A VIEW FROM ABOVE: MEET CAPE FEAR LIVING'S 2025 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

There's something unmistakably magical about the Cape Fear coastline. The way the morning mist rises off the water, how golden marshes shift with the seasons, and the quiet power of waves crashing on an empty beach. For this year's Cape Fear Living Photographer of the Year, that magic isn't just inspiration—it's his canvas. We caught up with this year's winner, Chandler Hatch to talk about sharks, stillness, shooting in Portugal, and why the Cape Fear coast continues to call him back behind the lens.

By Kaylee Marshall

Tell us a little about your background and how you got into photography.

I got into photography back in high school while growing up in Topsail Beach. Living on an island had its perks—I spent a lot of time outdoors fishing, surfing, or simply walking the beach. When I was around 17, I borrowed my little brother's Canon Rebel and took some photos of my friends surfing. To my surprise, I absolutely loved it. A few of those photos ended up being published in local surf magazines, such as Local Sessions and Eastern Surf Magazine, and from that point on, I was hooked.

Over time, I transitioned from borrowing a camera to investing in my own gear, with a primary focus on surf photography and capturing the joy people find in the ocean. I was fortunate to connect with some incredible surfers in our area, which opened the door to shooting at surf spots around the world. From there, I began exploring other styles I enjoyed, including portraits, golf photography, landscapes, water photography, and travel. Each new style deepened my passion for capturing those special, fleeting moments in time.

Later in my journey, I got into drone photography—maybe out of a little laziness, haha—but really because it allowed me to see our coastline from a perspective I had always imagined. It gave me the chance to capture the whole scene: not just the surfer, but the waves, the sea life, the coastline—everything—in a single frame. As I got deeper into drone work, it pushed me to explore places I couldn't always reach from the shore and helped me see the world with a broader lens.

Chandler Hatch, Cape Fear Living Photographer of the Year

You captured some striking images of sharks, particularly one of a surfer sitting on a board. Can you tell us how that came about?

Yeah, that's actually a funny story because it happened entirely by accident, and now it feels like most people know me because of my shark photography.

Growing up surfing and spending a lot of time in the water, I always heard the saying, "The ocean is their home." As I began to delve deeper into drone photography, I occasionally spotted a shark here and there. But one particular morning, I flew my drone over to Masonboro Island to check the waves, and I noticed hundreds of black dots in the water. I dropped the drone down lower to get a better look, and to my surprise, it was sharks—hundreds of them.

I spent a few minutes trying to warn the surfers in the water, but what I noticed was that the sharks were altogether avoiding them. That moment really stuck with me, and I decided to take a few photos to help show others just how many amazing creatures we share the ocean with. I've always believed that while we should absolutely respect wildlife, we can still enjoy the water without fear of harm. Since then, I've continued to spend time photographing sharks—not to scare people, but to raise awareness and help showcase their beauty and the fact that they are often misunderstood.

How has the coastal landscape of the Cape Fear region influenced your photography style or perspective over time?

The landscape here in the Cape Fear region has had a huge influence on my photography. I always joke that I'm lucky to be a photographer in this area because all the hard work—the stunning scenery—is already done for me. All I have to do is press the button. But in all seriousness, I've always believed that photography has this unique ability to freeze a memory in time, allowing you to revisit a moment and relive the feeling it gave you. And that's what makes this region so special. Whether you're someone who finds peace in nature or a family escaping the hustle of daily life for a week at the beach, the Cape Fear area is a memory-making machine.

That's why I think people connect so deeply with photos from this region. The landscapes here don't just look beautiful—they feel like something personal. They remind people of their own special moments, and that's what makes capturing them so meaningful to me.

Is there anything you've learned in the quiet time, taking photographs?

The quiet moments have taught me so much—not just about the area we live in, but also about myself. It's in those still, peaceful times that I feel closest to God and the beauty of the creation He's blessed us with.

When you slow down and truly take in what's around you, you start to realize just how small we really are—and if we're that small, then maybe the problems we carry aren't quite as big as they feel. That perspective is something I often lose in the hustle and noise of daily life. Photography gives me a chance to pause, to breathe, and to really see the things that make this place so special—whether it's the wildlife, the landscapes, or the community we get to call home. Those quiet moments remind me of what truly matters.

Is there a photograph that stands out to you? Can you tell us about it?

Ah, that's a tough one—mostly because so many of my favorite photographs are tied to some of my favorite memories. The images below stand out to me for different reasons.

• The first is from Nazaré, Portugal, home to the world's largest waves. I captured it during a trip with Mason Barnes on a pretty solid day. The cliffs literally shook with every set that rolled in. The crowd roared like it was a coliseum, and the surfers felt like gladiators. That wave, that day, that place—forever etched in my memory.

• The second is a portrait of Gary Player. I had the chance to spend some time with him on the course, hear his stories, and capture a few moments. It's a favorite not just because of who he is, but because I got to be the one to freeze that moment in time.

• The third is from a personal holiday tradition. I decorated a Christmas tree and placed it in the ocean to photograph it at both sunrise and sunset. It ended up being way more complicated than expected, but the result was magical. Standing knee-deep in the sound, watching the tree's reflection shimmer—I'll never forget it.

• The fourth is a simple image of a heart formed by the white water of a wave. It's a reminder of how much love we all have for the ocean.

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Are you working on any photographic projects?

The largest project I'm currently working on is a coffee table book that showcases the beauty of our region throughout the seasons. It's something I've always wanted to do.

The colors shift so dramatically—from the golden marsh grass in the fall to the foggy, mist-covered mornings in the spring—and I've always wanted to capture and share that transformation. This project has really allowed me to slow down and appreciate how special this place is year-round.

When you're not taking pictures, what do you like to do?

Honestly—and maybe a little embarrassingly—photography has made its way into just about everything I do outside of photography, too, haha. I love playing golf, but I usually end up bringing my camera along and snapping photos on the course.

Outside of that, I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, family, and friends, as well as travelling, fishing, and taking in everything that Wilmington has to offer.

What camera and drone do you use?

For my main setup, I use a Canon R6 Mark II. I have a range of lenses for it, from wide angles to a 500mm lens that I use for surf photography. I also have a water housing that lets me shoot from inside the lineup.

For travel and everyday shooting, I use the Fujifilm X100VI. It's compact and has a nostalgic, film-like feel that I love. For drone work, I use the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. It's incredibly versatile and allows me to capture perspectives that just aren't possible from the ground.

What advice would you give to other photographers looking to create meaningful, memorable work, especially in a place as visually rich as the Cape Fear area?

The best way to start is simply to start today. Don't overthink it or wait for perfect conditions. Just get outside, spend time in nature, and focus on capturing the moments that speak to you. We're lucky to have such a talented and supportive photography community here in the Cape Fear region. Don't be afraid to reach out, ask questions, and connect with others. You'd be surprised how much people are willing to share when you ask.

Congratulations to our 2025 Photographer of the Year, whose work doesn't just capture the Cape Fear coast—it elevates it. His images remind us that beauty is everywhere when we take the time to look, and that some stories are best told without words at all.