Sutton Lynch was born and raised in East Hampton, where the ocean and surrounding landscape quickly became central to how he experiences the world. He picked up his first camera at age twelve, drawn by instinct and curiosity—only later realizing it was a way to slow down and make sense of the world. What started as a quiet impulse turned into a foundational practice: a way of paying attention, of processing his surroundings, and of creating order from uncertainty.

Sutton’s work is rooted in observation. He’s drawn to fleeting moments—flashes of light, movement, and behavior that often go unnoticed. His current focus on marine life and coastal ecosystems, particularly around the East End of Long Island, reflects a deep connection to place and a desire to understand the patterns that drive the natural world. While lifeguarding in 2019, he began using a drone to document the resurgence of marine life in the New York Bight—including humpback whales, dolphins, and sharks—driven by conservation efforts to protect Atlantic menhaden. This shift marked the beginning of a deeper focus on ecological storytelling.

He studied Environmental Science and Studio Art at Colorado College, where he explored the intersection of ecology and photography. Since graduating in 2022, his work has been featured in The New York Times, The London Times, and the Duke Environmental Law and Policy Journal.

While he doesn’t consider himself an expert, Sutton approaches his work with care, curiosity, and attention. For him, photography is a way to make sense of the world and his place in it. His hope is that these images invite others to pause, to notice, understand, and to feel a stronger connection to the environments we all rely on.