Papua New Guinea

Travel Portrait Masterclass

12-24 September 2022

CHF 6,995

All-inclusive except international flight

13 DAYS

4-6 PEOPLE

4/3* HOTELS

VILLAGE STAY

The ultimate destination for people photography, and for a trip of a lifetime - Papua New Guinea is home to a dizzying diversity of authentic indigenous cultures. From painted faces & bodies to wigs, masks and feathers, Papua will bring to life your wildest exotic images, and easily exceed them.

 

We are going there at the time of two major festivals, giving us an opportunity to sample all this cultural variety in its full glory. We will also experience the ethnic diversity of the country, from fierce & short-tempered highland tribes to mellow polynesian vibe of Trobriand islanders.

 

Expect the most exotic people images & encounters of your life. Be prepared for 2 nights in a real polynesian village, living in people’s houses, with no electricity, toilet or running water.

Locations

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Tari

Hidden deep in Papua's highlands, this is home to Huli tribe, famous for their elaborate face paintings and wigs. In Huli tradition, women do all the work, so that men can concentrate on their appearance - which they do with a great gusto. Especially during tribal wars - when you can see warriors in full colourful attire having a snack on the roadside before joining the fight. 

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Goroka Festival

Once a year, the highland town of Goroka hosts a 2-day festival, which brings over 100 tribes - with dazzling variety of stunning dresses, face paintings and masks - to perform their tribal dances. A hair-raising, other-worldly experience and an ultimate photographers paradise. With VIP tickets, we will be free to move among the dancing groups, as close as we want.

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Hiri Moale

Hiri Moale is a festival held in capital Port Moresby on Independence Day, on a beach. It culminates with a beauty contest, where over 20 contestants compete in traditional dresses - topless with elaborate body paintings. The festival also features numerous dancing troupes in gorgeous Polynesian-style dresses - very different from the highland tribes in Goroka,

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Trobriand Islands

Trobriand islanders, who are of Polynesian descent, are polar opposite of the highland tribes - gentle, soft-spoken and avoiding conflict. We will stay 2 nights in the local village, integrating with the villagers, watching their dances, and witnessing weekly Traditional Day at school, when all kids are required to show up in traditional dresses, complete with intricate face paintings.

Itinerary

Trip dates and itinerary sequence may change, depending on flight schedule next year (some locations have only 1-2 flights a week)

Mon 12 Sep - Tari

Arrival in Port Moresby (early morning)

Flight Port Moresby - Tari

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Tue 13 Sep - Tari

Encounters with Huli tribe

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Wed 14 Sep - Tari

Encounters with Huli tribe

Tari market

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Thu 15 Sep

Flight Tari - Port Moresby

Hiri Male festival

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Fri 16 Sep - Port Moresby

Hiri Moale festival (including beauty contest)

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Sat 17 Sep - Goroka

Flight Port Moresby - Goroka

Goroka Festival Day 1 

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Sun 18 Sep - Goroka

Goroka Festival Day 2

Mon 19 Sep

Flight Goroka - Port Moresby

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Tue 20 Sep - Trobriand Islands

Flight Port Moresby - Losuia

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Wed 21 Sep - Trobriand Islands

Losuia street photography

Transfer to a village

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Thu 22 Sep - Trobriand Islands

Village stay

Traditional dance at the village

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Fri 23 Sep - Trobriand Islands

Village stay

Traditional Day at school (including preparation - face painting etc)

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Sat 24 Sep

Flight Losuia - Port Moresby 

Departure home (evening)

Photographic Coaching

  • Full-time coaching by Pawel Lipski

  • Creative techniques & tips for travel portraits - both candid & posed

  • Camera settings for travel portraits

  • Location-specific briefings & assignments

  • Daily reviews of best photos

  • Written feedback on your 15 best shots after the trip

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Included:

  • Full-time travel portrait coaching

  • Accommodation in 4/3-star hotels, lodges and 2 nights village stay in Trobriand Islands

  • All meals (with beverages)

  • All 6 domestic flights

  • Ground transportation in private minivan / 4WD where needed

  • Airport transfers

  • Performance fees

  • Entrance fees

  • Security where needed

  • Tips for guides & people we photograph

Not Included:

  • International flight into Port Moresby

  • Visa

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses (e.g. room service, porters, laundry)

Price

PAYMENT

20% (CHF 1,400) refundable deposit to reserve your place

Balance 3 months before the trip

DISCOUNTS

CHF 700 (10%) for returning trip customers

SUPPLEMENTS

Single room occupancy: CHF 850

Based on twin room sharing

CHF 6,995

This Trip Is For...

This trip has been designed primarily for people who have already completed my training "3 Steps To Stunning Portraits", and are already familiar with natural light and composition techniques for people photography.

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During this trip, you will learn how to apply these techniques to travel portraits - both candid and posed.

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You need a good camera with a telephoto lens up to at least 200mm (full frame) - plus a wider lens for the churches (inside & outside) & when we can get up close to our subjects.

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Personally, I will bring 24-70mm f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8.

Important To Know

  • Information pack including a packing list and clothing recommendations will be sent 2 months before the trip

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  • Mandatory vaccinations (list available) + malaria prophylactic

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  • Visa on arrival for all developed and some South-East Asian countries. Check eligibility: PNG Visa

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Recommended Flights

FROM ZURICH

Singapore Airlines & Air Niugini (via Singapore)

Out 22:40-04:50 (+2), return 14:30-06:10 (+1)

CHF 1,400

 

FROM SINGAPORE

Air Niugini (direct)

Out 20:15-04:50 (+1), return 14:30-18:40

S$ 880

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FROM HONG KONG

Philippine Airlines via Manila

Out 18:00-07:05 (+1), return 08:05-17:00

HK$ 3,900

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For more flight options, check:

skyscanner.ch

traveloka.com

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Pawel Lipski

  • International photography coach, specialising in people photography in natural light - from posed to travel portraits

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  • 30+ years of photographic experience

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  • An avid independent traveller with a passion for remote, non-touristy places with authentic cultures

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  • Polish based in Zurich, Switzerland

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Cancellations

  • 100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before trip start

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  • 50% refund if canceled 30-59 days before trip start

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  • No refund if canceled less than 30 days before trip start