Photography & Digital ArtAUG 26, 2025

My 30 Photos Showcasing Streetscapes And Candid Moments

My name is Ayanava Sil, and street photography has always been the language through which I connect with the world. Walking across the streets of Kolkata, or whichever city I find myself in, I feel the rhythm of life beating right in front of my eyes. Every corner hides a story, and every fleeting interaction has the power to become timeless when I capture it through my lens. For me, photography is not just about making pictures—it’s about telling stories that might otherwise vanish in the crowd of everyday life.

Most of the time, I shoot in color because I love the richness and energy that colors bring. Yet there are moments when I feel compelled to strip away the colors and turn to black and white. There is something timeless about a monochrome frame; it holds no expiration date. A black-and-white image could have been taken yesterday or half a century ago, and it would still feel relevant. Without the distraction of color, my attention naturally shifts to the essence—the lines and shapes, the play of light and shadow, and the depth of expressions. I am drawn to how these images can often speak louder and clearer when presented in black and white.

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#1

My 30 Photos Showcasing Streetscapes And Candid Moments

15points

Storytelling lies at the heart of my photography, and I believe black and white enhances that element even more. When colors fade away, what remains are gestures, body language, and raw emotions. These moments are no longer just fragments of one city—they become universal pictures of humanity, something anyone can connect to, no matter where they are.

#2

15points

#3

14points

As a self-taught street and documentary photographer, my learning has always come directly from the streets themselves. During the weekdays, I work for a global e-commerce and tech corporation, while my weekends are devoted to photography. Over the years, documenting people has made me realize that every person I encounter carries a narrative worth remembering. Photography is my opportunity to embrace human realities—both known and unknown—and it continues to shape my journey. My work has received global recognition through exhibitions, international photo festivals, and publications, including National Geographic, Vogue, Business Standard, APF Street Photography Magazine, CNN, and 1x.com, to name a few. I have been honored with awards such as the Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Awards, the Urban Photo Awards, and the 35Awards. Yet, beyond these recognitions, what matters most to me is the silent and honest connection I make with the moments I capture.

#4

14points

#5

14points

For me, the power of black-and-white photography lies in its honesty. It removes distractions and presents life in its simplest form. While I adore color and continue to shoot in it most of the time, I always return to black and white when I want to tell a story in its purest way. Street photography is about noticing life as it unfolds in front of us—raw, spontaneous, and unrepeatable. And in black and white, those raw moments shine brighter, speaking directly to the heart without the need for anything else.