Children of Papua 1
I’ve never done as many candid portraits in any country as I have in Papua New Guinea. I don’t know why, but maybe it’s the richness and color of the Papuan culture — more than 800 tribes with distinct features — that often drew my lens toward the young ones and their parents or activities. Or maybe it’s the simple, uncomplicated lives Papuans live. I have visited a total of 8 villages inhabited by various tribes during my visit and there was always a child or groups of children who got captured in my camera. The scene was not always lovely but I’m sure you can tell why they attracted my attention.
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The drag of endless mental work in a strange land takes its toll. Fatigue can kill so petty escapades provide hopeful deviations from the brewing madness. An aging DSLR keeps good company to a walk around the neighbourhood, a short drive to a scenic place, or a silent recollection in a quiet nook granting that the host community and the elements of nature would allow one a safe passage to solitude and contemplation. Loneliness quickly turns to joy when something exciting gets captured by the cam’s shutter then set free into the laptop’s screen followed by electric words that rush from the fingers to the keyboard in an effort to describe the moment. Alas, the brain is alive once again!
The young ones always love cameras! Was the same in South Africa, all wanted to be in the picture
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True. The challenge is in capturing their best expressions. Thanks, scrapydo.
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I like those faces! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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So sweet. Keep up the great work!
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Great capture of these expressive faces – can’t wait to see more of this trip.
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You can see their richness of spirit in their eyes.
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Very cool!
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Such beautiful children!
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Thanks a lot, ladies. This will be a long series dedicated to Papuan children and their parents. I appreciate your kind comments.
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What strikes me right away is that a lot of thought and emotion is revealed on these faces. Perhaps these young people have not yet learned to play poker face in the game of life as we have.
Beautiful to behold.
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I agree. They’re not just posing for the camera. There’s something going on in their minds. Thanks.
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Lovely and honest picture!
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Thanks.
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Real life isn’t always lovely…but it is usually compelling.
Thank you, Jessie.
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So true. Photography is not only about beautiful things — it can be about real life which, as you said, isn’t always lovely. Thanks, Scott.
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Beautiful faces in this photograph!
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Yes, so beautiful and innocent yet having compelling expressions on their faces. Thanks, Angeline.
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Great portrait… love the way they all stared into the lens
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And they stared without the usual excitement in front of the camera. Thanks.
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What a profound look on such an young age. Very poignant. Looking forward to more…
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That is a nice shot
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Wonderful faces …. good catch again.
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Tall person has worked in international development for much of his career and has been to many remote and underdeveloped places and had the privilege to meet many wonderful people and communties. Your picture reminds him of a photograph he took of children in a cloth weaving village in Bangladesh – curious faces and vivid color.
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Love those faces! I have sweet friends who teach in PNG.
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Marvelous Portrait.
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Em nau. Mi bin istap long dispela hap twopela yia pinis. Mi hamamas no gut tru long lukim foto bilong yu long ol pikinini.
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Hello, Russ. Translation please 🙂
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Yes, I lived in this place for two years. I’m very happy to look at your photos!
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Oh, thanks for translating. Good to know that you’re familiar with the place. Thanks for visiting.
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Jesse, you do have a way with children’s candids. I’m always deeply moved by them. Wonderful.
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beautiful! look forward to the series!
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Captain, your photos are as gentle as they could be and words too, are!
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Thank you, Kam.
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The little guy by the fence melted my heart. Your photos are awesome and they do tell a story.
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Beautiful faces! I love their eyes. So stoic, but beautifully so. The little one grinning is so cute. Gorgeous photos. I’m just loving your series on the children, Jessie!
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Glad you love this series, Gina. So encouraging and you put into words what I probably had only in my subconscious while taking these photos. Thanks a lot!
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