AMANDA PRIFTI

Raised in Concord, Massachusetts by two photographers, I spent my childhood hiking New England’s abundant forests, canoeing its rivers and swimming in its ponds. Always with a camera in hand, I was taught to see the world through my own, unique perspective. But it wasn’t until 2018, when I traveled to Sri Lanka, that I became a photographer myself.

Here, I discovered surfing, and with it, the sea. As a New Englander, the sea had always been present, but distracted by the mountains and bustling cities, it was never my focus. In Sri Lanka, the sea is a defining attribute, driving the country’s economy and daily life. And here, it transformed my life.

I now spend nearly every second by the sea. As a surfer, you connect with the environment in such a pure way, accepting and utilizing the given conditions. As a photographer, you do the same, capturing the beautiful moments and emotions of riding a wave.

Surf photography is my holy grail, allowing me to connect with nature and the present moment in the deepest way possible. I shoot from water and land, targeting time of day when the natural light presents the most magical colors and contrast.

Outside the sea, I co-founded and run SeaSisters Sri Lanka, a non-profit that focuses on women’s empowerment and environmental awareness, using swimming and surfing as tools for social change. You can follow my photography on Instagram @photosbyprifti and learn more about my non-profit at @sea_sisters_lk.