Discover how Captures’25 transformed aspiring creators into confident visual storytellers—completely free of charge.
If you’ve ever dreamed of telling powerful stories through photography or videography, Captures’25 was the event made for you. Organized by the Rotaract Club of University of Peradeniya in collaboration with Perabeats, the official media society of the university, Captures’25 was not just a set of workshops. Because, it was a launchpad for creative excellence.
This event brought together award-winning professionals and over 300 passionate participants for a series of photography and videography workshops in Sri Lanka. Whether you joined as a beginner or a budding pro, Captures’25 gave you the ultimate chance to level up your skills, from zero to hero.
What made it even more remarkable? Of course, every session, every expert, and every experience was offered absolutely free of charge. From captivating masterclasses to an adrenaline-fueled photography and videography competition, Captures’25 proved that passion needs no price tag.
Let’s take a walk through the lens of this unforgettable journey.
Captures’25 : Workshop 1
Into the Wild – Wildlife & Nature Photography with Prasad Hapuarachchi
The series kicked off with a thunderous start at the University of Peradeniya on 27th April 2025. Mr. Prasad Hapuarachchi took the stage as the guest speaker for the day. He is a legendary wildlife and nature photographer, Founder of Wild Squad and an esteemed conservationist. His session was more than a workshop. It was a window into the heart of the wilderness.
Participants were spellbound as he unraveled decades of experience in capturing elusive moments in nature. With stories from the field, deep conservation insights, and powerful photographic techniques, he transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary. Mr. Prasad not only gave the knowledge about phtography, but also about nature and biodiversity. Therefore, the attendees gained more than technical knowledge. They carried a deeper respect for the nature, and a newfound ability to freeze its magic in time.
The workshop was completely exciting because, it catered practical experience. Some participants feedback that it was their first time touching a professional camera.
Captures’25 : Workshop 2
Pixels in Your Pocket – Mobile & Creative Photography with Lahiru Rumesh Rathnayake
On 3rd May 2025, Captures’25 went digital—literally—with a high-energy online session led by Mr. Lahiru Rumesh Rathnayake. He is a rising star in mobile and creative photography. His session proved that you don’t need fancy gear to tell extraordinary stories. You only need talent, vision—and a fully charged phone.
With over 100 participants tuned in via Google Meet for this workshop. During the session, Mr. Lahiru demonstrated real-time techniques. As well as, creative framing, lighting hacks, and mobile editing skills. This left the audience empowered and inspired. This session was a powerful reminder that art isn’t about tools. It’s about seeing the world differently. Undoubtedly, everyone walked away ready to turn their everyday snaps into scroll-stopping visuals.
Watch on YouTube>>
Captures’25 : Workshop 3
Editing with Soul – Lightroom Secrets with Saranga Abeykoon
For those curious about what happens after the click, Mr. Saranga Abeykoon offered an unforgettable dive into the art of post-processing. He is a former president of Perabeats and the founder of Miracle Moments and Melora Weddings. So, with his expertise, he described how to sculpt emotion, color, and narrative in Adobe Lightroom.
He guided the participants through practical editing workflows. Moreover, he addressed various genres of photography and editing. Such as, monochrome editing, wedding photo editing and landsccape photo editing. The session and the Q&A gave a clearer understanding of how to craft images with meaning. It was held on the 11th May 2025 via Google Meet.
Watch on YouTube>>
Captures’25 : Workshop 4
The Streets are Speaking – Street Photography with Ravindra Ranasinghe
There was a different kind of thrill in the air as Mr. Ravindra Ranasinghe joined us. He is one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated street photographers, known internationally for holding the prestigious EFIAP distinction. He brought a fearless, honest, and above all, a human approach to street photography. The session was held on the 17th May 2025 at the University of Peradeniya.
Participants learned how to observe and frame emotions, patterns of daily life, and the beauty of the mundane. It was more than technical—it was philosophical. In the evening, the most eagerly awaited Photo Walk took place in the Kandy Town. Everybody enjoyed applying what they learned as theory into practice. Certainly, this session was one of the most memorable highlights of Captures’25, which left everyone richer in spirit.
Captures’25 : Workshop 5
Lights, Camera, Legacy – Cinematic Videography with Vishwa Balasooriya & Anusha Jayawardana
The grand finale on 18th May 2025 brought not one but two cinematic visionaries to the stage—Mr. Vishwa Balasooriya and Mr. Anusha Sanjeewa Jayawardana. This powerhouse session on cinematic videography and editing was nothing short of transformational.
Cinematography
Vishwa Balasooriya is a prominent figure in Sri Lankan Cinema Industry. He is an award-winning filmmaker and a creative director. Initially, he broke down the core principles of cinematography. Then, moved into framing motion with emotion. His energy, expertise, and clarity turned the daunting process of videography into an accessible, fascinating art form. Furthermore, the participants could get a real, on-set filming experience with a thrilling role-play.
Editing and Color Grading
Then, Mr. Anusha Jayawardana guided evryone through the editing process in DaVinci Resolve. He is a veteran director and editor with over two decades of experience in television, cinema, and documentary storytelling. His walkthrough of editing principles, with a live editing of footages gave attendees an unparalleled opportunity to learn. This session was facilitated by TechLobby, one of the largest digital cinema and broadcasting equipment retailers in Sri Lanka. Their crew also assisted the partcipants throughout the workshop to get the most out of it.
Together, they didn’t just teach filmmaking. In fact, they redefined it for every aspiring storyteller in the room. This session proved how Captures’25 wasn’t just about learning techniques—it was about building creative identity.
Many enthusiasts across the country requested to stream this session online. Accordingly, within a short amount of time, the organizing committee decided to give a facebook live. Therefore, the first segmeOh you’d like a glimpse? Catch it here>>
Beyond the Workshops – The Captures’25 Competition
Running alongside the workshops was the Captures’25 competition. It was also a free and open creative challenge that invited participants to showcase their talent. Submissions poured in from across the country, with powerful photos and videos that reflected the spirit of the event.
The competition allowed submissions under 4 categories. Namely, Mobile photography, Street Photogeaphy, Nature and Wildlife Photography and Mini Cinematic Videos. This created the platform for beginners, intermediates and experts to elevate their skills.
This competition encouraged experimentation, bold storytelling, and friendly rivalry. As a result, making it one of the most exciting parts of the entire series.
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Captures’25: A Movement, Not Just a Project
Looking back, Captures’25 was more than a series of events. It was a creative bootcamp that gave participants the skills, confidence, mentorship and networking to evolve. Besides, every single session was conducted free of charge, making high-quality creative education accessible to all.
Whether you joined with zero experience or came looking to refine your craft, Captures’25 offered the tools to level up. Additionally, the community to grow with. In conclusoin, this was a project where anyone could transform curiosity into craft, and passion into purpose.
What’s Next?
Captures’25 and its impact undoubtedly lives on through every captured frame, edited video, and inspired creator. Follow the Captures and Rotaract Club of University of Peradeniya and to stay updated on future workshops, competitions, and projects.
Did you attend Captures’25?
Share your experience! Also, don’t forget to tag us using #Captures25 #RotaractPera #Rotaract #RID3220 #RotaDiaries #TheMagicOfRotary #TodaysYouth #TomorrowsFuture
