Fleeting Waves and Lasting Impressions: Amit Banuz on the Magic of Unscripted Encounters
Sometimes, the ocean introduces us to more than waves—it reveals the faces that linger long after the lens is put down.
We met Amit Banuz by chance at a small café in Siargao—one of the few spots with decent wifi. He was editing surf shots, and a casual conversation quickly turned into the start of a creative collaboration. Amit's photography captures the fleeting moments where connection, movement, and the ocean’s rhythm align to tell a deeper story. In this interview, Amit shares the personal moments that led him to surf photography and the dreams that drive his creative journey.
VSC: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what sparked your passion for photography?
Amit: "I’ve been passionate about photography since I was about 11 or 12 years old, inspired by my grandfather, who was also a photographer. He introduced me to the magic of capturing moments through a lens, and that spark has stayed with me ever since."
VSC: What led you to surfing, and how did you transition into capturing those in-water moments as a photographer?
Amit: "Years later, when I started traveling, my love for surf photography really took off during a trip to Sri Lanka. Watching the surfers from the shoreline, I felt an instant connection to capturing their movements and the interplay between the waves and the human spirit. Shooting from the water’s edge allowed me to blend my love for the ocean with my passion for storytelling through photography. It was in those moments that I truly found my creative calling."
VSC: You’ve been on an exciting 6-month journey—where have you been, and what was your experience like spending 3 months in Siargao as a foreigner?
Amit: "The past six months have been incredible. I started in Sri Lanka, then spent nearly two months island-hopping in southern Thailand. Funny enough, when I was in Thailand and trying to decide where to go next to really focus on my photography, I used ChatGPT to help me figure it out. It helped me a lot in understanding the waves and the distance from Thailand, which ultimately led me to choose Siargao. The local surf culture, the community, and the waves here have been perfect for developing my in-water photography."
VSC: You introduced us to Yenien, and we’re so grateful! What made you want to photograph her for this project, and what is it about her that inspires you?
Amit: "Yenien is someone I connected with right from the start. It was my first day in Siargao, and I decided to take my camera into the water to test out my gear at Cloud 9.
Somehow, she kept getting caught in my frame, always with her smile and natural charm. There was something magnetic about her energy, and I immediately knew I wanted to work with her.
It just felt like we had a natural connection, and every interaction with her has been so easy and enjoyable. Her presence in front of the camera is effortless, and I knew from that moment that she was the perfect person to collaborate with."
VSC: What are some of your dreams and aspirations, both in photography and beyond?
Amit: "In photography, my dream is to become one of the leading surf photographers, capturing not just the action of the sport but the emotional connection between surfers and the ocean. I want my work to inspire others and tell stories that go beyond the surface, showcasing the beauty and power of the waves. One of my biggest dreams is to create films documenting the lifestyle, the athletes, and the deeper connection surfers have with the ocean. I’d love to bring that same energy and authenticity to the screen, blending stunning visuals with meaningful stories.
Beyond photography and film, I aspire to continue traveling, growing creatively, and connecting with different cultures. I want to live a life where my passion for art, adventure, and the ocean drives me to constantly create and inspire."
VSC: If someone wants to collaborate or shoot with you, what’s the best way to get in touch?
Amit: The best way, of course, is to simply sit down at the local café ;) But honestly, the most effective way to get in touch is through my business Instagram page. There, you’ll find all my contact details, including my email and business phone number. I’m always open to new collaborations and love connecting with like-minded individuals!
Meeting Amit was a reminder that some of the best collaborations stem from unexpected moments and shared passions. As Amit continues to chase waves and stories across the globe his ability to find beauty in the fleeting and transform it into lasting art speaks to his unique perspective as both an artist and traveler.
Connect with Amit via his instagram: @bigbanuz
