Hi, I'm Shashwat Mohapatra

A Young Traveller and Storyteller

“A Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step” – Lao Tzu

A Boy with a camera, a backpack and a thousand dreams in his eyes.

I am Shashwat Mohapatra, Shaz for short, a 22 year old UK based Indian aspiring documentary photographer/filmmaker and writer. I have been travelling since a very young age through forests, mountains, cities documenting wildlife, meeting new people and experiencing new things. The camera has always been my way of communication. Whether it be photos, videos or through writing, I love telling stories. Being passionate about travelling, wildlife and exploring, I have visited 18 countries so far across 3 different continents and travelled widely across my home country India in search of stories. “Giving Voice to the Voiceless” is something I want to continue doing through my work. This website is a reflection of my journey and my work where I want to share stories, photos, films and connect with people.

What to expect?

My Journey so far

  • 2010

    First Camera at Age 6

    Got my first Canon point-and-shoot and started chasing stories. Everything for me has a story in it which is untold. Being in nature and watching wildlife became peaceful from this very moment.

    • Photography
    • Storytelling
    • Age 6
  • Early Years

    Zoos to the Wild

    It broke my heart to see animals captive. That's when the obsession of travelling to see them in the wild truly caught me. My love for travel and wildlife developed immensely.

    • Wildlife
    • Conservation
    • Nature
  • 2022

    Moved to the UK & Solo Travel

    After moving to the UK for my Bachelors, I started solo travelling and fell in love with it. I didn't realise how much I enjoyed travelling, experiencing things and meeting new people until I started to travel solo.

    • United Kingdom
    • Solo Travel
    • Bachelors
  • Graduation

    BSc Ecology & Conservation

    Graduated with a degree in Ecology and Conservation and began working in the media industry — combining science, storytelling and a lifelong love of the natural world.

    • Ecology
    • Conservation
    • Media Industry
  • Now

    Sharing the Journey

    Having 10+ years in wildlife photography and 5 years in filming, I am sharing all I have learnt — from winning awards and spending days and nights in the wild, to experiencing what life is all about. Many more adventures to come.

    • 10+ Yrs Wildlife
    • 5+ Yrs Filming
    • Awards
    • More to Come
The adventure continues →

Awards and Recognitions

I’m always looking to collaborate on stories that explore wildlife, conservation, travel, and the social impact of our relationship with nature. If you have a project, expedition, or story worth telling, let’s connect via LinkedIn or mail me at shazmohapatra0504@gmail.com.

Award

Year

TAFU Teen Nature Photographer of the Year — 2nd Place

Teens and Friends United Nature Conservation Organisation
Know More →

2023

Wildlife Photography Competition — Runners Up

Pakke Hornbill Festival · Arunachal Pradesh, India

2022

2021