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Kamal Chilaka Photography

Landscape and Travel Photographer
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Panasonic S1 and S1R Pro Level Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras with Leica L Mount

Panasonic S1 and S1R Pro Level Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras with Leica L Mount

Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R - Mirrorless has finally matured!

kamal chilaka February 3, 2019

One of the most interesting announcements at Photokina 2018 was by Panasonic when they announced the S1 and S1R Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras.Now after months of teasing and rumours the cameras are now ready for preorder and according to Panasonic will be ready for shipping by the end of March 2019.

These are my initial impressions on the Cameras based on the specs, images and videos I have seen on the web. I will come out with a proper review once i’ve had a chance to shoot with the camera.

I am truly excited about this camera specially the S1R. More so than any other mirrorless camera that have been announced over the last year or so.

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In blog, announcement Tags Panasonic S1R, Panasonic Lumix, full frame mirrorless, Panasonic S1, S PRO 50MM F1.4, 24-105 f4, 70-200 f4, Leica SL, L Mount lenses, Panasonic lenses, sigma L Mount lenses
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My Thoughts on the Canon EOS R and RF Lenses - Canon's Foray into Full Frame Mirrorless

kamal chilaka January 6, 2019

But the specs of the EOS R were definitely disappointing for me. After such a delayed entry into full frame Canon released a camera with specs inferior to even the 3 year old 5D Mark 4. So this seemed to be aimed at the 6D users. Why? The camera just isn’t interesting enough to look at as an upgrade from either of my current cameras. So now the wait and search continues for alternate camera systems.

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In blog, review Tags EOS R, CANON, Canon RF lenses, 24-105 RF
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Nikon Z7

Nikon Z7

Nikon Enters the Full Frame Mirrorless Market with a Bang. introducing the Z7 and Z6 !

kamal chilaka August 25, 2018

Nikon has finally entered the Full Frame mirrorless camera market with the Z7 and the Z6 and three lenses and a 4th in development.

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In review Tags NIKON FULL FRAME MIRRORLESS, NIKON Z7, NIKON Z6, MIRRORLESS WARS, Nikon 24-70 f4 S, Nikon 50mm 1.8 S, Nikon 35mm f1.8 S, Nikkor 0.95 NOCT S
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Arca Swiss C1 Cube Geared Tripod Head

kamal chilaka August 19, 2018

I love this head and try to use it as often as I can specially when capturing special landscapes and panoramas. But the truth is I keep grabbing for my lighter and quicker to setup B1 ball head if I'm travelling or hiking to save on weight as I can pair those with a lighter tripod.

But I highly recommend the C1 for the dedicated Landscape photographer or wherever precision compositions are required.

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In review Tags Arca swiss C1 HEAD, TRIPOD HEAD, photography gear, landscape photography gear
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Comes in a choice of three colours

Comes in a choice of three colours

Mindshift Gear Backlight 26 L Backpack

kamal chilaka August 16, 2018

The BackLight 26L, with a rear-panel compartment for photo gear, allows you to access your gear without taking off the backpack. 

You can change lenses or just snap a quick photo by simply by spinning the bag to the front of your body while the waist belt is still secured. 

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In review Tags camera backpack, mindshift gear, think tank, backlight 26L
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Canon 5DS-R Long term review

kamal chilaka August 11, 2018

I believe the 5DS R represents good value for money specially now in 2018 if you can get hold of one the price is now considerable lower than it was a time of release.considering all that it offers. Sure there are competitors that may outperform it in specific areas but the 5DSR is a terrific CAMERA for High Resolution work such as landscape photography and for studio work requiring fine details. Well built to last a long time and to bear the rigours of professional use. It does a lot of thing very well and for canon users who will be shooting primarily portraits, events, weddings, landscapes, this is a good overall choice available now as long as the increased file size does not effect your workflow too much

