Photographer Brian Hodges has stolen the show in the March-April issue of Paradise, with his stunning portraits of Papua New Guineans featured in a photo essay as well as on our front cover.
Travelling with a white photo backdrop, Hodges went to sing-sings and festivals across the country to produce his photographs of people in traditional dress.
“As a photographer, I am drawn to the exquisite sense of style displayed by the tribal people of PNG, and feel compelled to document its uniqueness,” he says.
In this issue, Paradise also ventures off the beaten track.
Photographer/writer Phillip Woodhouse documents his Kokoda Trail journey. “It was one of the best things I have pushed myself to do,” he says.
Regular contributor Marisa Howden, meanwhile, attempts to reach the summit of Mount Wilhelm, PNG’s highest mountain. “At some points, I am on my hands and knees, using all of my strength to pull me up sheer granite surfaces,” she says.
In addition, we meet a couple of high-achieving Papua New Guineans in this issue.
They are Father Paul Sireh, who is the first PNG and Pacific Island friar in the Roman Catholic Carmelite Order, and Dr Elizabeth Alok, who is set to become PNG’s first female heart and lung surgeon.
Dr Alok has some advice for young PNG girls. “I pass on to young girls the same message my parents passed on to me when I was growing up,” she tells Paradise. “Girls can do anything boys can do.”
As well, you’ll find all the regulars in Paradise: movies, books, gadgets, wellness, food reviews and business news.
Happy flying and reading.
Robert Upe, Editor