‘I’m drawn to a combination of things. The emotion and story behind a photo are just as important, if not more important, than the visual appeal.’

Sutton Lynch, East Hampton

“I started photography as a hobby when I was around 12 or 13 years old, spending almost 100 percent of my time at the beach. I was a lifeguard until I was 22. When the resurgence of marine life started on the East End in 2018 or so, I coincidentally had gotten a drone and wanted to play around with it. In between shifts, I would fly the drone out and check out these whales. I’m drawn to a combination of things. The emotion and story behind a photo are just as important, if not more important, than the visual appeal.

“In 2022, I graduated from Colorado College. My degree was in integrative design, a cross between art and environmental science. Now I spend my time searching for marine life. Obviously, I can only do it during migration season, which begins in May or June, depending on water temperature. It goes through the middle of November.

I’ll have my own studio soon for shows and exhibits, but I don’t want to limit myself.

“This is my first offseason. I didn’t really commit myself to doing this work full time until last May. I’m trying to figure out the business aspects. I’ll have my own studio soon for shows and exhibits, but I don’t want to limit myself. Data collection and science are really important. I hope over the next five to 10 years, I’ll be able to accumulate a broader database to show how migration patterns change, how these animals respond to changing climate.

“My favorite photo, I think, is the humpback image I captured this summer — two humpbacks bubble-net feeding. It was the only time I’d seen them use that method to feed. It was super cool, the fact that it’s a learned behavior, and they have to do it together. When the humpbacks are farther away, I’ll fly the drone around.

“In July, I came across a hammerhead about a quarter mile offshore, aimlessly swimming along the shore. It was big. I work for the Town of East Hampton and let them know if I see anything concerning. That hammerhead was far enough offshore. I wasn’t concerned; there are very few cases of them attacking humans. I’m much more concerned with bluefish. They have razor-sharp teeth, and they’ll eat whatever they get their mouths on. If a person happens to be nearby, there’s a decent chance someone will get a little nibble, which would not feel good.”

Interviewed by Barbara Schuler

‘I was called horse girl and all these vulgar names, but that never stopped me from doing what I love.’

NATALIE FARINA, SEAFORD

“I have always loved horses since I was little. I started horseback riding when I was 6 years old. But my life really changed when I met my horse, Tuscany. My dad was like, ‘Hey, let’s go to the barn.’ So we went, and I saw Tuscany there. It was just like love at first sight for me.

“I was going through a very hard phase in my life. High school wasn’t the best time for me. I was made fun of a lot. I was called horse girl and all these vulgar names, but that never stopped me from doing what I love. You should not listen to what other people think of you. What really matters is what she felt for me and how she expressed that to me. She gives me hugs. She kisses me. She’s just so wonderful. When Tuscany came into my life, it changed because she showed me what it’s like to feel loved.

During the time I got to know her, she healed me through that hard time in my life.

“During the time I got to know her, she healed me through that hard time in my life. Horses are healing. I say that from my perspective because in my heart she came to me, and she healed me. Not a not person, not anything else — it was my horse. She was the one. She mostly saved my life. I sometimes think about if I would be here without her. It’s incredible what she did for me.

“I have ridden Tuscany ever since we were put together. The place that Tuscany is at is a horse rescue called Mother of Gods Horse Rescue. I see my horse as much as I can. I mostly just ride her for leisure purposes, and I am on the equestrian team at my school as well. I won a few a few ribbons at the intercollegiate shows. I hope to win a show with Tuscany one day. I want to give back and heal horses, too. I volunteer for the Town of Hempstead, and I try to really give back. I did clinicals at North Shore Animal League.

“I’m a sophomore college student in my undergrad studying to be a veterinarian, and I want to help my horse and horses in the future. My love for horses also came with love for animals in general. The number one reason why I wanted to go into veterinary was that I wanted to become an equine veterinarian specifically. That’s my future goal. I know there is a big shortage in equine veterinarians. I hope to take care of Tuscany one day, too.”

Interviewed by Victoria Bell

‘It makes so much sense to combine dance with ASL because, even though deaf people can’t hear it, dance itself, like ASL, is a visual language.’

Alexandra LaPlaca, Hicksville

“Dance is just me. It’s the purest form of self-expression that I will ever get. I feel most comfortable and at home when I am dancing. I fell in love with dance at one of my first recitals. Everybody tells me that I cried because I didn’t want to go on. If you were to tell me that now, I wouldn’t believe you because I beg to be onstage all the time! I remember being in the back of the audience waiting to bring my dad on, because dads were joining us.

“I’ve performed at June Claire Dance Center my whole life, and we do shows at the Tilles Center. In sixth grade, we had the option to take American Sign Language. I wanted to learn more about it, and I fell in love with it.

“There’s a musicality to signing because everyone signs at their own pace, and there’s different pauses and beats. There’s a whole community of deaf people who take dance. It makes so much sense to combine dance with ASL because, even though deaf people can’t hear it, dance itself, like ASL, is a visual language.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do what makes you happy.

“Dance is performance in storytelling. I’m also a dance student at Long Island High School for the Arts, and I’m looking at dance programs in colleges now. I’d eventually like to get my master’s degree in deaf education. I also want to continue performing.

“Through student-teaching at June Claire, I’ve learned that the best way to connect with kids is to be open and transparent with them. It’s important to realize with kids who are passionate about dancing that I was once that same kid who looked up to my student teachers and teachers, watched them dance and rewatched videos to see how they moved.

“I feel so privileged to be where I am with the ability that I have now. I’ve learned to let loose and not get in my head as much, which is hard, but it’s the only way that I’ll fully enjoy it. Dance has always been therapeutic. Any stress I have evaporates when I’m in the studio.

“For other people who want to dance, I recommend they try a bit of everything and see what makes them feel the most at home. I don’t need to dance with anyone watching; I can just be in a studio with music and I’d be happy. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do what makes you happy.”

Interviewed by Iris Wiener