post-21295 thumbnail

Posted by Marcia Joy Duggan, guest blogger of Cape Cod Soul

Given that I love the sun, sand, and sea, Cape Cod is my ideal destination! My fine art coastal photography business, CapeCodSoul.com, grew out of my passion for the salt life and my aerial business originated in 2005 as a desire to learn about Cape Cod’s sea life from the sky.

Whereas most people don’t have the opportunity to see all of the beauty the Cape offers from an aerial view, I am extremely fortunate to be able to capture all of this art and soul, and share it with so many others who are passionate about Cape Cod.

Photo: Nauset Outer Beach aerial, ©CapeCodSoul
So, I’m often asked, “How did you capture that photo?” Though, the real question is not how, but “why do you create photographs?”
A few years ago when I was contemplating a career change, one of my friends said, “you were given a gift, and it is meant to be shared.” At that time, I re-evaluated my ‘why’ of photography, and now, I start everyday with a blank canvas, ready to add another ‘photo of the day’ to my legacy – CapeCodSoul.com.
Photography is my way to journey and communicate with a universal language; I share my photos, inspire, make others smile, and earn a living doing what I love. My mantra is Carpe Diem, ‘Seas the Day’!

Photo: Chatham Fish Pier, ©CapeCodSoul
When traveling, I look for the ‘sweet light’ to take photos of my new surroundings. Many of the photos that I have taken over the years are not by chance. In fact, I schedule my day around the perfect ‘sweet light’, the tides, and the moon – and I also often scout out a location prior to the shoot to learn the light, and decide what time of day would be best.

Photo: Fort Hill Moonrise, ©CapeCodSoul
Most of all, I encourage those interested in creating their own photographs while visiting Cape Cod to be patient, and know that as professionals we may visit a location more than once to get the ‘award-winning’ image. Whether it’s a beautiful sunny Cape Cod day or a summer shower, the possibilities are endless for capturing a keeper – it’s often a matter of preparation and patience!

Photo: Sunset Cape Cod Bay, ©CapeCodSoul
The ‘why’ of photography is the important question, as the ‘how’ will come once you know what it is you are trying to communicate. Start with what you love… lighthouses, sunrises, sunsets, fishing, golfing, beaching, boating, whales, yoga, birds, flowers, hydrangeas. Or what is your favorite town on Cape Cod?
Determining your passion is the first step in capturing what is important to you – it’s the passion that inspires you. Great photography is not by chance; sometimes you may get lucky, but most of the time it involves a great deal of patience, preparation, visualization and the time to learn the tools that will help you communicate your vision. It’s about being in the right place at the right time, and seeing the light.
The Cape, undoubtedly, has beautiful scenes from sunrise to sunset, and wonderful night opportunities as well, especially with the lighthouses!
If it’s pretty sunsets, start along Cape Cod Bay or Rock Harbor in Orleans. Watching the Rock Harbor sportfishing fleet return on the tide at sunset along the clam trees is an experience not to be missed.

Photo: Rock Harbor Sunset, ©CapeCodSoul
The Sandwich Boardwalk is beautiful at sunset and a favorite on warm days, as locals line up to jump from the bridge into the water.

Photo: Sandwich Boardwalk, ©CapeCodSoul
If you love lighthouses, two of my favorites are Nobska Point Lighthouse in Woods Hole and Race Point Lighthouse where I have been lucky enough to spend numerous weekends at the Keepers house and capture first light and sunset.

Photo: Nobska Light, ©CapeCodSoul 
I also love capturing whales, and the Dolphin Fleet out of Provincetown and Barnstable runs a busy schedule in the summer to accommodate visitors and locals.

Photo: Whales tale, ©CapeCodSoul
Provincetown’s Carnival in August is not to be missed for a ‘once in a lifetime’ Mardi Gras experience on the Cape. Be aware… if you are afraid of crowds and people having a great time, then this is not for you!

Photo: Provincetown, ©CapeCodSoul
Come visit us this summer at our retail shop, Coastal Craft Gallery, a local artist co-op featuring 16 Cape artists & craftsmen located in the heart of Orleans Center. We have affordable photos for all budgets; from matted and framed prints to canvas limited edition signed wall art. Mid-July through August, you can come view our show at the Hot Chocolate Sparrow located along the bike path in downtown Orleans. All images are for sale at the show and the coffee, chocolates and ice creams are incredible!

Photo: Coastal Craft Gallery, ©CapeCodSoul
While you visit Cape Cod this year, ask yourself, “what do I love?” Follow your heart and soul everyday and it will lead you to creating your own legacy from a blank canvas.
“CapeCodSoul.com, not just a destination, a lifestyle!”™
Award winning photographer, Marcia Joy Duggan, owner of CapeCodSoul in Orleans, is known for her Aerial Art Photography and Cape Cod Coastal Fine Art photos. Her unique images capture the, ‘Art and Soul’ of the coast. For more information, and a deeper glance at Marcia’s photography, head to www.capecodsoul.com, or to Facebook. The Coastal Craft Gallery is located at 2 Main St, Orleans, MA 02635.

TOPICS: ,