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In review Tags canon, 5D, 5DSR, Camera body review
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Sigma 20mm f1.4 Art Lens Review

kamal chilaka August 10, 2018

Quick Facts

Retail  : INR 91,500- INR 103,000

Date introduced : May 2016

Maximum format size : 35mm full frame

Focal length : 20mm

35mm equivalent focal length  (APS-C) : 32 mm

Weight : 953 gms

The Press Release

The Sigma 20mm 1.4 DG HSM Art is a state of the art wide-angle prime lens designed for Full Frame cameras but will work with APS-C sensors as well. Using over 50 years of lens making experience, particularly the knowledge gained from the 35mm 1.4 Art and the 24mm 1.4 Art, the 20mm 1.4 Art is the widest large aperture Art lens to date. The latest optical design allows for the utmost in image quality with careful attention paid to edge to edge performance.

Through decades of experience in lens design and Sigma Global Vision lens manufacturing, the 20mm incorporates both “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass, and five Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass in a design of 15 elements in 11 groups. The combination of advanced optics and optimized lens power distribution minimizes spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration and field curvature, producing outstanding image quality. With class leading performance, this lens is ideal for landscape photography, videography, astrophotography, lowlight/indoor photography and event photography.

As with all Global Vision lines, the 20mm will be tested using the proprietary “A1” measuring system ensuring the highest standard of operation. The Sigma 20mm Art is compatible with the USB dock to update and customize and is also compatible with the Mount Conversion Service. A staple procedure for the Global Vision lines, every lens will be tested using the proprietary “A1” measuring system.

Auto Focusing Performance 7/10

in AF mode the Sigma 20mm f1.4 Art is moderatley quick and accurate in acquiring focus in normal available light situations and studio conditions and works well even less than ideal conditions.The Autofocus performance of this lens is among the best in class when compared to other wide angle  f1.4 AF lenses. Such lenses when used in a landscape application are anyway used in manual focus mode so the auto focusing is not used as often as in a portrait lens.

Sharpness  9/10

This lens produces sharp images even from wide open at f1.4. And not surprisingly is very sharp between f5.6 and f8.0 the sweet spot for most lenses. Stopping down beyond f8 does not given any increase in sharpness. The image contrast and colour rendition are also very good.

Bokeh  8/10

The wide f1.4 Aperture allows one to create smooth background blur(BOKEH) on a full frame camera. I find the bokeh to be very nice and pleasing . I am beginning to appreciate the use if wide angle lenses with large apertures  to create pleasing environmental portraits.

Build Quality 8/10 

The 20mm f1.4 Art lens seems to be built solidly and designed for the rigours of professional use.But only time will tell. This is a big heavy lens but balances fairly well with my Canon 5D IV body. The lens gives me the confidence to use it as a workhorse in landscape shoots and also environmental portraits. But the huge size and weight does make it a little difficult to carry around but if you make the effort it gives great results. I shot a lot with this lens during my trip to lapland.

Value for Money 8/10

At INR 91,000 retail this lens might feel expensive But is still cheaper compared to the equivalent canon lens. The Image quality, performance and build quality along with the added light capturing ability at f1.4 makes this a solid choice for amateur or professional landscape photography.

SAMPLE IMAGES FROM SIGMA 20MM ART F1.4

SIGMA 20MM ART-1.jpg
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SIGMA 20MM ART-6.jpg
SIGMA 20MM ART-1.jpg SIGMA 20MM ART-2.jpg SIGMA 20MM ART-3.jpg SIGMA 20MM ART-4.jpg SIGMA 20MM ART-5.jpg SIGMA 20MM ART-6.jpg

You can use the quick link below to shop for this lens.

In review Tags sigma 20mm f1.4 Art, lens review
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Sigma 85mm f1.4mm Art Lens Review

kamal chilaka August 3, 2018

The Sigma 85mm 1.4 DG HSM Art is the latest addition to the world renowned Sigma Global Vision Line. Designed and engineered for unparalleled image quality, the Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art employs a completely new optical design and premium components. 2 FLD (performance equal to fluorite) glass elements and 1 element boasting a high rate of anomalous partial dispersion and high refraction achieve a class leading level of performance. The highly anticipated 85mm 1.4 Art is an ideal lens for a variety of photographic subjects, particularly portrait photography, both in-studio and on-location.

