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Tasiilaq is East Greenland’s largest settlement and a stunning gateway to an otherworldly realm of mountainous skylines, drifting ice, and sparkling fjords. For photographer Filip Gielda, capturing the spirit of Tasiilaq on film was both a creative pursuit and a nostalgic homage to the explorers who once documented Greenland’s coasts using analogue methods. In these images, you’ll find golden light lingering over Arctic landscapes and the gentle daily rhythms of village life.

The careful, deliberate act of shooting on film reveals an unhurried intimacy that might otherwise be lost in a digital rush. This photo journal offers a glimpse of Tasiilaq’s quiet magic—followed by a few glimpses of Tiilerilaaq tucked away at the bottom, a reminder of the richness waiting beyond the town’s edge.

Filip’s photos paint Tasiilaq in warm, earthy tones that evoke the settlement’s human scale and the surrounding rugged scenery. The analogue process lends a soft, grainy texture to each image, underscoring the subdued charm of simple wooden homes against dramatic peaks. By using film, he slows down and observes how the fleeting Arctic sun shifts across land and sea, capturing moments that feel personal and timeless.

In some frames, stray sun flares and slight overexposures become part of the storytelling, reminding us that film photography embraces happy accidents. The horizontal lines of container crates and walkways add a sense of order against the epic backdrop of Tasiilaq’s mountainous horizon. Whether focusing on pastel-coloured houses or the swirling ice in the nearby fjords, Filip’s approach prioritises mood and atmosphere over technical perfection.

As you scroll further, the journey subtly transitions to Tiilerilaaq, a quieter settlement beyond Tasiilaq’s relative bustle. Though fewer in number, these images highlight an even more remote slice of East Greenland, framed by luminous fjords and pockets of everyday life. From the unique shape of beached icebergs to the solitary huts dotting the coastline, the final shots act like a whisper – urging the viewer to explore the hidden corners of this vast Arctic landscape.

For those inspired to pick up a film camera and head north, Filip offers two core reminders.

“Plan for long periods of golden light – you’ll want to keep shooting, so bring enough film stock.”

“Lean into imperfection: embrace any light leaks or unexpected grain – they often convey the true atmosphere of the Arctic.”

By adopting this mindset, you can transform East Greenland’s changing skies, reflective fjords, and convivial settlements into photographs that resonate long after you’ve returned home.