Photos

Jul 26, 2026 5 min read

Snader Snaps | Volume 2

Photography is the only method by which this introvert is able to meet new people and be happy about it.

Snader Snaps | Volume 2

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The Late Return

A medevac returns none too soon as the very last rays of sunshine settle behind the Alexander Range.

The Wash

Ramsey washes the salt from P2-SAB. The area we operate in is considered a "severe corrosion environment" and washing hte planes regularly is an important part of preventative maintenance.

The Medevac

The airplane is tight. Our floatplanes are just big enough to get the job done, and not an inch bigger. It can be tricky business getting a full term mama up and out of the cargo doors but we haven't dropped anyone yet. This was a lady with pregnancy complications that was medevaced out of a Sepik River village and is being transferred to the ambulance.

The Maternity Mission

About a third of the Samaritan Aviation medevacs have to do with pregnancy complications. The remote villages of the East Sepik province experience 57 deaths per 1,000 births, significantly higher than the more developed areas of PNG.

The Broken Arm

A twelve year girl gets transferred from a missionary medevac floatplane to a waiting ambulance. The medevac flight cut her travel time from days to hours. She will get care at the only hospital in the Sepik River watershed, approximately a 32,000 square mile area.

The Finger Exercises

A patient in the Boram hospital demonstrates a pneumatic machine that exercises his fingers after he suffered a traumatic back injury that left his hands partially paralyzed, hoping to regain some use in his hands. The modern machinery is juxtaposed by the rudimentary furnishings of the local hospital.

The Firewood

This woman carries a whole stack of firewood from a rope that is suspended from the top of her head. This is a traditional way for women to carry bags.

The Two Kina Bag

This is another shot of a woman carrying a "two Kina bag" by nestling the strap in her hair. These are called two Kina bags because you buy them for two Kina in the marketplace.

The Beard

One day I met this guy on my walk around the peninsula. The logical question was, "May I take your picture?" He said yes.

The Councilman

An elderly man leaning against a security fence and smoking a cigarette. He was a little bashful about the cigarette at first but after I assured him it was an important photographic element he happily put it back in his mouth.

The Town Market

I sat across from this group for several minutes trying to take their photo without them noticing. As soon as people notice you, they act unnatural. I like natural moments but sometimes it takes a little patience to get them.

The Painted Wall

The Stare

A young Papua New Guinean boy looks over the security fence and watches the world go by.

The Throw

Some kids throw a rugby ball in the surf at sunset, setting up perfectly for this shot.

The Supermarket

A man wearing a colorful, traditional knitted cap walks past a "super market" in Wewak.

The Push Off

A local child paddled over to our family as we were swimming at our local beach. We talked a bit and he soon pushed off again.

The Pointy End Of The Canoe

A detail shot of a handmade, carved seagoing canoe in the traditional style of the Sepik.

The Nap

Janice took this one obviously, otherwise I'd call it a perfect self portrait. Sleeping at the beach on a Remembrance Day, a PNG holiday.

The Squeeze

Elliot squeezes some lemons giving Janice some raw materials to make everyone's favorite drink.

The Toolbox

Elliot cleans out, degreases, oils, and organizes a toolbox in the hangar.

The Mirror

No carseats are required in PNG which makes photos like this perfectly legal. Quick note: I was not driving. Remember, the driver sits on the right here!

The Sisters

Adi and Juliet swing on the hammock.

The Stroll

The family takes a stroll along the seawall in Wewak town.

The Hammock

Oliver peeks out of the hammock as a sliver of the setting sun lights up the corner of our veranda.

The Leap

Elliot leaps off the jumping tower at Moem Point under the watchful eye of another missionary kid from Samaritan.

The Bookshelf

Juliet empties our bookshelf.

The Noodles

Janice and Oliver roll out a batch of homemade noodles.

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Josh Snader — My name is Josh. My family and I live in Wewak, Papua New Guinea where I help maintain three elderly floatplanes. These posts are written from my perspective, the grumpy dad.