Ayanava Sil, the Grand Winner of the Pure Street Photography Grant 2025, emerges as a visionary force from Kolkata, India. His triumph is the culmination of years of persistence and devotion to the craft. With his unforgettable Diwali night masterpiece, he has etched his name onto the global stage. His work reflects a rare harmony of anticipation and patience, where every frame feels as though time itself paused for him. Carrying a quiet intensity, his photographs transform fleeting chaos into moments of profound stillness and meaning. A true legend of light and life, Ayanava embodies the timeless spirit of street photography at its most powerful.
An Exclusive Interview with Pure Street Photography
Discover how Sil’s journey shows that challenges such as shyness, crowds, or suspicion from strangers are in fact hidden lessons that build resilience and vision. He also emphasizes the importance of revisiting one’s own archives, as photographs often reveal new stories when revisited with fresh eyes.
Interview by Dimpy Bhalotia and Kamal Kumaar Rao
19/09/2025
(c) Ayanava Sil
(c) Ayanava Sil
We would love to know more about you! Who you are and where you're from? When did you start street photography?
My name is Ayanava Sil. I was born and raised in Kolkata, India, a city that shaped much of my way of seeing life and people. Currently, I am based in Hyderabad for work, but Kolkata will always feel like home and remain at the heart of my photography. It has been more than a decade since I started street photography, and since then, wandering with my camera has become both a practice of observation and a way to connect more deeply with the world.
What inspired you to become a street photographer?
Around 2012, I stumbled upon two things that greatly inspired me to take up street photography. The first was the DigitalRev TV YouTube channel, which opened the door to a world of street photography that I didn’t even know existed. Before that, I had no idea what street photography was. I never imagined I would enjoy walking around the streets just to take photos. Back then, Kai Wong was the host of the channel, and he had this funny, witty style of reviewing cameras while roaming the streets of Hong Kong and capturing candid moments. Through his videos, I learned how street shots are captured candidly and how to remain invisible on the streets to take such photos. The second discovery was APF Street Photography Magazine, which opened my eyes to a world of visual storytelling from photographers all around the world. These frames didn’t just capture moments, they told stories and showed how simple street photos can be deeply meaningful. The most influential and inspiring moment, however, came when I encountered the work of Soumya Shankar Ghosal, a brilliant street photographer from Kolkata. His images felt deeply personal because they were taken on the very streets I knew and walked every day. It was surreal to see my familiar lanes transformed into works of art. His work made me see my city in a completely new light and inspired me to step out and try street photography myself. Later, I discovered legendary photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alex Webb, Joel Meyerowitz, and one of my personal favorites, Raghubir Singh. Their work taught me so much about timing, color, composition, and the power of storytelling in photography. I also found immense inspiration in the works of local photographers whose names may never be widely known but whose images left a lasting mark on me. Looking back, photography is the one thing I have stuck with the longest. It feels less like a choice and more like something I was meant to do.
How would you describe your work in terms of style and/or approach?
My approach to photography is thoughtful and careful, especially when I am doing street photography. I like to shoot with what I call an “anticipating mind.” When I go out to shoot, I keep my mind open and free of expectations. I don’t search for a specific picture, instead, I wander and observe. I focus on being fully present in the moment, tuning in to the world around me. Rather than simply reacting to what is happening, I try to sense what might come next. I aim to capture those subtle moments that no one would have noticed if I hadn’t been there. To capture those special moments, I rely a lot on clean composition and perfect timing. Sometimes, I don’t press the shutter immediately, I wait, let the scene calm down, watch how people naturally move and fall into place and let the moment grow stronger. That is the moment I record the picture. I also choose subjects and scenes that personally connect with me or surprise me unexpectedly. I am often drawn to quiet, thoughtful moments. Maybe it’s because I see a part of myself in those scenes. My photographs are like a reflection of who I am and how I experience the world.
(c) Ayanava Sil (INDIA), Grand Winner, “Crown Of Fire!”
Congratulations on being the Grand Winner in the Pure Street Photography Grant 2025, Ayanava! How has this journey been for you—from submitting your work to now being part of the upcoming exhibition in Rome as one of the official winners? What does this recognition mean to you, and how do you feel about your photograph being showcased internationally this September?
The journey has been nothing short of incredible. I never imagined something this remarkable would come my way. From the very first stage of shortlisting my images for the competition to finally seeing my work among the finalists, it already felt like a big achievement. When I looked at the incredible photographs of the other finalists, I honestly thought I had no chance of going further. I was simply happy to have my work celebrated alongside such amazing photographers from around the world. But when my photograph was announced as the Grand Winner, I could hardly believe it, my happiness knew no bounds. This photograph is very close to my heart. It was taken on a Diwali night, when a young boy ran after lighting a cracker, and the moment was captured in such a way that the sparks almost looked as if they were bursting straight out of his head, creating a powerful and unexpected juxtaposition. After the winner announcement, it was truly exciting to see the competition featured across multiple online media outlets and to read about the incredible works that had been submitted. What feels even more exciting is knowing that my photograph will now be exhibited internationally this September in Rome, which is both humbling and thrilling. I never imagined this journey would bring me here. More than the award itself, it inspires me to keep pushing myself and to continue creating work that comes from the heart.
(c) Ayanava Sil
(c) Ayanava Sil
What is your photography routine like? Do you photograph every day?
