Fathering (5 images, one Nat'l Geographic style)

[stuny]

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It appears that at least in the lowlands and on the smaller islands of PNG, the fathers take as much a part in raising their children, as do the mothers. Four of these are in the Sepik region, and the last, posted here before, is from one of the small islands. All R8/DMR/28-70. To see more, check the Papua New Guinea photo galleries on our site.

[j. borger]

Another excellent series Stuart.

Especially the last one had my attention because the middle child's "modern cloths" makes a nice contrast with the cloths the other 2 wear ........ invading of western culture ..

[martinop]

Interesting and informative series. My personal favorites are #4 and #5.

[stuny]

JB & Paul -

 

Thank you.

[billh]

Are the traditional cloths and body paint worn normally, or are they dressed for an occasion?

[stuny]

Bill -

 

Thank you. The adult in the last shot was dressed for a dancing and singing performance (called a Sing Sing). You can see photos from about a half dozen different Sing Sings in four different parts of the country in the Papua New Guinea photo galleries on our site.

[wilfredo]

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That first photo seems to be the most natural to me and the father is obviously very relaxed. I think you captured a moment there. Have you considered croping it so the focus stays on the dad with his boy, keeping the two faces in the background? I find the foot on the lower right, the missing head on the upper right, and the hint of an eye on the upper left distracting. The power of this image rests on the father and son, this image has life. The third image is also very tender.

 

Cheers,

Wilfredo+

Benitez-Rivera Photography

[stuny]

Wilfredo -

 

Thank you, and a good idea. Please see below.

[MrEd]

Hi Stuart,

Amazing shots, I'm amazed at the willingness to pose for you and the pride they exhibit by showing their best outfits to people from distant lands.

Thanks for sharing.

Ed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[stuny]

Thank you, Ed. Even though each clan/tribe is fiercely territorial (and clan wars often erupt) many clans realize correctly that tourism is a good source of income. Interestingly, some clans have built simple facilities for tourists to experience village life. Sadly, the lack of travel infrastructure means that charter flights and charter boats are the only alternatives to backpacking, and they are expensive. Backpackers tend to travel on the cheap, which they will experience in the villages, but the long treks are actually dangerous. So far the in-village facilities are seldom used, and when used are usually not much more than an overnight experience away from a nearby conventional tourist facility. There is one advantage to the fragmented nature of this clan structure which has over 800 languages: international logging companies must cut deals with every clan in order to denude the land of trees. So far there have been very few contiguous clans willing to sell-out, and the country still maintains most of its intense beauty.