Check Out These Fun, 1970s Surf Culture-Inspired Looks From Marquita Pring’s Photo Shoot in Puerto Rico

The four-time SI Swimsuit model was photographed by Ben Watts earlier this year.

Marquita Pring was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. 


Four-time SI Swimsuit model Marquita Pring returned to the 2023 issue and we are totally obsessed with the looks from her photo shoot. The upstate New York native, who made her debut with the magazine in ’20, was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico earlier this year. Styling on set was inspired by the laid-back, funky and colorful aesthetic of 1970s surf culture.

The model, who has been building her platform to encourage vulnerability and inspire women to embrace their natural hair and bodies, first entered the modeling scene in 2011 when she walked in Jean Paul Gaultier’s show during Paris Fashion Week. She appeared in a groundbreaking Vogue Italia cover story that same year.

“Growing up I never had anyone to relate to, [not] even in magazines or ads. The plus size revolution did not exist like it does now,” she said during her 2021 photo shoot in California. “So once I started modeling, that’s when I started accepting and stepping into myself and especially seeing other women that looked similar to me. I’m here to put myself out there and be myself. The more that we all start like embracing ourselves for our flaws, completely, the happier we will be.”

Below are seven of our favorite photos from Pring’s 2023 SI Swimsuit photo shoot.

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Marquita Pring was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Love You More Swim. Earrings by Jennifer Meyer.

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Marquita Pring was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Missoni. Earrings and bracelets by Eklexic Jewelry.

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Marquita Pring was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Lybethras Swimwear. Earrings by Jennifer Meyer.

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Marquita Pring was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Lybethras Swimwear. Wetsuit by Connelly.

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Marquita Pring was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Bahama Mama Beachwear. Necklace by ANNI LU. Anklet by KBH Jewelry.

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Marquita Pring was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Montce. Earrings and bracelets Eklexic Jewelry.

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Marquita Pring was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by SHOP BALOU. Earrings by Brinker + Eliza.

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Published
Ananya Panchal
ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a NYC-based Lifestyle & Trending News writer at SI Swimsuit. Before joining the Swim team, the Boston University Alum worked for culture & entertainment beats at Bustle, The San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When Ananya is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, she can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast.