Please arrive at least one day before the workshop begins, as we will depart early in the morning on the first day. The day of arrival will be spent meeting each other and enjoying a welcome dinner together. Better Moments will arrange your hotel room and related details.

From Port Moresby we fly to Goroka and continue by 4WD to Asaro Village, home of the legendary Mudmen. Photography begins immediately: capturing village life, portraits, the spirit house, and a powerful widow ceremony. Here, widows wear special garments of bark cloth, seed beads, and natural fibers, often covering their heads to express grief. For photographers, this ritual offers striking portraits and an intimate window into themes of love, loss, and resilience.
Evening: Portrait photography workshop with Christian Nørgaard.

At sunrise we capture the ghostly figures of the Asaro Mudmen as they ascend Mount Gurupoka. Covered in white mud and fearsome masks, they remain one of Papua New Guinea’s most iconic cultural symbols. We also visit the atmospheric sacrifice cave, where natural light adds depth to every image. In the afternoon, we set up a simple studio in the village for close portraits. The day ends with the vibrant Moko Moko Victory Dance – rhythmic, energetic, and deeply spiritual.

In the soft morning mist we walk to the Asaro River, where locals perform a dramatic cannibal ceremony, reenacting ancestral strength. At midday, we document daily life at a coffee plantation – harvesting, drying beans, and village routines. By nightfall, we arrive at Burning Heads of Gimisave Lodge to witness the glowing clay-covered faces of villagers illuminated by fire – a haunting and unforgettable ritual.

From dawn until dusk, we dive into daily life and ritual: riverside walks, field work, and intimate portraits of villagers at work. The Women’s Group performance provides expressive song and dance, while twilight brings the Burning Heads ritual once again. Adding to the intensity, we encounter the Cane-Swallowing Tribe, the Nose-Bleeding Tribe, and finally the masked Korokuwe Tribe – each performance pushing limits of body, spirit, and endurance, resulting in some of the most powerful portraits of the journey.

In Mindima we witness one of the most dramatic rituals: the Dust Walkers (Ash Kondai Pia). Covered in ash, men leap and sprint through clouds of dust in a ritual of rebirth. For photographers, this is a feast of high-speed action, raw energy, and emotional intensity.

Deep in the rainforest, three of Papua New Guinea’s most enigmatic groups emerge. The Skeleton Tribe, painted in haunting white designs, appear like spirits from the shadows. The Insect Hunters, adorned with natural costumes of vines and insect motifs, show the bond between people and nature. The Doko Daka Tribe perform fierce, ancestral rituals. Shadows, filtered light, and symbolic dress create an atmosphere perfect for dramatic and atmospheric photography.

We begin with the Kamunyombglo Tribe, photographing a sorcerer’s rituals inside a tree hut filled with smoke and symbolism. Later, the Veecap Fighters Tribe reenact tribal battles with raw energy and movement – perfect for expressive action shots. At dusk, a symbolic house burning ritual illuminates the night, offering dramatic opportunities for long-exposure and creative storytelling.

Today we create controlled, editorial-style portraits. In a natural-light studio we photograph the Skeleton Tribe and Chimbu women in bilas, adorned with traditional ornaments and bird-of-paradise feathers. This rare session allows for intimate, museum-quality portraits that combine cultural authenticity with refined photographic aesthetics.

At the breathtaking Wii Towai Waterfall, Bird Spirit dancers perform atop the rocks, their movements echoing the roar of water. The day continues with performances from groups such as the Voice of Bird of Paradise, Honey Bee Girls, and Bow and Arrow Boys. As night falls, firelit celebrations of dance and music transform the scene into a magical festival, offering endless low-light photography opportunities.

A full day dedicated to portraits of select groups: Green Leaf Girls, Bird Spirit dancers, and others. Outdoor studios allow for clean, editorial-style compositions that highlight body paint, costumes, and gestures. Afternoon is reserved for editing and image backup, ensuring a curated portfolio of the journey.

In Jiwaka, we photograph the mysterious Koskala Skull Kids, whose skeletal masks symbolize transformation and ancestral presence. We then meet the iconic Huli Wigmen of Mount Hagen – with their wigs of human hair, vibrant face paint, and humor-filled storytelling. This grand finale offers unforgettable portraits that celebrate artistry, identity, and tradition at its most colorful.

Early morning photography before returning to Port Moresby. Departure with a collection of images that reflect the cultural richness, landscapes, and living traditions of Papua New Guinea – a journey that will remain with you for a lifetime.