Children in Costumes by Nina Drapacz Photography

What to do when a child shows up to a photo shoot in costume? The costume, the identity of the day, is very important to the child and they may be very hesitant to remove it.... 

Batman, aka Henry, came with his parents to my studio last week. As an experienced mother I immediately started calling him Batman which was exactly what he wanted to hear, step one. I ask if he could perhaps demonstrate some flying techniques, something he was thrilled to perform. After a few clicks of the camera and lights, I gently asked him to show me who was under the mask, he pulled it up and with coaxing eventually shed it completely with the cape! 

Mom didn't pressure him at all and had brought a white button down shirt for the shoot. Henry liked what he came in but mom asked him if he would like to look like dad in the white shirt, bingo! He agreed and let her change the shirt. It was a fantastic session! Light, lively and captured him perfectly!

As an experienced children's photographer and mother, I had realized that the costume was important and it was who Henry wanted to be for the day. Indulge the need, pay attention and the rest will fall into place! Hours after he left the studio with mom and dad, I noticed the mask was left on my desk, completely forgotten! His mom is coming by in a day or two to pick it up...

Goodbye New York City and Moving West! Family Photos by Nina Drapacz Photography

Enough park photography, this family wanted more of a city vibe. Moving to LA in just a week, I brought them to my favorite Tribecca spot, saturated with history and grit! Lucky for me there was a lot of rain the night before, leaving these pools of water on this tiny street. The kids, who mastered the perfect jumps, loved the chance to leap across trying not to get wet...it worked most of the time.

What Happened to Spring? Portraits with Tulips on a Nice Day in NYC by Nina Drapacz

It felt like an August day this past Saturday! Lucky as its cold again and this gorgeous little toddler had to wear this fab dress sans sweater! A late walker, the mom contacted me as soon as she started to set up a shoot with her brother, whom you may recognize in many of my galleries...

Her brother chose a beautiful dandelion for his mom, and one for his sister. He enjoyed her reaction.

Identical Twins! Rare and as Most Toddlers are, "Raring To Go!" Nina Drapacz Photography

These one year old adorable identical twins were a true and rare treat! Age one marks the transition to toddler from baby. Toddler stems from "to toddle" and these little ones were on the go as soon as they were released from the stroller. It took me about 15 minutes to distinguish one from the other, while they share the same faces their personalties were different. 

Headshots by Nina Drapacz Photography

She showed up with a small suitcase, a fresh blow out and no make up. She didn't need any! Just a dab of lip gloss and some of my bronzer on her eyes and we were set to go with at least a dozen outfits, great music and her doting dad.

Dunewood, Fire Island by Nina Drapacz Photography

I've photographed in the Hamptons all summer and finally got the chance to photograph a family in Fire Island! Its a completely different scene there. No cars, just simply wagons and bikes with a tiny grocery store and a single restaurant in the adjacent town. Super rustic and very cozy! The real beauty for children is the independence they get from being able to go places safely without parents hovering....

These children, my seventh year photographing them, were never this excited! I heard from each one all about their treks alone to the next town on their bikes! And what would a beach experience be like without a newly captured hermit crab?!

New York City Summer Portraits, Always a Fun Experience! Nina Drapacz Photography

She came with a fresh mani pedi, orange no less! Not a hair out of place even after lots of running and jumping! What a great session with lots child photographer collaboration.

Fall Photography with an Amazing Girl. Nina Drapacz Photography

She and her mom came with a small suitcase of clothing- all perfect choices! She was such a delight. She was excited to be photographed, which is a gift to a photographer. Her energetic fun personality allowed me to capture wonderful moments throughout the entire shoot.dan7 dan8 dan dan2 dan3 dan4 dan6

A Beautiful Girl and My Favorite Park ....Nina Drapacz Photography

I head of blond curls pulled back in a pony tail and a full of energy! I photographed this beautiful girl as a baby who was full of giggles which hasn't changed at all. We started out with flawless knees and ended with skinned knees and an elbow! She managed to make a complete recovery and smile and laugh as much as when we started.olive2oliveoliveolive5olive3olive4olive7 What a great role model for other kids and a pleasure to work with!