Provincetown: A Haven at the Nexus of Light, Water, and the Surreal

Days Cottages at sunset, courtesy of i.c.e images

From painters to photographers, artists have long cherished Cape Cod’s exceptional light, which reaches its apex at the Cape’s tip inProvincetown, Massachusetts.

The Boston Globe in 1916 called Provincetown the ‘Biggest Art Colony in the World,’ and its magnificent light, beautiful landscapes and dynamic, creative atmosphere has captivated the likes of Franz Kline, Mark Rothko and Norman Rockwell.

The unique personality and beguiling backdrops that have long called to painters and playwrights are now capturing more and more photographers. There is never a bad angle or wasted shot in Ptown. The scenery is exceptional all year long and as fall turns to winter, lodging rates drop, sales bloom and the scenery stays put.

Here where Cape Cod Bay meets the Atlantic, something magical happens. Maybe it's the feel good vibe of one of the most open societies in America or the diversity of sights found along dune-laden coastlines or among quaint shingled homes. Most, however, will tell you, “It is the light, silly.” 

It’s about time the camera made a stronger claim in a town with only one main street right out of central casting. Walking and biking are the preferred mode of transits here, as cars are, well, for big city folks or day-trippers. So, if you are getting this picture, you’ll find what most have learned, hang in Ptown for a few days and you’ll feel a degree of calm and relaxation that makes it hard to leave.

From snapshots of pets to peaceful sails against billowing clouds, Ptown never lacks for the picturesque. Focus on the outrageous cross-dressers or the centuries old Portuguese fishing fleet, where history is retold from the Pilgrim Monument, attesting to Ptown’s credential as “America’s First Destination,” having first welcomed voyagers to the promised land.

Photographic adventurers can set their own itinerary, from a dune tour, to a whale watch trip, to a bike ride through a national seashore that ends with a bonfire on the beach in the light of a stunning sunset. This is the place for vibrant multicolor skies and ocean reflections. No matter the conditions—fog, sunshine or snow—you will always get the shot.

Professional and amateur photographers alike say that the town inspires shooting because there are so many choices. The most stressful moment of the week will be deciding whether to spend time micro-focused on the flower box, wild field, vintage or architectural details, or the macro shots of land and seascapes.

And, if you can take a pause from night exposures, the many fine dining or casual eateries and some of the oldest continuous pouring taverns in the new world are sure to leave you with after-shoot enjoyment. And when making your plans, don't miss the live acts, which keep you singing or laughing until you greet the sunrise of a glorious new day at the tip of the Cape.

(To view some Ptown images captured by visitors and professionals, view on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ptowntourism/photos, on the Provincetown tourism website http://provincetowntourismoffice.org/index.aspx?nid=171, or Pinterest http://pinterest.com/search/?q=provincetown.)

Press Release
Provincetown Tourism Office
September 25, 2012

Rights free photo supplied by i.c.e. images

For more information, contact:

Gene Rose
gr@mcopr.com1-888-923-9945 x2