The weather has been turning nicely since I arrived back in Tbilisi. It has dropped to the low and sub 20s and it's so nice to be able to walk around without ending up in tons of sweat and discomfort. Capable of throwing on a few layers of clothing and adding more variety to the general style I have been wearing each day. For a while now I was mostly relying on simple clothing as to avoid getting too hot while running around with my backpack and cameras; shorts and a simple t shirt were my go-to for the longest time, and I started to grow a bit bored of pretty much wearing the same clothes each day with little variety beyond colour. I've definitely missed the autumn atmosphere, the cooler air and the slower pacing of the city. Though at the same time it feels a bit more busy with all the students going back to education. The rainy days are much enjoyed. Not too heavy, not all day, but with some drizzle here and there and that's so fun to walk through, especially with how much it changes the general landscape. It has me more interested in exploring the parts of the city I am yet to explore, more interested in walking down streets I have both seen before or never seen before, more curious and willing to walk down them knowing I won't get too uncomfortable. At the same time I'm having a lot of fun running around with the APS-C camera again, and I'm noticing I'm switching lenses all the time.
No longer does it feel like I stick to one or the other, I tend to mix it up based on how I'm feeling or thinking in advance about what I will be shooting. I've had a ton of fun using the 35mm lens as of late, also wanting to get something more wide. Though that's for another time. I've also noticed I'm changing things up and shooting through the viewfinder more often, less reliant on the LCD screen. Just mixing up that whole experience and interaction with the camera which makes it remain fresh and enjoyable.
With the changing of the weather, the drone hasn't been the focus so much over the last few days. It isn't necessarily the wind or the rain that comes in from time to time, but more the fact that the light just isn't there. Strong overcast days with little light and heavily diffused environments. I love the feeling, but it's not all that ideal for finding epic locations and environments to shoot under. I've been scouting here and there in the meantime though, ensuring I have places to check out on the few days where the sun does still return and shine a bit. One area is on the mountain, it takes a cable car to get to, and a little bit of walking after. All the way to an old tower that sits isolated. I have no idea what the history of the tower is, though I think I'll check it out at some point and film it, while also finding out some more context as to what it is and why it's there. From what I've seen, it didn't look that too old. Looking more like a huge pillar or column rather than an individual tower. There are many of these throughout Tbilisi, sitting all over and somewhat left alone. It's nice to see that, that these more remote features remain untouched for the most part. Not turned into major destinations, and people with interest are free to check them out as they please. I find I'm more interested in these sorts of locations as of late, escaping the city more and finding the empty spaces that have more peace to them.
And that's a difficulty in such a dense city. Where much of the mountains that surround are empty and quite hard to navigate throughout. Either no public transport, no roads, or just no cable cars that'll take you throughout them. It's quite limited in that regard, and you do tend to have to venture out into the outer parts of Tbilisi more and beyond to get that feeling of peace and true nature. Away from the growing city and its constant development.
I have also found that my interest in photographing certain subjects has changed. I tend to point the camera at a bit of everything these days, and with less focus on making the most beautiful photograph I possibly can, and instead trying to just have fun with it. Removing the more serious side of photography and ensuring I still enjoy the process. And I think that's really important in keeping things fun. Not having that pressure to take something meaningful every time I go out with it. To enjoy the process is the most important thing, in the end.