‘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