Papua New Guinea 2016

P apua New Guinea is a land on edge, and in many areas still a land forgotten in time. Ancient rituals, such as strict tribal practices, still reside in remote areas. This, along with the untouched beauty of their land and natural wildlife, present an unmatched opportunity to experience and photograph these rich cultural practices that will soon become history. While Papua New Guinea lacks tourist infrastructure and creature comforts, it certainly does serve up some of the most incredible photo opportunities in the world. Few destinations can compare with Papua New Guinea’s tribal authenticity, with colors, costumes and traditions galore.

This was the second annual Jim Cline Photo Tours, Papua New Guinea Photo Tour, the brainchild of good friend and photographer Richard Schoettger, who, last year worked tirelessly with Jim, Kat and myself, to develop and refine an itinerary which has again provided an unmatched photographic adventure, deep into the traditional culture of this amazing destination. Thanks Richard for the inspiration and help to get us going!

We’re offering two trips in 2017. Our first trip has already sold out, but there are still some spaces on our September 7-22 trip, which has exactly the same itinerary, except that we’ll do it in combination with the Goroka Festival rather than the Mt Hagen festival. The Goroka festival and the Mt Hagen festival are the largest annual gatherings of tribal people, with both festivals attracting in excess of 60 different tribes.

If you’re interested in coming along with us in September of 2017 I suggest that you visit our trip page at and either put yourself on the interest list or sign up for the tour. It’s a photo expedition that you’ll never forget!

With more than 1,000 different tribes and more than 800 languages our Papua New Guinea photo adventure concentrates on the Sing Sing festivals that were originated in the mid-1900’s, to peacefully allow each tribe to share their music, culture and traditions. Today, these Sing Sing festivals provide a rich tapestry of cultures that provide for a truly incredible photographic experience.

This years group of 11 photographers assembled in Port Moresby and before setting off to the Sepik river, we spent the afternoon in a small seaside community of Port Moresby meeting the friendly locals, shooting mostly portraits and getting our shutter fingers loosened up for the coming adventure.

This post includes both color and black and white images. I’m still undecided myself, as to which I prefer, so in some cases, I have displayed both. I’d be interested in your reactions.

In the coming days, I will post images from our Sepik river experience, but for now, enjoy these images from our “warm up shoot” in Port Moresby.

 

Ulrich, Bea, Zoe, Toby and Tony