In August we got to attend celebrations for Indonesia's Independence Day anniversary celebrations in Surabaya. 

Due to security concerns we couldn't get a good angle on the parade. But a part of a photographer's task is to discern where's the accessible story? I love envornmental portraiture ala street photography. So, if you can't shoot a parade, then capture the parade participants as they start to march down the street. The light was great and the uniforms colorful.

Perhaps because Indonesia is one of those countries that had to fight hard for their independence everyone had enthusiastic faces. We enjoyed seeing their contagious joy--both those in uniform and Indonesian citizens--of a great people celebrating their freedom and independence.

With no further ado, enjoy!