As I get older, I've realized something: our deepest work often comes from the places we know best. We don’t need to travel far and wide for inspiration - the work with the most meaning is waiting on our doorstep. Street photography is a wonderful means of showing our home to the world - that’s exactly what Ayanava Sil does with his Kolkata street photography.

India has produced some of my favorite street photographers. Not predominantly because of the energy of the country, but more because of how local street photographers choose to present it. Despite the chaos synonymous with the nation, I always sense a spiritual undertone that’s very calming when I view the work of Indian street photographers.

Sil is the perfect example of that. His works are mystical, yet unapologetically raw and human. They’re like visual poetry that serve as an ode to the place he calls home. His frames blend together unity, vibrancy, struggle and hope. It’s candidness at its best and his photography portfolio is an exceptional representation of Kolkata, as well as other parts of India.

He kindly took the time to speak with me. In this interview we cover his connection to his city and street photography, plus explore what it’s like to work as a curator for other street photographers.

About Ayanava Sil

Ayanava Sil has a passion for capturing the beauty and stories of everyday life. His work has received recognition both nationally and internationally. You can find his photography in several prestigious media outlets including National Geographic, Photo Vogue and CNN America. He’s also the winner of The Andrei Stenin Photo Award for three consecutive years.

Them Frames: Kolkata is deeply embedded in your photography. What is it about the city that inspires you, and how has it shaped your creative vision?

Ayanava Sil: For me, Kolkata is not just a city, it is my home. Being born and raised here, the city feels like an old friend with whom I have grown and evolved over the years.

I find inspiration in the city itself and I feel a deep connection with its people, street and culture. There is something uniquely beautiful about how life unfolds here, the vibrant chaos, the quiet moments, the never-ending festivals and the countless stories hidden in everyday life.

Every corner of Kolkata has its own story to tell. Whether it is kids playing cricket in narrow alleys, the bustling energy of the flower market or the golden glow of the Ganga at sunset.

The city has taught me to see beauty in the ordinary, to pause and appreciate the little moments that often go unnoticed. In many ways, Kolkata has shaped the person I am today. Through my photography, I hope to give back in my own small way, by capturing and sharing the magic I see in this incredible city.

Them Frames: You’ve spoken about the uncertainty and suspense of everyday life. How do you mentally prepare yourself to embrace and capture these moments?

Ayanava Sil: When I go out to shoot, I try to anticipate those fleeting moments and when they appear, I capture them, knowing they will be gone in the next second. It is about trusting the process and allowing the moments to unfold naturally, without any external influence.

To prepare myself mentally, I go out with an open mind and no expectations. I don’t go looking for a specific photo, instead I wander and observe. I focus on being fully present in the moment, connecting with what is happening around me.

I am frequently drawn to moments that resonate with my own nature, introverted and quiet. In those moments, I feel like I belong to them. Ultimately, my photographs are a reflection of who I am as a person, offering a glimpse into how I see and experience life.

Them Frames: As a curator for "Streets of Calcutta," how does working with other photographers influence your own mental approach to photography?

Ayanava Sil: Being a curator for 'Streets of Calcutta' has been an incredible journey, as it allows me to explore so many perspectives of the same city. This experience has shown me that there is no single way to tell a story, each frame speaks in its own voice.

Seeing the passion and creativity of others inspires me and pushes me to improve my own work. I am also deeply grateful to Mr. Soumya Shankar Ghosal for believing in me and giving me complete freedom to curate independently.

Curating 'Streets of Calcutta' has been a two-way street, it is not just about showcasing others' work but also about learning, growing and evolving as a photographer myself.

Them Frames: Street photography can be unpredictable and emotionally demanding. How do you navigate moments of frustration or self-doubt in the field?

Ayanava Sil: The unpredictability of street photography is actually one of the things I love most about it but it can definitely be frustrating at times. I have learned that you can’t control everything and that is okay.

Street photography is mostly about failure and how you handle it. When I am out shooting, I might take hundreds of photos but only two or three of them meet my expectations.

There are days when I walk around for hours and don’t get a single shot that feels right. But it is this process of not giving up and staying hungry for those two to three photographs that keeps me going.

Self-doubt and frustration are inevitable but when they hit, I remind myself why I started street photography in the first place, because I love it. Not every day will be perfect and not every photo will be amazing and that’s part of the journey.

Often, when I feel stuck, I take a break and slow down. I keep observing the little things around me, even if I am not actively shooting. Sometimes, stepping back and observing without the pressure to take a photo helps me reconnect with the moment.

I also find comfort in looking back at my older work. It reminds me of how far I have come and gives me the confidence to keep moving forward.

Them Frames: If at all, how does street photography impact your relationship with humanity?

Ayanava Sil: Street photography has been a transformative journey for me. Before I began practicing it, I mostly saw people as just faces in the crowd. But now, I have developed a keen eye for observing people, their behaviour, body language and interactions.

This has helped me to understand the complexities of human nature. Through this process, I have also grown personally. Street Photography has given me a deeper understanding of myself and taught me to be resilient, patient and kind to people. It has opened my mind, allowing me to see the world from different viewpoints.

This practice has made me more tolerant, less judgemental and more empathetic. It has not only shaped my relationship with humanity but has also helped me become a better version of myself.

Them Frames: What are some of your photographic goals for 2025?

Ayanava Sil: I never really had specific photographic goals and 2025 is no different. At the moment I am living in another part of the country due to my professional commitments, so I am not able to shoot as frequently as I would like.

However, even when I am not actively photographing, I make it a point to revisit my old archives. Spending time with past work is incredibly valuable. It allows me to reflect, learn from my mistakes and see how I can improve.

Sometimes, I come across photos I initially rejected but now I see a new light in them. It is fascinating how time can change your perspective and appreciation for certain images.

One wish I do have for 2025, though I am not sure how much I can accomplish, is to focus on the long term projects I have been working on. I want to organize my photos around these narratives and shape them into well connected stories. It is challenging but this is something I am looking forward to.

Them Frames: If you could choose a piece of music to accompany your portfolio, what would it be and why?

Ayanava Sil: It is tough to choose just one piece of music but lately I have been listening to a lot of Lana Del Rey. Perhaps influenced by her music, I would choose her song "Young and Beautiful" to accompany my portfolio.

The melody and nostalgic lyrics connect deeply with the mood and essence of my work. Just as youth and beauty are temporary, so are the fleeting moments that I aim to capture in street photography. The song’s search for reassurance is similar to how I feel about my relationship with photography and the pictures that I have taken.

I hope to always keep this connection, just like the song hopes to hold on to love. Lana's music has a way of capturing beauty in its purest form, much like streets I photograph. Her voice feels timeless, much like any old neighbourhood where history and modernity coexist.

Them Frames: Finally, please finish this sentence. I need photography in my life because…

Ayanava Sil: Photography has become much more than just a hobby or a creative outlet for me, it has become an essential part of my life. It is my safe space and helps me navigate difficult times, whether I am practicing, revisiting old images or simply thinking about it.

It calms my mind and brings clarity amid all of life's madness. Balancing a professional career with a personal passion can be challenging and at times overwhelming.

But I have learned that if you truly care about something, you can always find time for it, no matter how busy life gets. We have always been told to pursue work that we are passionate about but not everyone is that lucky.

I believe the path of making money and the path that drives your life don't always have to be the same and can exist separately. For me photography is that passion that drives my life and keeps me grounded and I feel incredibly grateful to have it as a guiding force in my journey.

You can enjoy more work from Ayanava Sil by visiting his Instagram.

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