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Tags sigma 85mm 1.4 Art, lens review
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Canon 5D Mark 4 initial impressions

kamal chilaka February 1, 2017

Quick Facts

MRP : INR 2,54,998

Retail  : INR 2,20,000

Date introduced : September 2016

Maximum format size : 35mm full frame

Sensor and Resolution : CMOS 30.4 Megapixels

Lens Compatibility : Canon EF Mount

The CANON 5D MARK IV..one of the most awaited cameras by Canon users who were looking to upgrade from the venerable but aging 5D Mark iii was finally released in September 2016. I had my very own piece in hand by October when it was became available in India. Canon has done a great job of improving the handling and functionality while still keeping the layouts and menus familiar to 5D III users.

Build Quality 8/10

Build Quality is good and consistent with the trend set by its predecessors in the 5D Series. It is noticeably lighter than the 5D Mark iii and that is a welcome improvement. The weather sealing has been upgraded to make it more of an all weather companion. 

Ergonomics 8/10

If you are already familiar with the 5D,5D Mark ii or 5D Mark iii then this camera will feel familiar to you. Even otherwise I think Canon has got its camera ergonomics down pat and a user can quickly get comfortable with the layout of the controls. There are a few additional ,tweaks compared to the mark iii but one get can used to them pretty quick. The Menu has expanded further  with more options for tuning the setting as per your needs but will increase the learning curve for those new to a professional full frame camera. A good book or class for orientation of this camera would be useful to cut short the learning curve and getting the most out of the camera which has a lot to offer.

Features

  • New 30.4MP CMOS full-frame sensor with Dual Pixel AF
  • DCI 4K 30/24p video using Motion JPEG + 4K Frame Grab
  • 61-point AF system with 41 cross-type sensors (center point sensitive to -3 EV)
  • Dual Pixel AF (sensitive to -4EV) for continuous Servo AF in stills (first for a full-frame Canon camera) and video
  • ISO 100-32000 (expandable to 102400)
  • 7 fps continuous shooting
  • Dual Pixel Raw (image microadjustment, bokeh shift, ghosting reduction)
  • 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor
  • 1.62M-dot 3.2" full-time touchscreen
  • Wi-Fi w/ NFC + GPS
  • Built-in bulb timer interval timers
  • Improved weather-sealing

Autofocus Performance  8/10

The 5D Mark iv has the Focusing system from the 1DX Mark 2. With 61 AF points of which 41 are cross type(meaning more compatible with slower lens/TC combinations) the 5D 4 should perform better than the 5D3 which was no slouch. I haven't had a chance to shoot too many moving subjects with this camera yet. Will have more details on that in my mid term review of the camera. For still subjects in normal light the AF is smooth and Fast.The low light performance is also quick and doesn't hunt as much as the 5D iii.

The Dual Pixel AF also means improved AF during video. More about this in my midterm review of the camera.

Burst Rate 7/10

The Burst rate has been increased to 7 Frames per second from 5 FPS for the 5D iii. This improvement makes the camera that much more viable for wildlife and action photography while still not being on par with a 7D mark ii or 1DX Mark ii or for that matter a D500 or D5 from the Nikon stable. Will be taking this camera out for some birds in flight photography and share my observation in the midterm review..

High ISO Performance 9/10

This is an area where this camera shines. It's high ISO  performance is a marked improvement from the Mark iii and almost on par with the 1D Mark ii in this area. I have shot images at ISO 1000 which were as clean as the images shot at ISO 640 on the 5D Mark iii. I wouldn't hesitate to shoot at ISO 1600 or even ISO 3200 in some situations now. I haven't come close to pushing this camera to its limits in terms of high ISO performance but with some Astro photography in the plans should be able to really test this camera.

