Under the intense Armenian sun

I've been needing to post in this community for a while now. I quite like that the people running it are actually engaged in the subject. Actual photographers! And after today, I have a few fun unique images I want to share that run through a few different aspects of my day. From the harsh desert landscape of forgotten towns out of Yerevan, to the busy streets seeing development similar to that of its former Soviet era. I had to run off and take the bus twice from one side of Yerevan to another area in order to get some things and move them over to my new place, I knew it would take a long time, most of the day even. And I didn't expect to do any photography along the way given the heat and the general tiredness I'd have from commuting. Though those odd still moments caught my attention still. The few things that stand out: compositions, history, architecture, and even the natural lighting during golden hour.

Armenia's Soviet architecture has some really fun features that aren't just pretty, some that are considering the sheer intensity of the Armenian sun during the warmer months. And that led to the Soviets using interesting symbols and shapes that look really cool, have meaning regarding their shapes, but also help keep the buildings cool and from overheating given the glass behind. There are a few buildings throughout the city like this, mostly universities or buildings that served some important purpose in the past like communications. Very cool to see them, they stand out so much compared to the usual buildings as well as the newer ones. Even with the frescos. Usually symbolising something related to the building's purpose: education, science, various subjects really. Mixed with some Armenian culture of course.

I loved the golden light that appeared towards the end of the day, these sunsets recently have been perfect for photography, but unfortunately I've been a bit too busy to really appreciate them. Mostly running around during the day and getting home once it's already dark or once the storms come rolling in. This day spent mostly in a harsh desert landscape and commuting. It felt good to be back in the city where things were a bit more cooler. Where the shade really did something, and the birds were flying without patterns above. I'm not much of a city person, but the dryness of the south here will get to you quickly. The lack of real roads. The tiresome methods of transport that remain incredibly dated. Stuck without air conditioning, crammed together with plenty of strangers on a minibus.

I've taken to a slight fascination of Armenia's remaining aspects of Soviet industry as of late. The large smoke stacks that remain, painted with their dates of 1950. The old buildings that remain. The feeling of the wild west it gives due to the stone used. Something I want to photograph more in time. But just haven't been able to recently. So many plans for being creative, such little time as of late to really explore it all. Even now, after such a long day, I'm ready to just crash. I know additional explorations await tomorrow, and that's always exciting. But more preparation is needed. I want more lenses! A new drone! Some additional gear for video!