In the snowy streets of Yerevan

I think over the night it was the most amount of snow I have seen in well over a decade. It was like it was never going to end. A blizzard within a city is something I've never really experienced before, but it was a beauty to watch under the night light. Though during the day it came to an end and the sun came out with more beautiful golden light. This meant that much of the snow was starting to melt despite it reaching way below negative going into this evening. For some reason little has been done about the snow around the paths in the city, most of the roads are fine but you're really gambling with your life walking anywhere. Perhaps it's from the holiday, perhaps it's from less people being in the streets. Perhaps nobody really cares. Walking was a difficulty though. But even so, this was the first time I had actually been able to have some fun with the Mir 1v.

I've fallen in love with this lens very quickly, even still with few shots taken with it. I absolutely love the colours it produces, that vintage softness, and the bokeh which is similar to the Helios 44-2 but not as intense due to the wider focal length. It feels like a very versatile piece of gear. The light today definitely helped with photography, though the snow at times made it a bit difficult with how slippery the flooring was everywhere. Still, it was nice to get out and enjoy the snow. To feel the different atmosphere of the city, especially after such an intense summer where the heat became unbearable. Some of the snow bouncing so much light from the ground that parts of the city were incredibly bright. Some areas in show with that golden light peaking through down into the street. It was also nice seeing so few people outside, it felt like a much more peaceful experience after the chaos of Christmas. Where transport is usually packed and getting home takes forever. Instead, everything just a bit more quiet, even the roads.

Some shops remained open, mostly a few cafes and bigger chains. Everyone else remains at home escaping that snow and work. I don't blame them, though. With the sun out it felt a bit warmer, though that could've also been from the fact that I had really layered up more than usual after a few recent outings in which I felt myself really getting cold out there. Still, I hope the snow remains for a bit. It's a nice change. Especially in the evenings, looking out into the snow and feeling that comfort during these winter months. I do want to get out more now, I do want to go crazy with the lens and shoot things. I might have a few projects coming up and I'm hoping I can find a way to throw some of these lenses at them. Even if it comes to having to rent a camera body for it. The Sony A6000 hasn't taken much liking to the cold weather, with the menu going a bit crazy during shots.

Hopefully soon I'll have more to show from the Mir 1v, preferably some showing that shallow depth of field goodness, where the bokeh is really where the main appeal is for most. Wide at 2.8 and capturing that swirly bokeh that makes the images so magical. But even at 2.8, it's quite a sharp lens for vintage glass. I'm impressed.