Image Quality  8/10

There are a number of parameters that can be used to define image quality. What I am referring to here is the look of the image which is largely determined by Colour Accuracy, Contrast, Resolution, focus accuracy.  I still feel the benchmark for image quality are the Leica cameras. And the Hasselblad medium format image has the feel of film which has more feel and drama compared to any of the 35mm DSLRs and this is no exception. Landscape images need some tuning in Lightroom or other image editing software to get the best out of the scene. Portraits are neutral enough and the increased red in skin tones which was the bane of most canon DSLRs is not longer a problem. Will post some images straight out of camera here and you can make your own judgement.

Value for Money 9/10

I believe the 5D 4 represents good value for money considering all that it offers. Sure there are competitors that may outperform it in specific areas but the 5D4 is a terrific all rounder. Well built to last a long time and to bear the rigours of professional use. It does a lot of thing very well and for canon users who will be shooting primarily portraits, events, weddings, landscapes, astrophotography, this is the best overall choice available now. 

Interested? Here is a link to shop for the camera.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 30.4MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) with Body Only

Sample images

5d4 sample (1 of 5).jpg 5d4 sample (2 of 5).jpg 5d4 sample (3 of 5).jpg 5d4 sample (4 of 5).jpg 5d4 sample (5 of 5).jpg
In blog, review Tags Canon 5D Mark iv, dslr
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Canon EF 85mm f1.8 Ring USM - The budget portrait photographer's best friend

kamal chilaka January 23, 2017

Review of the Canon EF 85mm f1.8 USM lens.

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Canon 70-200 mm f2.8 L IS USM II Accomplished All rounder

kamal chilaka January 20, 2017

Review of the professional's work horse the Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L IS II.

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In review, blog Tags CANON, LENS, 70-200, L IS USM
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Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art Lens- Is it as good as the hype?

kamal chilaka October 18, 2016

Review of the Sigma 35mm F 1.4 Art Lens. From the new Art Range of Lenses from Sigma this lens has been receiving very good initial reviews from photographers. Kamal Chilaka puts this lens to a real world test. 

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In blog, review Tags sigma 35mm f1.4 Art, sigma lens review
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Zeiss Otus 55mm F1.4 ,the pinnacle of Optical Performance?

kamal chilaka October 7, 2016

Review of Zeiss Otus 55mm F 1.4 Lens. Read a real world use based review of this remarkable lens from Zeiss. Travel and Landscape Photographer Kamal Chilaka shares his experiences with the lens after using the lens for a variety of images over a period of a year.

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In blog, review Tags zeiss, otus, otus 55mm f 1.4, lens, expensive
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The Canon 50mm f1.4 USM A Capable Allrounder

kamal chilaka October 7, 2016

Review of the Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM. 

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In blog, review Tags 50mm, normal lens, canon
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Cruising through Scandinavia - 2 weeks through Norway, Denmark and Sweden
Feb 21, 2019
Cruising through Scandinavia - 2 weeks through Norway, Denmark and Sweden
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Getting Acquainted with Ladakh
Feb 8, 2019
Getting Acquainted with Ladakh
Feb 8, 2019
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Summer Road Trip to Kerala
Jan 21, 2019
Summer Road Trip to Kerala
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Gear Reviews

Featured
Feb 3, 2019
Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R - Mirrorless has finally matured!
Feb 3, 2019
Feb 3, 2019
Jan 6, 2019
My Thoughts on the Canon EOS R and RF Lenses - Canon's Foray into Full Frame Mirrorless
Jan 6, 2019
Jan 6, 2019
Aug 19, 2018
Arca Swiss C1 Cube Geared Tripod Head
Aug 19, 2018
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Aug 16, 2018
Mindshift Gear Backlight 26 L Backpack
Aug 16, 2018
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Aug 11, 2018
Canon 5DS-R Long term review
Aug 11, 2018
Aug 11, 2018
Aug 10, 2018
Sigma 20mm f1.4 Art Lens Review
Aug 10, 2018
Aug 10, 2018
Jan 20, 2017
Canon 70-200 mm f2.8 L IS USM II Accomplished All rounder
Jan 20, 2017
Jan 20, 2017
Oct 7, 2016
Zeiss Otus 55mm F1.4 ,the pinnacle of Optical Performance?
Oct 7, 2016
Oct 7, 2016
Oct 7, 2016
The Canon 50mm f1.4 USM A Capable Allrounder
Oct 7, 2016
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Book Reccomendations

