Oh, those rainy days
I think by now I have made it clear to the people that follow me that I really do love those rainy days. To roam through a city in the evening as rain falls and reflects light of various vibrance is one of my favourite things in life. Seeing the changing of a city as it empties up, a more peaceful environment in which you feel more free to walk through. The sounds of water as people step into puddles, cars drive through the water, and raindrops land on all surroundings. To stand in such an environment is a type of therapy for me. I can rarely think of something I enjoy more. Especially with a camera in my hand, to feel those emotions around me and be able to capture them. Even as I type this, the window to the bedroom remains open. The water falling from the rooftops, running down drains, and splashing can be heard. I find myself captivated by such beauty. Almost with a sadness at the idea of returning home knowing the rain will continue on without me there to witness it. Spring is starting here in Armenia, but this next week is meant to be endless rain. While I felt prepared for the warmer weather here, I have to admit, I'm actually happy that the rain continues.
There's something so special about that freshness. That sight of the early blossoming trees and flowers. Their floral smells pushed up into the air with the rainfall. I feel really excited to be able to capture it a bit more with this upcoming week. To spend more time outside throughout the days and nights. Throwing on those fingerless gloves again, with a raincoat to keep me warm and dry. That feeling of the rain on the coat, that gentle pattering as it lands on the hood. Boots stepping forward throughout different streets with different stories being told at every moment to capture. The ways in which people interact with that space more noticable. Faces tucked into jackets and coats, umbrellas covering the faces of those who pass by. Stray dogs seeking shelter beneath the buildings. Everything interacts with space so uniquely under the rain. And it's so beautiful to see.
It's interesting how even the most mundane of objects in our everyday lives start to have some beauty to them. Some sort of appeal that makes them somewhat comforting. Again telling stories under the rainfall. Scooters left by the side of the street as people scatter them to return to the shelter of home. Old cars, rustic and tired still left to gather more character from the grit of the streets. Their colours connecting with the darker tones. Oh, how I love those rainy days.
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Do you use a thing to stop the water getting on the lens? I remember when J used to do photography he had a thing to put over the lens so he could still take photos if it was raining, otherwise we just ended up with a water streaked photo (which were also cool but not always what he was going for XD).
I don't use anything to stop it. I have a lens hood but I don't always use it. For the most part with rain I either keep the camera in my coat pocket while I'm not using it, or I walk with it around my neck, and I place my arm over it to cover it. It's surprisingly comfortable. Like an old man that walks with his hands behind his back, the photography version places an arm over the camera. :^)
I keep an eye on anything that might enter the lens to clean it off though. Another thing is just putting the lens cap on for times it isn't being used.
I love the way you analyzed your words about the rainy days; they're very deep and created a direct meaning of the atmosphere, which makes me want to try it and experience those moments you mentioned. Thanks for sharing your love for rainy days.