The Elephus Ethos

“Learning under Som Sir’s guidance has been an incredible journey — from understanding light and composition to discovering patience in the wild. Moving from portrait shots to landscape shots under Som Sir’s mentorship not only refined my craft but also inspired me to see stories beyond the frame. Grateful for the wisdom and encouragement Som Sir shared along the way ”

“I have done many photography trips with som. In India and abroad. He is not a tour guide to complete the siteseeing, but he is a mentor who takes you hand held through the experiences. Your photography experience is his main concern but at the same time he is a caretaker with elderly people like me. He makes you feel as young as he is. He basically loves nature, he is aware and concerned about conservation of it. He has a huge experience in photography, nature, birds, mammals and every kind of habitat. He is probably No. 1 photography mentor in India.”

“I’ve been travelling with him for the past 7-8 years and with his involvement and attention to detail, you always come back with something new. His anecdotes are a must!”

“I have done 3 Wildlife Safaris in Africa with Som. In all the safaris I have had awesome sightings and the arrangements were always topnotch. He is an excellent wildlife photography mentor and throughout the safari he keeps advising the settings and the reason for such camera settings. His patience is legendary and he diplomatically manages the expectations of all participants. His anticipation of animal behaviour is uncanny. When ever I require any advice on photography he is just a call away.”

“One of the world's best artisté in visual storytelling from whom learning never ends and there is always space for more! For me, it's always been "Yeh DIL Maange MORE AND MORE!!" and Believe me Som can't stop giving MORE AND MORE!”

“experiences with soumabrata sir have been exceptional... his trips are always exceptionally well planned and taking just 1 tour with him took my photography skills to the next level.”

“Som is a caring, knowledgeable and a patient person… always ready to help out with a smile! I’ve had the pleasure of going on three trips with him. His trips are well organised and comfortable… looking forward to more safaris with him! ”

“Doing safari with Soumbrata is total value for money. Because you are certain you will be having a scintillating, successful and insightful experience. I have grown in knowledge and joy by travelling with Soumbrata because in every trip, we have been able to see amazing natural sights and also been able to understand how the nature exists and works through his beautiful inputs. Plus he has a huge treasure of his own stories through which he regales you even during the off-jungle times. He has become for me a benchmark in wildlife and photography mentoring. ”

“I have travelled thrice with Som, (as he is normally called) to Manas, Amboli and Ranthambhor. I won't waste time on saying how good he is at arranging trips to jungle etc., which he is but what sets him apart is his story telling ability. A trip with him is a peep into his innumerable travel encounters with nature and its residents. He has been going to these places for decades and accompanying him helps one to be part of his experience and use his many contacts. He can arrange a hot cup chai deep inside a jungle or position the vehicle just at the location where Sher Khan would appear. He also has another super skill he can sleep in a safari within seconds and wake up just before any animal is sighted. He is a man with good intent and great spirit. Have fun with Som!! ”

“It’s almost a decade since I started my photography journey, and my very first wildlife trip was a macro photography tour in Amboli with Soumabrata Moulick. Since then, I’ve done all my wildlife trips only with him—because once you travel with Soum, there’s no reason to look elsewhere. What makes Soum Awe-Soum? He doesn’t just teach you how to use a camera—he teaches you how to see. With Soum, it’s never about just clicking a picture, it’s about creating a frame that sticks in the mind of anyone who looks at it. His wildlife knowledge is next-level. From names of species to their habitat and behavior—he’s like a walking, talking wildlife encyclopedia (and trust me, it comes in very handy when you’re in the wild). His spotting skills are unreal. While the rest of us are squinting hard to find something, Soum somehow manages to take a nap in a wildly shaking safari gypsy and then, the moment he opens his eyes, boom—he’s already spotted the subject before anyone else. The stories he shares on every trip? They’re as memorable as the photos we take. Half the time, I wonder if I’m signing up for a wildlife tour or a storytelling retreat. And here’s the best part—Soum is one of the very few people I know who does it all. From macro trips to birds to mammals, he covers every subject. He’s led trips all over India—north to south, northeast to Western Ghats, snow to deserts, rainforests to grasslands—and of course, the ultimate wildlife pilgrimage: Africa. For me, Soum has been more than a guide—he’s a mentor, a good friend, and the person who changed the way I approach photography. If you want to learn, laugh, and come back with both killer photos and unforgettable memories, you can’t go wrong with him.”

“In one word Amazing! I have been travelling with Som Sir for more than 8 years now. Been to so many jungles, seen so many varied habitats and had such great adventures!!! One thing which has been common in all these trips has been the passion which Som Sir displays for the wildlife, the photography, the unwavering enthusiasm and the zeal to make each and every trip ”

“I've had the pleasure of doing over 20 wildlife photography trips with Soum and each one has been an exceptional experience. What sets him apart is his unwavering "client-first approach" — he’s always attentive, patient, and ensures everyone gets the most out of every outing. His deep knowledge of wildlife behavior and its habitats has been invaluable in helping me understand and anticipate the perfect moments in the wild. Equally important is his on-field guidance, where he generously shares tips and techniques to elevate our photography in real time. Every trip has been a learning experience, and I credit much of my growth as a wildlife photographer to his mentorship. ”

“Tours with Soum are just amazing, wildlife viewing and clicking goes to a different level ”

“Always outstanding, he is very knowledgeable, very sensitive to his team and nature alike, very compassionate about his subjects, overall very caring for everyone. ”

“His trips are always a heady cocktail of pure adventure, joy & memorable experiences rolled into one. If it is a trip you need to go Som,'s the guy. ”

“All my trips with Som have been absolutely seamless and memorable journeys. His passion and knowledge for nature, coupled with incredible spotting skills brings wilderness to life making every moment unforgettable. ”

“Soumabrata is very professional while organising trips and fun to be with during the trips. I am looking forward to go to more trips with him. ”

“Highly knowledgeable, both, naturalist & wild life photographer! Super fun to be with ”

“I have done several trips with som in the last 7-8 years ( both domestic and international). Always enjoyed my trip with him thoroughly. His knowledge of wildlife is superb. His understanding of animal behaviour ensures that som is able to anticipate animal movement for some great pictures. He is ever full us great stories about his experience. Lastly but not the least, an excellent teacher who openly shares his knowledge of photography and editing. I have thoroughly enjoyed all my trips with him and look forward to many more in future. ”

“Som is a rare combination of a fantastic photographer and a genuinely warm, caring and wonderful human being. It is a privilege to travel with him, to learn from him and to be able to call him a friend. ”

“Learning with Som has been an enriching experience. As a mentor, he is patient and approachable, with strong technical knowledge that he shares freely. His guidance has helped me improve my photography skills and build confidence. He provides practical experience and constructive feedback. Each trip has been memorable; I’ve returned not only with photographs I’m proud of, but also with a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature and animal behaviour ”

“My 1st trip with Som was Bera. Before finalising I was very apprehensive as it was my 1st wild life trip alone. But it turned out to be my best one. Som is very simple, approachable and easy person. He has great knowledge of place and equipment. He is a great teacher and with him I never felt like a beginner . I look forward to future trips with him. ”