Behind the Lens

Soumya Shankar Ghosal is a Kolkata-based documentary photographer, author, and Professor of Practice whose work spans creativity, education, and strategic insight. With decades of experience, his photographs have been acknowledged by the World Bank’s CGAP, the Government of India, and leading cultural institutions, and have appeared in publications such as National Geographic Traveler India, Lonely Planet, and CNN Travel. He has curated India’s first official Instagram exhibition on behalf of Facebook, was ranked the third most influential street photographer in the world in 2017, and was honored with the BLF Inspirational Award at the Banaras Literature Festival.

Soumya’s practice focuses on the intersection of artistry and social impact. An Ex-Canon EOS Maestro, he has worked closely with community groups and organizations like the Kolkata Police and the Ophthalmological Society of West Bengal to explore photography as a tool for communication and artistic expression. In academia, he contributes at leading universities, where he develops curricula, teaches applied courses, and mentors students.

Author Profile

As an author and management consultant, Soumya bridges the worlds of corporate leadership and creative storytelling. His writing synthesizes decades of experience traversing business strategy, data analysis, and visual arts.

  • Published Work: Author of The Corporate Arjuna, a hardcover publication that reinterprets timeless philosophical and strategic wisdom for modern professionals, leaders, and decision-makers.
  • Articles & Contributions: His written pieces, essays, and photographic columns have been featured regularly in publications such as Epson Fotoflock, Better Photography, Asian Photography Magazine, and various leading regional and national dailies.
  • Academic & Literary Engagement: An invited speaker, panelist, and featured artist at prestigious literary gatherings—including the Banaras Literature Festival—where his dual expertise in visual narrative and structured management frameworks provides unique insights into leadership, creativity, and human behavior.

Accolades

  • Special Mention Award from CGAP — World Bank in 2013
  • Grand Winner of Red Frames FOMC 2013
  • National Winner — ICICI Bank Live Your Passion Grand Challenge — 2017
  • Runner-up & Top 10 at Namami Gange Photography Contest 2018 (Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India)
  • Second Runners Up at Ministry of Information & Cultural Affairs — Government of West Bengal
  • Honorary Mention at Utkarsh Bangla PBSSD — Government of West Bengal
  • Silver Medal and Honorary Mentions at Eyewin International Photography Awards 2018
  • Recipient of Sahapedia Frames Photography Grant 2019
  • HIPA 8th Season Finalist and winner of several other Photography Contests held by Nikon, Fujifilm, Olympus, etc.
  • Recipient of the BLF Inspirational Award at the Banaras Literature Festival 2026, where his work was showcased alongside top global photographers.
  • Ranked number 3 in “The 20 most influential Street Photographers of 2017” by StreetHunters.net.

Publications

Soumya’s work has been published in leading international and Indian publications, including:

  • NationalGeographic.com, National Geographic Traveller India, Lonely Planet, India Today, 1X, Better Photography, Life Force Magazine, DPS (Digital Photography School), Fujifilm India, Sigma, 121clicks.com, CNN Travel, Sahapedia, Creative IMAGE, Getty Images, Scroll, The Times of India, Business Insider India, Gate 7, Tripoto, YourStory Bangla, DNA, The Tribune, The Telegraph, Anandabazar Patrika, Uttarbanga Sambad, Get Bengal, The Photographic Angle, Roli Books, Top Photography Films, Asian Photography Magazine, Indian Photo Arts, CREDAI Real Estate, Conflating Visions, and Writing Through Light.
  • Featured in coffee table books and yearbooks such as Epson Fotoflock, India 5 Senses, Calcutta Then Kolkata Now, HIPA Hope Book, Street Photography India (SPI), Sadak Chhaap, 1X Year Book Mono, and World Street Photography.

Industry Association & Projects

  • Ex-Canon EOS Maestro.
  • Curator for Facebook’s first official Instagram exhibition held in India (January 2016).
  • Served as a Judge for the Utkarsh Bangla Photography & Videography Competition 2026, a prestigious initiative by Utkarsh Bangla, the Paschim Banga Society for Skill Development (PBSSD), and the Department of Technical Education, Training and Skill Development, Govt. of West Bengal.
  • Associated with photography projects across brands including Ministry of Tourism (Indiatourism Kolkata), Wikipedia, IBM, Idea Cellular, Amazon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Sigma, Tamron, Haldia Petrochemicals, The Chatterjee Group, Indus Towers, Orbit Animate, Asian Photography Magazine, Apeejay Group, ITC Hotels, Lalit Great Eastern, Vivo, Honor, and Turtle.

Academic Initiatives & Mentorship

  • Initiated photography projects and educational programs at prestigious institutes including IIM Calcutta, Indian Statistical Institute (Kolkata), Presidency University, St. Xavier’s University, South City College, Medical College Kolkata, NRS Medical College, IISWBM, NIT Durgapur, NSHM School of Media & Communication, Derozio Memorial College, MAKAUT, Chitkara University, iLEAD, SPI, Modern High School for Girls, Modern High School International, The Heritage College, BIMS, Bhawanipur Education Society, YLAC Counter Speech Fellowship with Instagram, CRY, ISKCON, and various leading schools in Kolkata.
  • Featured Speaker at The Telegraph and Anandabazar Education Symposium programs.
  • Mentored photography clubs of the Kolkata Police and the Ophthalmological Society of West Bengal (OSWB).
  • Founder of “Streets of Calcutta,” one of the largest city-dedicated street photography movements with a follower base of 41,000+.
  • Frequently invited as a judge for photography competitions and quiz master for the photography category at the Kolkata Quiz Festival.

Education & Profession

Roles: Management Consultant specializing in Data Analysis, Professor of Practice, Guest Lecturer in Business Management, Photography, and Web Technologies, and University Examiner/Question Setter.

Education: MBA in Finance, GNIIT in Systems Management, ISO 9000 Internal Auditor Certification, and MCP.