Since 1990, I have been grateful for all those who have been a part of COATES PORTRAIT DESIGN's portrait journey and business success over the years.

I owe much of my development as a portrait photographic artist to the PPOC and the countless seminars and mentors I have followed.  These teachings have combined successfully with my own artistic and marketing abilities.

Today, COATES PORTRAIT DESIGN family and wedding portraits hang in homes throughout the world.  Many images have received prestigious awards, such as the Kodak Gallery Award for Photographic Excellence, the Fuji Masterpiece Award, and numerous Salon Awards from the Professional Photographers of Canada.  Furthermore, I am proud to have been internationally recognized, published, and nationally accredited within our industry.

I have recognized the vital role that portraiture plays within a family, especially in helping children develop a positive self-image.  As a result, COATES PORTRAIT DESIGN continues to focus its artistic energies on creating on-location family portraiture that enables our clients to achieve both family and home decor goals.

My destination clients have introduced me to a world far and wide, and my love of travel, people, and education has led me to new experiences in photography education.

Outside of my portrait business, I enjoy landscape and fine art photography, sports, and am active in the Vancouver music scene playing classic rock as a keyboardist and vocalist in my band, KICKSTART.

I sign my correspondence as "Robert Coates, MPA, F/PPOC-BC, B.Comm" because I'm a proud and decorated member of the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) and was awarded my Fellowship (F/PPOC) for service and commitment to the profession.  Furthermore, my  Master of Photographic Arts (MPA) designation has been bestowed upon me FOUR TIMES from PPOC for proven photographic ability and dedication.  Trust me, I am so humbled with these honours for something I love doing and so fortunate to share this passion with my clients.

I am also a proud graduate from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, which continues to be such a strong foundation for COATES PORTRAIT DESIGN to this day.