Papua New Guinea Photo Tour

Papua 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 Guineas tribal authenticity, with colors, costumes and traditions galore.

This was the inaugural Jim Cline Photo Tours, Papua New Guinea Photo Tour, the brainchild of good friend and photographer Richard Schoettger, who worked tirelessly with Jim, Kat and myself, to develop and refine an itinerary which provided an unmatched photographic adventure, deep into the traditional culture of this amazing destination.

With more than 1,000 different tribes and languages that historically have warred among themselves over hundreds of years, this 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. We will have the honored opportunity to experience up-front and close 50-70 tribes as they prepare and perform for you during the Mt. Hagen Sing Sing. In addition, we will have an entire day, known as the Paiya mini-show, (invitation only), that allows us to be truly personal with many tribes as they prepare and perform up-close dances and demonstrate their way of life.

Our group of 10 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, with just 19 images, will be the first of several posts, chronicling our trip in Papua New Guinea.

 

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