Jakarta \u2013 Despite the growing sophistication of smartphone cameras,\nthe services of street photographers operating in the National Monument\n(Monas) area of Jakarta have not been entirely abandoned.<\/p>\n
At a rate of Rp 20,000 per printed photograph, several visitors\nadmitted they remain interested in using such services, particularly to\ncapture moments of togetherness.<\/p>\n
On Friday (27 February 2026), Kompas.com spoke with several visitors\nwho had just been photographed by street photographers in the Monas\ncourtyard.<\/p>\n
Dewi, 29, a resident of Depok, came with two friends. They initially\nwere simply strolling around the Monas area. However, when a\nphotographer offered his services, they did not refuse.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was just photographed by the gentleman, so we went ahead with it.\nWe rarely come here as a group of three,\u201d said Dewi.<\/p>\n
According to her, despite carrying a personal smartphone, the results\nfrom a DSLR camera looked better, particularly in terms of lighting and\ncomposition.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen using a phone, sometimes the photo is cut off or dark. With\nthis, the Monas is clearly visible,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n
Dewi paid Rp 20,000 for one standard-sized printed photograph. She\nconsidered the price reasonable for an iconic tourist location like\nMonas.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s still okay at Rp 20,000. The photo is ready immediately, no\nwaiting,\u201d said Dewi.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen there\u2019s a big group and we want a photo together, I usually use\nthis service. It\u2019s awkward to ask someone else to take the picture,\u201d she\nadded.<\/p>\n
For Dewi, printed photographs held particular sentimental value\ncompared to digital files on a mobile phone.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrinted photos feel more meaningful. You can keep them. With a\nphone, you often forget about them,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
A similar view was expressed by Fajar, 29, a resident of Tangerang,\nwho came with his wife and child. He admitted he had not originally\nplanned to use a street photographer\u2019s services.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/street-photographers-at-monas-survive-in-the-era-of-advanced-smartphone-cameras-1772456409", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }