Hello, I’m Lance Colby Hatch, and today, I’m privileged to share the story behind the creation and launch of Lance Colby Hatch : Photography—a fine art endeavor that combines my deep appreciation for Provincetown’s Cape Cod National Seashore with my passion for capturing its untamed beauty. This journey has been far from easy, shaped by a major health challenge that tested my resilience and reshaped my perspective on both life and art.


The Health Crisis That Changed Everything


In 2019, I underwent a HIFU treatment for prostate cancer. While the procedure was successful, I am cancer free, a potentially recurring and life-threatening side effect—bladder retention—unexpectedly became a central part of my life years later. Beginning on April 2, 2024, and lasting until July 24, 2024, I faced the daunting reality of managing bladder retention through three in-dwelling Foley catheters interspersed with self-catheterization, sometimes as frequently as five to seven times a day.


This health crisis raised profound questions about my ability to pursue my dream of exploring and photographing the remote, rugged landscapes of Provincetown’s Cape Cod National Seashore. How could I navigate the sandy trails to Long Point Lighthouse, Race Point at Hatches Harbor, or Wood End at Herring Cove when the simple act of carrying and utilizing catheters seemed incompatible with such harsh environments? Frankly, catheters and sand don’t mix. The physical and emotional hurdles seemed insurmountable at times, yet the desire to bring these breathtaking vistas to life via my photography burned more intensely in my heart and mind’s eye than ever.


Finding Purpose in Adversity


Provincetown has been my sanctuary, offering solace and inspiration since I made it my home. The Cape Cod National Seashore, with its windswept dunes, dramatic shorelines, and iconic lighthouses, exists - for me - as an extension of my soul. Yet, as a resident, a townie, I’ve come to appreciate how inaccessible much of this natural beauty is for many visitors. The remote locations that make these landmarks so special often require time, effort, and physical endurance that many folks just can’t muster.


My health crisis underscored this reality in a personal way. There were moments when I questioned whether I would ever be able to reach these places again, let alone document them through photography. But those same doubts fueled my determination. I realized that my unique designation as a resident—and as someone willing to fight for the ability to explore these hidden treasures—was also an opportunity to serve others. I could capture the essence of these remote, awe-inspiring locations and share them with people who, for whatever reason, might never experience them firsthand.


The Birth of a Vision


Lance Colby Hatch : Photography was born from this convergence of personal challenge and creative vision. My goal is to create fine art images that not only celebrate the raw, untamed beauty of Provincetown’s landscapes but also evoke a deep emotional connection for those who love this place as much as I do.


The lighthouses at Long Point, Race Point, and Wood End have always held a special fascination for me. These structures stand as testaments to resilience, guiding ships through treacherous waters and weathering the relentless elements. In many ways, they mirror my own journey—steadfast, unyielding, and illuminated by purpose.


The Challenges of Remote Photography


Photographing these landmarks is no small feat. Reaching Long Point Lighthouse, for example, involves navigating a two-mile shoreline that shifts with the tides. Race Point and Hatches Harbor require traversing miles of uneven terrain. And Wood End at Herring Cove demands a trek through The Moors, a salty marshland. Each trip demands careful planning, physical endurance, and a willingness to adapt to the unpredictable coastal environment.


Considering the complexities of self-catheterization as a part of this equation was daunting. Sand and medical equipment are a challenging combination, and the thought of the physical toll of these hikes often left me questioning my ability to undertake them at all. Yet my ongoing recovery - leading to the need to self-catheterize just once a day - made each successful trek an inspiring reminder that determination and preparation could overcome even the most significant obstacles.


Sharing Provincetown’s Hidden Beauty


As a townie, I’m privileged to experience the quieter, less-traveled side of Provincetown—a stark contrast to the bustling energy of tourist season. The Cape Cod National Seashore transforms with the seasons, offering an ever-changing palette of colors, textures, and moods. My goal with Lance Colby Hatch : Photography is to share this dynamic beauty with others, whether through the vibrant hues of a summer sunset over Race Point or the austere stillness of a winter morning from the breakwater that leads to Wood End.


Each photograph I create is an invitation to see Provincetown through my eyes, to feel the salt air on your skin, and to hear the rhythmic lapping of waves upon the shore. For those who can’t physically reach these remote locations, my art is a way to bring the seashore to them—a bridge between the inaccessible and the imaginable.


Overcoming Doubts and Embracing the Future


Launching Lance Colby Hatch : Photography has been as much about personal growth as it has been about art. The health challenges I faced in 2024 forced me to confront my limitations while also teaching me to embrace resilience and adaptability. They reminded me that creativity often flourishes in the face of adversity and that pursuing a passion is its own form of healing.


Today, I am proud to share my work with you, knowing that every image represents not just a moment in time but also a journey—a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring beauty of Provincetown’s landscapes.


Looking Ahead


As I embark on this new chapter, I am filled with gratitude for the community that has supported me, the challenges that have shaped me, and the landscapes that continue to inspire me. Lance Colby Hatch : Photography is more than a business; it’s a love letter to Provincetown and a celebration of the resilience and beauty that define both this place and its people.


Thank you for joining me on this journey. Whether you’re a longtime lover of Cape Cod or discovering its wonders for the first time, I hope my photography allows you to connect with the unique, sometimes harsh, but always breathtaking beauty of this extraordinary corner of the world.


Stay tuned for upcoming exhibitions, new collections, and stories from the trails. I can’t wait to share more of Provincetown’s magic with you.


Warmly,

Lance Colby Hatch