December this year was mostly gloomy, with mild weather and quite a bit of rain. I let the gloominess impact me, as I wasn't really very inspired to make images. To push myself a bit to get out of the rut, I decided to rent a couple lenses I don't own. I've found renting to be a great way to try equipment for a small fraction of the purchase price, learning whether or not I like it.
One of my venues was outdoors around our house on one of the many rainy days. While indoors, I noticed water droplets on several of the plants. I wondered if I could create anything interesting, so headed out when the rainfall rate eased to see what evolved. I was glad I made the attempt, as I was pushed to think about the scenes I encounter every day in a different way.
Living as close as I do to Longwood Gardens, it has become a default location for me when I want to get out and use my camera. The holiday display is installed from Thanksgiving through early in the new year and is always spectacular. This year, it seems a bit understated to me with its theme of birds, but many elements did not disappoint. Its variety of expansive spaces and opportunities for close-ups make an ideal location to try equipment on gloomy days.
A rainy December day helped create inspiration to make images.