I don’t photograph every day, but photography is part of my everyday life. Even on days when I am not shooting, I make sure to stay connected with it. I often revisit my old archives. Looking at past photographs with fresh eyes sometimes brings out images I had initially rejected but now shine with new meaning, as I see a new perspective and a new story that I couldn’t see before. I also spend time exploring the works of other photographers, which always inspires me and teaches me new ways of seeing the world.
What camera or mobile device do you use for photography? Do you shoot digitally, on film, or a mix of both?
Right now, I photograph mostly with my OnePlus 12. For me, it’s less about the gear and more about the stories I am able to tell through it. I shoot digitally because it gives me the freedom, ease and flexibility I need. Modern mobile phones are exceptionally capable, and I find they are incredibly convenient for street photography because they are always with me, keep me light, don’t attract too much attention and let me capture moments quickly and spontaneously.
What challenges do you face when photographing on the street?
In India, being a street photographer comes with its own unique set of challenges. The biggest one is the crowd, capturing a clean, well-composed shot without someone accidentally walking into the frame is almost an art in itself. Personally, it was even harder in the beginning because I am an introvert. Stepping out into the streets and pointing my camera at strangers felt awkward and uncomfortable at first. Balancing a demanding professional career alongside photography also adds its difficulties, it’s not always easy to find the time or energy for both. On top of that, some people get suspicious or uncomfortable when photographed, and explaining street photography isn’t always simple. Earning their trust, convincing them that my goal is to capture the beauty and truth of everyday life, requires patience and persistence. Over time, I learned to face these challenges. By going out regularly, I discovered how to blend into the crowd, observe quietly, approach scenes naturally, and sense when an ordinary moment might transform into something extraordinary. Looking back, I realize that every challenge was actually a hidden lesson, they pushed me out of my shell, strengthened my perspective, and helped me grow both as a photographer and as a person.
Do you ever wonder what happens to the people in your photos?
Yes, I often find myself wondering about the lives of the people I photograph. I think about both their past and their present. Sometimes I imagine meeting them again and showing them the moment I captured, explaining why I chose to freeze that particular instant. I wonder if they would remember that exact moment or the situation they were in when the photo was taken. At the same time, I think about the present, how they are now. In every photograph, we capture a moment in time, but life moves on. Some people have grown up, some have aged, some have faced struggles, and some have found happiness. All these possibilities and changes make me curious about their journeys beyond what the camera sees.
(c) Ayanava Sil
(c) Ayanava Sil
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about street photography?
In my opinion, the biggest misconception about street photography is that it is just about photographing strangers or mainly focusing on homeless people on the street. Many people think it is easy or random, like you just point a camera and capture anything. But for me, it is much more than that, it is about observation, patience and empathy. Street photography is about noticing the small, fleeting moments that reveal the beauty, emotion and stories of everyday life. It is about capturing those moments, which often go unnoticed, with clean composition and perfect timing, without disturbing the subject or their environment. Every photograph is a moment frozen in time, carefully chosen, not just clicked.
What are your favourite elements to capture in a street photograph? (light, colour, composition, human interaction, etc.)
I don’t think I have a single favorite element in street photography, light, color, composition, and human interaction all feel equally important to me, almost like different notes in the same song. Light gives mood and depth, sometimes turning an ordinary scene into something magical. Color can bring energy, warmth, or calmness depending on the moment. Composition is like the backbone, it helps me frame a story in a way that feels balanced and meaningful. And human interaction brings life, emotion, and unpredictability, which I love most about the streets. For me, the real magic lies in staying open to the unexpected. In the end, my favorite element is whatever connects with me in that moment and surprises me enough to press the shutter.
What is your take on social media influence on street photography?
I believe social media has opened up a whole new world for street photographers. It gives us a platform to share our work with a global audience, connect with other photographers and find inspiration from around the world. But at the same time, social media can create pressure to chase fame, collect likes, follow trends or create images that are simply popular or eye-catching rather than authentic and meaningful. For me, social media is a tool not a destination. I try not to let it control what I photograph. My focus stays on observing the world around me and capturing moments that speak to me personally. Social media can amplify those works but true passion for street photography comes from within. Even if all platforms disappeared tomorrow, I would still go out with my camera because I truly love this craft. I would keep shooting for myself, not just to show it to the world.
Are your prints available for purchase? If so, where can art buyers and collectors contact you to purchase them?
Yes, my prints are available for purchase. I believe a photograph takes on a new life when it is printed. If you are an art lover or collector interested in purchasing, please feel free to reach out to me directly. The easiest way is to send me a direct message on Instagram at @ayanava3. I truly enjoy connecting with people who value the stories behind my photographs and wish to make them part of their own world.
(c) Ayanava Sil
(c) Ayanava Sil
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
My advice to aspiring photographers is to stay curious and patient. Don’t start with the fear of “Am I good enough?” Instead, start with the joy of creating something that feels true to you. Photography is not a race, it’s a journey where every step teaches you something new about yourself and the world. Don’t copy trends just because they are popular. Look around, and you will find many stories waiting to be told in your own unique way. Learn the basics well, but don’t be afraid to break the rules when your heart tells you to. Most importantly, stay consistent. There will be days when you feel uninspired or unsure, but those are the days that will shape you the most if you keep going. Lastly, be gentle with yourself, even when progress feels slow and growth takes time. Remember, there is no single right way to make photographs that matter. Whether you want to turn photography into a profession or simply use it as a way to care for yourself, keep creating, keep exploring, and keep believing that your way of seeing the world matters. What you express through your photographs can touch and inspire others, often in ways you can’t imagine.
A huge thank you to (c) Ayanava Sil for sharing his incredible journey.
In Frame : Ayanava Sil