“Why Aren’t You Taking Photos Anymore?” is a heartfelt photobook by self-taught photographer Yuji Haikal. Through captivating images of Malaysia’s streets, Yuji goes on a personal journey to rediscover his love for photography and honor his late father’s memory. This meaningful collection celebrates love, loss, and the power of art to heal and inspire. The book has also earned international recognition, winning Book Photographer of the Year at the 2024 International Photography Awards (IPA)—a testament to the depth and emotion behind this project.
This is my debut hand-made, self-published photobook. Aside from the printing, every part has been crafted by me—from photographing, designing, editing, binding, sewing, to making the cover. The hardcover is made from denim fabric, with the title applied using silkscreen, and a pocket sewn on the back, resembling jeans. I’ve made only 100 copies, each handmade with care.
The title comes from a whisper, “Why aren’t you taking photos anymore?”—a question my late father, Syed Mahbar bin Syed Abu Bakar, once asked, now deeply resonating within me.
On March 19, 2020, my father passed away from a heart attack. Yet, it was his battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, caused by his long relationship with tobacco, that silently weakened him. Despite nights in the ICU, his spirit stayed strong. In those last precious days, surrounded by loved ones, he asked what seemed like a simple question.
“Why aren’t you taking photos anymore?”
At the time, I didn’t understand the true weight of his words. After his passing, the question resurfaced, touching my heart with a mix of guilt and longing. Drawn to places filled with memories, I ventured out with my rangefinder, capturing moments that reignited a spark within me. I believed that by returning to this art, my father would find peace, his smile shining down from above.
Since early 2022, I’ve walked the streets with renewed purpose, capturing life’s moments with deep intention. Workshops and research have guided me towards becoming the photographer my father would be proud of. Amidst the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur—where my father, mother, and I once walked—I find comfort in his unseen presence. This photobook, made with love, is a tribute to my beloved father and the start of an endless journey in photography.
To conclude this journey, at the end of the book, I have included a special 10-page booklet featuring archived photos of my late father. This final section is my way of celebrating his life, preserving his memory, and closing the loop on the question that sparked it all.
This photobook is entirely hand-made, except for the printing. I personally handled every step—capturing the photos, designing, editing, binding, sewing, and crafting the cover. The hardcover is made from denim fabric, with the title applied using a silkscreen technique. To add a unique touch, I sewed a pocket on the back, just like a pair of jeans. Only 100 copies exist, each carefully made by hand with dedication and love.