
AYANAVA SIL
I am a self-taught street and documentary photographer, passionate about capturing the beauty and stories of everyday life. During the weekdays, I work for a leading global e-commerce and tech corporation, but my weekends are devoted to expressing my creativity through photography. The uncertainty and spontaneity of street and documentary photography are what draw me most to these genres. Over the years, documenting people has given me invaluable opportunities to explore the unknown and embrace the diverse realities of human life. I also curate the popular Instagram handle Streets of Calcutta, which showcases the vibrant culture and stories of my city.
For me, photography is not just a passion or hobby, it has become an obsession. It has helped me grow personally, allowing me to view life from different perspectives. I believe that even the most mundane scenes can be turned into compelling stories through clean and thoughtful composition. The process of creating street photography is especially exciting for me. There is no control over people’s reactions or who enters or exits the frame, instead I must anticipate and capture fleeting moments as they unfold. This practice has taught me resilience, patience and attentiveness to the small details of life. It has also shaped my perspective, making me more tolerant, empathetic and kind in nature.
My work has received recognition both nationally and internationally. My photos have been published in renowned forums, won multiple awards and have been exhibited globally. A special highlight of my journey was when legendary street photographer Joel Meyerowitz praised one of my works, saying, “It is the kind of picture I felt I could live with.”