Eric Loo commented on "Idul Fitri 1430 H Celebration in Indonesia" (5 months ago)

Hi Ali:
Good work. Compelling photos, which give readers a 'feel' of Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations in Jakarta, despite the urban poverty. Here lies the opportunity in your photo essay to tell compelling short stories beyond what the photographs show. For example, photo 5 shows children, barefooted, clambering on a bajaj. I wonder where they come from? Are they some of the many homeless kids we see most nights sleeping on sidewalks and street pavements? Where do they go after the bajaj ride?

Photo 4 shows a beggar sleeping on his cart, while others go about their day - presumably going to mosque. Does he represent the many beggars from the kampungs who came to the city to earn a living? Where's his family? Your photo-essay can be much more compelling and informative if you write your captions beyond what readers can see in the photos. This can be achieved by just talking to the people to tell their stories. True, photo-essays are essentially stories told through images rather than words. Nevertheless, the impact would be more memorable, and the stories so much richer if the photos are accompanied by creative text.