ppa cover images by bob coates photography

December finds my water drop image on the cover of Professional Photographer Magazine. I consider it quite an honor considering from all the images from which PPA can choose.

water drop phot cover ppa magazine

December 2021 PPA Magazine cover by Bob Coates

How PPA Chooses

Images for the cover of Professional Photographer Magazine are chosen from the Imaging Excellence Collection (formerly the Loan Collection), which have been chosen by jurors of PPA’s International Photographic Competition, with the occasional exception of images from the World Photographic Cup or from an Imaging USA speaker.

“Bob Coates’ ‘Orange Burst’ made an exceptional cover choice for its rich, vibrant color and the unique balance in its composition from the moment of capture,” says Joan Sherwood, senior editor of Professional Photographer. “It’s extraordinary how something as simple as water drops in a bowl can reveal such dynamic beauty.”

Jane Gaboury, Director of Publications added, “We love this image of Bob’s for our December cover. It not only demonstrates mastery of many photographic techniques, but it’s artistically accomplished as well. It’s a terrific example of what PPA’s Imaging Excellence Collection represents—the best of the best in professional photography today.”

Image info

The cover was accompanied by the How-to and creation of the image in a full page article. Professional Photographer is the trade magazine for Professional Photographers of America with over 30,000 members.

First Cover

ppa cover with sailboat

January 2001 PPA Magazine cover by Bob Coates

This is the second time I’ve had an image chosen for the cover. The last one was in January of 2001.

I just hope I’m around in twenty years for the next one!!

Yours in Creative Photography, Bob

PS – You can learn more about my setup and water drop photography in my article for The Photographer and Successful-Photographer waterdroplet setup and Successful-photographer Splash Photography