When a destination captures you so completely, it’s hard to pull favorite images to share. I’ve been struggling with that myself as I sort through my Papua New Guinea photos.
I don’t claim to be an excellent photographer, but sometimes the subject matter makes me look more talented than I am. Such is the case here 🙂
Because I had such a hard time pulling favorites, I thought I’d split my images up into at least 2 posts and share these with you a handful at a time.
This man was a participant at the Mt. Hagen Singsing. He is a member of a tribe located in Mt. Hagen (in the Highlands) and is wearing a knit cap, shells, beads and a seed necklace. I love his intense stare and his perfect makeup.
I have to admit that this is an image that I’m proud of – having been able to get his face in focus in the mirror as he applies makeup in preparation for a singsing. Prior to the show, it’s very easy for people to walk around and photograph the participants as they prepare for their performances. It’s a source of pride to have their photos taken and they seem disappointed if you walk by without taking their picture.
Men do outnumber women at the singsings, but the women are just as talented with their singing and dancing performances. Many of the women wear a lot of makeup, beaded jewelry and clothes, but this woman is more simply decorated.
Isn’t he handsome? The truth is that the men are generally in very good shape as their lifestyle is very difficult. For many, they spend their days hunting in order to feed their families and are responsible for defending their villages. Tribal warfare is not uncommon, especially in the more remote areas. As much as I might have a crush on this guy, I would not want to unexpectedly meet him in the forest.
*****
There’s a taste of this fascinating country. You can see all of my favorite images on the Wanderlust and Lipstick Fan Page on Facebook and I’ll be posting more here, too.
Travel Well!
Beth
Related links:
Coming Home – the Bittersweet Truth
Return to Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Tours
Great photos, Beth!
Great subjects and GREAT photos.
Congratulations. What do you mean you’re not a good photographer? And what’s with the green hair-stuff?
Amazing photos Beth! You are right, the mirror shot is incredible, not only for getting the face in focus, but for capturing such an intimate moment. Congratulations. You make me want to go to Papua New Guinea really bad!
Beautiful photos! Beautiful people!
Vera – by “green hair stuff” I assume you mean the moss/grass? They use natural materials to decorate themselves and that’s just one of the things they incorporate.
Deb – I’ve got spots waiting for you and Dave next year 🙂 I plan to do another August trip for the Mt. Hagen singsing and then another one for the Goroka show in October!
incredible photos. i want to go!!
The mirror photo is amazing! Am going to Goroka in two weeks and my aim is to get a photo just like that! 🙂
“they seem disappointed if you walk by without taking their picture.”
– Thanks for this tip, it’s great to know little things like this before going there myself. I’d love to see a singsing live, seems like an awesome experience 🙂