Featured
Aug 11, 2018
Steve McCurry: The Iconic Photographs: Standard Edition Hardcover – 29 Oct 2012
Aug 11, 2018
Aug 11, 2018
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)-Scott Kelby
Aug 11, 2018
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)-Scott Kelby
Aug 11, 2018
Aug 11, 2018

Instagram Feed

Colourful House..
#lapland 
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#Bookproject "-29˚Celcius" A Limited Edition Coffee Table Book, via @Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1233838951/photo-coffee-table-book-29-celcius
In the Spotlight...#Saariselka # lapland #kamalchilakaphotography 
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Scenes from Lapland
From the Series " -29°Celcius in Lapland" now available as a limited edition
Photo Coffee Table Book "-29˚Celcius", via @Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1233838951/photo-coffee-table-book-29-celcius
#Arctic Sunset 
Limited Edition Print 
24" x 36" on Metal
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#SantasPostoffice  20"x30" Print on Archival Canvas. Limited Edition Print Now available for direct Order. Also available at Focus Art Gallery Egmore. 
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Radhika, Mel, Nisha and Maanasa at my Exhibit
Here is a peak at another photograph from my Exhibit currently Showing st Focus Art Gallery . Today is last day . Open 10 am to 8pm.
#kamalchilakaphotography 
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With the Lovely Nancy Bindal and her  copy of my Coffee Table Book " -29°Celcius A collection of images from Lapland "
When friends Appreciate your work.
With the Lovely Nancy Bindal. With her copy of my coffe table book on Lapland.
A good day at the Exhibit.
The Gopinaths At my Exhibit with their copy of my Coffee Table Book
Ian Lockwood at my exhibit.
Dr Udhayaraja excellent Dentist, Avid photographer and good friend. At my Exhibit with his copy of my limited edition cofffee table book .

Photography Tutorials

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Exposure 101
Jan 9, 2019
Exposure 101
Jan 9, 2019
Jan 9, 2019
Getting Sharp Photographs
Jan 7, 2019
Getting Sharp Photographs
Jan 7, 2019
Jan 7, 2019
Basics of Photographic Composition
Sep 2, 2018
Basics of Photographic Composition
Sep 2, 2018
Sep 2, 2018

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Mount Cook Landscape ,NZ
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Landscape, Back Country,NZ
Landscape, Back Country,NZ
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The Elements 1
The Elements 1
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Rolling Hills of Zealand
Rolling Hills of Zealand
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Two Trees
200.00
 Two Trees and Blue Skies
Two Trees and Blue Skies
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Lake Wanaka 1
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Dusk Scene at Lake Wanaka
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Rovaniemi Landscape 2
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Intimate almost monochrome Landscape of the tree lined path along frozen River Kemikoji and the Lumberjack Candle Bridge  in winter.

Arctic Sunset
Arctic Sunset
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Striking Sunset as seen from the top of Fell Kaunispaa, Finnish Lapland.

Artwork Images shown are for reference purposes. Please select the correct artwork sizes for your space from the available sizes.

Scotts Pine 3
Scotts Pine 3
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Portrait of a Scotts Pine covered with Frost and Snow on the slopes of Fell Kiilopaa.

Frozen Stream at Saariselka 1
Frozen Stream at Saariselka 1
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Intimate Landscape of a frozen stream and surrounding foliage in deep winter. Saariselka,  Finnish Lapland.

Frosty Row
Frosty Row
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High-key Image of a Row of Frost Covered Trees along the banks of the River Kemikoji, Rovaniemi, Lapland.

Road to Ounasavaara
Road to Ounasavaara
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Road to Ounasvaara.

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Rovaniemi Landscape
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Scene along the banks of the frozen River Kemijoki at Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland.

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Immersive
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Immersive scene from winter walking trail at Ounasvaara

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Weed in the Snow along the banks of the Frozen river Kemijoki, Rovaniemi.

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Nature's Art
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Scene along the banks of the frozen River Kemijoki at Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland.