2016 Highlights in Photographs

2016 has been an incredibly happy year for me on every level. I am so lucky that I have so many lovely memories through photographs, which I would like to share with you.

2016 has been busier than ever with my photography work. The mixture of people and projects has been absolutely extraordinary. I’ve had a chance to photograph the British Prime Minister a couple of times and I also did an official portrait of the Mayor of Henley on Thames.

I’ve had my very first exhibition in Henley-on-Thames in July and have been awarded a licentiate qualification with the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers.

One of the greatest joys this year was the day when we found out that my son Yuri got a place in the Upton Court Grammar School. It was a great achievement, especially because Yuri has prepared for the 11+ exam completely on his own. Yuri enjoyed his year 6 prom at the Polehampton Junior School and he has now successfully completed his first term in the new school and is absolutely loving it.

Another milestone was when Yuri passed his grade 3 piano exam and has expressed interest in performing for other people.

He has performed at 5 different concerts this year, including the classical concert during the Twyfest, making me very proud.

We had an amazing time during the holidays in Liddington PGL in April with our wonderful friends.

We also had a chance to visit my family in Moscow and had an unforgettable week there in June.

Yuri played football throughout the year, and we also attended some football matches together at the Madejski stadium.

I’ve also had two unforgettable trips, to Italy and to the Dominican Republic, challenging myself to cycle on Appia Antica in Rome and do horse back riding for the very first time in my life.

And I’ve shared with some beautiful moments with my wonderful friends in England and abroad.

And, last but not least, I’ve attended many Salsa parties, as a photographer and as a dancer too.

I am so grateful for everything that has happened to us in 2016 and to all the people who have shared it with us. I look forward to another amazing year! My new year resolution is to take lots of great photographs of the people I love!