Through the Lens of Time: The Legacy of Laurence "Rocky" Roe

For nearly half a century, Papua New Guinea has been more than just a home for Laurence "Rocky" Roe—it has been his canvas, his inspiration, and his great love. A master behind the lens, Rocky has captured the soul of the nation through his photography, preserving moments of history, culture, and progress. He bid farewell to the country he has called home since 1976 in June 2021 and is now retired and living in Australia. We reflect on the extraordinary journey of a man whose work has become an indelible part of PNG’s visual history.

Rocky Roe on Lihir Island, New Ireland, in 2013, capturing images for a landowner company's book. Here, he shares the photos he took with the local girls. Photo by the late Isaac Tauno.

Rocky at work during his long career in PNG.

                                           Click to watch the full interview with Rocky Roe:

 

A Journey Born of Adventure

 

Rocky Roe’s story began in Adelaide, Australia, where he was born in 1947. His adventure in Papua New Guinea started in 1976 when he arrived as a mechanical fitter for Bougainville Copper. But his heart sought more than the structured life of a mining camp. In 1979, he took a leap of faith, moving to Port Moresby and trading a higher salary for a passion—photography. What he lost in pay, he gained in purpose.

 

"I wanted to see Papua New Guinea," Rocky recalls. "And I got an opportunity to get paid to see it."

 

Capturing the Essence of a Nation

 

From corporate photography to historic events, Rocky’s lens has documented the evolution of Papua New Guinea. He was there when leaders rose to prominence, capturing moments that would later adorn national currency—his photograph of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare graces the K50 note. His work went beyond the formal; he ventured deep into the highlands, the islands, and bustling townships, preserving the heart and spirit of the people.

 

With each shot, he chronicled the changing landscape of Port Moresby. From a city of well-kept roads and modest housing in the 1970s to its present-day urban sprawl, Rocky witnessed and documented it all.

 

The Evolution of Photography

 

Rocky’s career spanned a transformative era in photography—from the meticulous world of slide film, where exposure errors were unforgiving, to the digital revolution, where technology made photography more accessible. "Autofocus hadn’t been invented," he recalls. "Half the world couldn’t focus a camera back then." Yet, through skill and patience, he mastered the art, adapting as the industry evolved.

 

His assignments took him to mine sites, oil fields, and remote locations where only helicopters could reach. "I spent many hours flying with the door off, capturing PNG from above. Looking through the camera made it all feel natural. Without it, I might have been scared."

 

The Man Behind the Camera

 

Despite the grandeur of his work, Rocky remains humble. A storyteller at heart, his greatest joy has been the connections he forged—whether photographing Miss PNG contestants over the years or engaging with young photographers eager to learn. He speaks fondly of his colleagues, the friendships he built, and the country that embraced him as one of its own.

 

His time in Papua New Guinea was not without challenges. He encountered moments of danger, faced armed hold-ups, and saw the country grapple with law and order issues. Yet, his love for PNG never wavered. "It’s the greatest place on earth," he says, reflecting on his journey.

 

A Fond Farewell, But Not Goodbye

 

Now, as Rocky returns to Australia to tend to his health, he leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the countless images he captured. Papua New Guinea will always be home to him, and its people, his extended family.

 

“I may come back if someone brings me back,” he says with a knowing smile.

 

Papua New Guinea bids farewell to a legend, a visual historian who gave us the gift of memories frozen in time. His photographs are not just images; they are stories, emotions, and a testament to a life well-lived in the pursuit of beauty and truth.

 

Farewell, Rocky Roe. Your work will continue to inspire generations to come.