The Toughest Job: Leah, Olivia and Celeste

Probably all of you know who is holding the toughest job in the world, don't you?..
If you are still guessing, I'd give you the overview (based on a real interview with real people and uploaded on YouTube):

• It's not just a job, it's probably the most important job.
• Titled Director of Operations, it's really so much more than that.
• Responsibilities and requirements for a candidate are quite extensive. This job requires that  you must be able to work 24 hours a day and 7 days a week exerting a high level of stamina - constantly on your feet, constantly bending over, constantly carrying tons of load.
• There are no breaks available. You can have lunch just when the associate is done eating his lunch.
• This position requires excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• The perfect candidate must be able to wear several hats. Having the degree in medicine, finance and culinary arts is a huge plus.
• Associates need constant attention. Sometimes they have to stay up throughout the night and be able to work in a chaotic environment.
• No vacations. In fact, during the holidays the work-load is going to go up, and you are demanded to have a happy disposition.
• No time to sleep.
• The positions pays absolutely no money. 

Wow! That's insane, right? Who would even agree to do that kind of job? It might surprise you, but  currently billions of people are holding this position actually. These people are MOMs and DADs.

Only when I got my own kid I started to really understand the toughness of being a parent. For me to take a good care of him means giving up the life I used to have, being constantly alert, kind, patient and strong. I couldn't even think that a tiny baby would be consuming all of my time and energy. As a matter of fact, it takes a life to bring up a kid.

Now triple that toughness for my ultimate heroes - Illana and Phil - who are raising beautiful baby girls named Leah, Olivia and Celeste. When I first saw them it was kind of hard to tell the sisters apart. However in reality not only looks but also character make each girl very special. What unites them is that they are equally active and equally happy, are fond of c-o-o-k-i-e-s and playing outdoors.

I had a blessing to work with such an unbelievably great family two Saturdays ago in Manhattan Beach. The girls have just turned two years old and my task was to capture this birthday atmosphere. Oh, boy! Generally, taking pictures of a two-year old kid requires enough of perspiration, and back then I had three of them. So this task wasn't the easiest one, I must admit.

The most challenging part was to sit them nicely and make them all look at the camera. Cookies and lollipops did a little trick for a couple of minutes. Other times the angels were flying away in different directions. Birthday props? Forget it! Toys? Not interested! Run. Run. Run.

Well, Illana and Phil are doing a terrific job. Their skills and expertise are three times greater than of a regular parent. And though their parenting job pays absolutely no money I'm sure they totally enjoy the triple love and triple sweetness of every moment spent together. I admire you guys and thank you for sharing those precious moments with me.

Best regards and warmest wishes to your entire family,
Precious Moments and Kids Photography

James, Adina and Jonah

Last Saturday I took my mom and Askar to Central Park. It was a lovely morning promising plenty of positive emotions, new encounters and pleasant recollections. To ensure the latter, I almost always have my camera with me. 

The story about my mom's arrival in NYC deserves a separate long post with lots of photos. This one is about an amazing family we got acquainted with while having a picnic in Sheep Meadow. 

On a side note: normally I'm not approaching strangers without a good reason. Because there are thousands of "obstacles" for me not to, one of them is simply being shy. But Askar makes socializing so easy and natural that I cannot help but admit Babies Rule :) 

So what is amazing about this family? Jonah, of course! A very charismatic and cute 18 months old tot who got the best features from his parents. His dad James comes from London, UK and his mom Adina is from Montreal, Canada. They met each other in this big city several years ago and fell in love (like in a Hollywood movie). Now they are living a few blocks away from Central Park and enjoy its beauty every weekend. Isn't it amazing? It is!

Yes, folks, LOVE conquers time and distance, and unite people from different parts of the world. Just like it did with James and Adina. I wish you, guys, a happy life full of sunshine and laughter. And for those who are still single - trust me someone is looking for you out there ;) Go out and enjoy life!

Kristen, Cole and Cory

Despite a very hot morning Cole and Cory came with their mom Kristen to John Paul Jones (Cannonball) Park today to have their pictures taken. They said they've never done any kind of professional photo sessions before and that was their first experience. 

"Don't worry guys! We are learning things every day from each other! It was a new experience for me as well. Previously I've done only toddlers and never big boys :)"

Cole and Cory, who are 7 and 6 years old, turned out very easy-going and funny brothers. They have different personalities but same interest in building Lego blocks, coloring with crayons, playing ball and making faces :) 

Kristen is a very beautiful woman with a sweet smile and silky hair. And besides that she's a great mom: she's got strong personality that is essential in raising boys in the family and knows the importance of implanting such habits in boys as being united and supportive of each other. 

Thank you guys for your time and patience and great pictures. It was such a pleasure meeting you!

Best wishes.

Lina and Precious Moments With  Kids

P.S. Your references will be much appreciated :)