Overview
At Riseup Labs, we’ve always believed that work should be more than deadlines, projects, and meetings. It should be a place where people feel connected, celebrated, and inspired.
On World Photography Day 2025, we tried something simple: a photography contest for our employees. No big budgets, no elaborate plans—just an open invitation to pause, click, and share.
What happened next reminded us of a powerful truth: sometimes the smallest gestures create the biggest cultural impact.
Why We Did It: Breaking the Routine
In the rhythm of everyday work, monotony can quietly creep in. To counter that, we wanted to give our people a moment of expression, something lighthearted that would let them show sides of themselves we don’t usually see at the office.
The Photography Contest wasn’t just about taking pretty pictures. It was about:
- Inviting creativity into our workday.
- Shifting focus from tasks to people.
- Making space for connection across departments.
- Reminding everyone that joy is as important as performance.
The Experience: From Clicks to Connection
The contest came alive with an energy that surprised us. Employees from all corners of the company submitted photos—sunrise shots, candid laughs, everyday desk setups, even playful experiments blending tech and nature.
What stood out wasn’t just the photos—it was the reactions.
- Colleagues rallied around each photo with reactions, comments, and applause.
- Departments that rarely interact found themselves connected through a shared appreciation of creativity.
- The workplace became a gallery of stories, and for a moment, conversations were about photos, not projects.
Meet the Winners: Frames That Captured Our Hearts
While every submission carried its own charm, three photos captured hearts across the company:
- First Place [Md Sohanur Rahman] – A radiant dawn sky, reminding us of new beginnings.
- Second Place [Abdul Gaffar] – A serene bridge scene in black and white, capturing simplicity with a timeless perspective.
- Third Place [Md Eshan] – Nature’s close-up with dewdrops, reminding us that beauty lives in small details.
But the real victory? The collective spirit. Every photo—whether it won or not—added to the gallery of joy we created together.
What We Learned?
At first glance, a photography contest might seem like just fun. But, this small initiative has really taught us some big lessons:
- People felt more connected not by talking about work, but by sharing glimpses of their worlds.
- The laughter, applause, and camaraderie turned a simple contest into a cultural milestone.
- You don’t need massive programs to impact culture—just a small, thoughtful action can make workdays feel lighter and lives feel richer.
Voices from the Contest
- “This wasn’t about prizes. It was about connection. For one day, we all looked at work—and each other—differently.”
— Rakib Hasan Dipu, Project Manager - “I saw my colleagues in a new light, through their eyes and their creativity. It reminded me we’re more than job titles.”
— Taslima Binta Hafiz, Senior HR Generalist - “I almost didn’t submit my photo. But when I saw everyone sharing, it felt like family. It made my day.”
— Atik Mahmud, Business Analyst
Looking Ahead: The Bigger Picture
The Riseup Labs Photography Contest 2025 was never just about photography. It was about people. About pausing for a moment, capturing life, and celebrating togetherness.
And if there’s one lesson we will carry forward, it’s this: when we nurture creativity, we don’t just create art—we create culture.
Want to see more? Follow us on our social media channels—the big picture is only getting brighter.
This page was last edited on 24 August 2025, at 10:58 am
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