Monthly Archives: November 2013

I’m just heading out the door on a cruise shoot of Papua New Guinea but, before I leave, I’ve launched my annual promotional cycle, inviting commissions in 2014 (promo cards below).

The packages, which I extend to tourism authorities, resorts and cruise operators, represent the best value for money I offer all year round as it allows me to schedule my assignments well in advance and it gives my clients the opportunity to save money and get in early with their booking to ensure my availability at a time that most suits them in terms of the weather, logistics and major events they may want photographed.

The promotion was launched only last week and already booking are being received. I’ll have a fair idea how 2014 is shaping up by December 15 which is the deadline for the End-of-Year offer.

..holdim bot bilong yufella…I’m off.

Capture Magazine – Australia’s premier publication for professional photography – has just judged a photograph of The land diving ritual I captured (below) to be one of the top two travel photographs shot in 2013.

The image came second place to a picture of a rooster (don’t ask, although I quite liked the image).

It’s featured in the Magazine’s 2013 showcase Annual which is on newsagent shelves now, brimming with a collection of Australia’s best photographs for the year across a range of genres.

It’s the second time I’ve received recognition in the publication. In 2011, I won the best documentary photograph for a shot I did of two crocodile clansmen on the Sepik River, and I took out a top travel photograph award for a picture of a group of Huli wigmen preparing for a Sing Sing. This time, it was Vanuatu’s turn.

It really is hit or miss with a lot of these competitions and awards methinks (though, I should confess, I’ve only ever entered three). Of course, its warming to be recognised but I can’t help thinking it’s as much about getting the balance of photographs right for the spread or the exhibition as it is about the actual merit of the picture. I’m still staggered this photograph I submitted last year of the young monks in Myanmar (below), didn’t even rate a mention.

Ah well, a pat on the head goes a long way and, hopefully, the image will draw attention among Capture’s readership of the need – and the urgency – to record and showcase the disappearing traditional cultures that surrounds us, before it’s gone completely.

Next Stop: A 10 day cruise of the Papua New Guinea islands on the luxury vessel, True North (click here for details)