Third-generation photographer Devansh Soni, originally from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, recently presented his debut exhibition, ‘Between Horizons’, in Brighton.
The exhibition creates a visual and emotional bridge between the two places that have shaped his journey; Gujarat and Sussex.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Devansh discussed the inspiration behind the exhibition, his family’s photography legacy, his creative journey and the experiences that shaped his work.
What was the initial idea or moment that led you to create ‘Between Horizons’?
“Between Horizons” wasn’t an idea that came together overnight. I had been working on the project for almost three years. I’m a third-generation photographer; my grandfather and father were both photographers and I came to Brighton in 2023 to pursue a Master’s in Filmmaking at the University of Sussex. Back in India, I had built a portfolio while working with media and film production companies. But after coming here, I wanted to create something of my own. This project is very close to my heart, bringing together photographs from India and Sussex. The idea behind “Between Horizons” was to connect these two places, particularly Sussex and Western India, through photography.
The exhibition brings together Gujarat and the Sussex coastline. What do these two landscapes represent to you personally?
The main idea behind the exhibition is the sea and the way it connects these two places. But the photographs are not simply about landscapes; they are about the emotions and feelings of a particular moment. I wanted the images to make people pause, get immersed in the scene and perhaps see something unexpected. I also experimented with different photographic techniques, including motion blur and slow-shutter photography, which you can see in some of the images of roads and trees. There are also a few portraits. It was a small exhibition, with around 15 photographs, but each image is connected to the others and contributes to the overall story.
Photography is part of your family history, with both your grandfather and father being photographers. How has growing up around photography shaped your way of seeing?
I grew up in Ahmedabad, where my father ran a photography studio. As a child, I would often watch him work, and I remember being fascinated by the process, especially in the days of film cameras and photo rolls. I loved seeing how photographs were created and how they captured memories. My grandfather was also a photographer, so photography has always been part of my family. In 2015, I started using my father’s camera, and that was when I realised this was something I wanted to pursue. I wanted to find my own style rather than simply follow the studio tradition, while still carrying forward the techniques and legacy passed down to me. I’m very proud to continue that family connection through my work.
How does your Gujarati heritage find its way into your photography, even when you are photographing Britain?
When I photograph here, I often think about the old streets of Ahmedabad and the images I captured there. For example, there is a photograph of a dog sitting in a moving rickshaw, which reminded me of Gujarat and made me feel as though I was back in that moment. Although I use different techniques and equipment here, the most important thing is how my vision has evolved. Moving from India to Sussex has introduced me to new people, landscapes and moments. Even familiar subjects, such as sunsets, take on a different meaning here. The photograph of the West Pier sunset, for instance, reflects that new perspective while still carrying a sense of familiarity from home.
What have you found most challenging about establishing yourself creatively in a new country?
The biggest challenge was managing the production costs, which are quite high, especially for a debut solo exhibition. Organising an exhibition in Brighton, a city known for its strong arts and creative community, was particularly challenging. Despite that, the exhibition attracted more than 100 visitors and received very positive feedback. Many people said they connected with the photographs and found the work fresh and different from what they had seen before.
