the country numbered in the hundreds. The magazine chose the best of the best and grouped them together for a photo essay that effortlessly complements the content and focus of the July/August issue. The essay, called SALUTE The American Spirit, depicts the red, white and blue of the American flag in multiple textures, forms and shapes.

"This inspired the rest of the book," Ms. Cusick said. "It was the kickoff that spurred the book, the driving force behind a 'blind' issue."

As Ms. Baldwin and her staff were sorting through all of the submissions over the course of weeks, one stood out as the strongest.

"One of our original thoughts was to feature one of the submissions as a poster. When RJ's piece came in, we knew at that point we had to go through with creating the poster," Ms. Cusick said. "We knew we had to make it happen. It was just such a powerful piece!"

Today, RJ's photo is the image on a numbered and autographed 18-inch-by-24-inch limited-edition poster Private Clubs is offering its readers.

Antique America
RJ's photograph depicts an antique flag laid out vertically with an inventive rippled effect

"Lori is one of my favorite art directors to work with," RJ said. "When she contacted me with her direction, I knew exactly what I wanted to shoot. I knew there was an antique flag on the prop shelf in Sussex, so I had it sent down, and with the right lighting, I was able to create the image we wanted."

In celebration of Independence Day, the photograph of the antique American Flag represents more than the pride of Old Glory. The picture evokes a sense of history and conveys a mood of pride and deep feeling and warmth in regards to our country's history. It is ultimately representative of the events of September 11 and the resolve of Americans.

"The poster is a beautiful keepsake for our readers," Ms. Baldwin said. "It is an opportunity for us to thank our readers and to salute the renewal of the patriotic spirit."

Zoom in
"RJ and the efforts of everyone in the studio at QuadPhoto are excellent," Ms. Cusick said. "I can't say enough about their creativity and customer service."

Private Clubs is a 16-year-old, bimonthly lifestyle magazine dedicated to covering the private club and resort lifestyle. It has a total paid circulation of 230,000, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations.

RJ has worked closely with Private Clubs for a little more than a year and in that short period of time has developed a rewarding relationship with the magazine. "They expect portfolio-caliber photos every time you do a shoot," RJ said. "The July/August issue is truly a testament to the quality you associate with Private Clubs."

RJ has been behind the camera for QuadPhoto since 1992, when he began as the chief photographer for Quad/Views, Quad/Graphics' client magazine.

"RJ's background in action photography — complemented by his experience in editorial, advertising and sales venues — gives him a level of versatility that is invaluable to clients," Ms. Baldwin said.