Newborn Socially Distant Session on Long Island. Nina Drapacz Photography

This mom was organized enough to book me before her baby was born according to her due date. Births, being unpredictable, she came a week early. Mom wanted the photo session as soon after birth as possible. Six days later and 91 degrees at 6pm…

An additional treat were two sets of grandparents, whom were all living with the new mom and dad during those first few weeks. A first grandchild on both sides. One can only imagine how they will dote on her!



Copy of Personal Favorite Newborn Images from Newborns Under 48 Hours. Nina Drapacz Photography

Photographing in three different hosptials, Cornell, Mt. Sinai East and Mt. Sinai West, I try to capture brand new babies as artisictally as I can which can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the baby. I feel these images are a good summary of my work in just a month, toggling between hosptials and rooms. These sessions afford me the opportunity to meet so many different families and to turn my creative energy to wonderful portraits documenting a very emotional time for everyone. The dad with the twins chose a pink shirt to take his twins babygirls home this day!

The birth stories I hear as well as the coaching I give the new parents on how to soothe their babies and even swaddle them correctly gives me the pleasure of sharing what I know from being a mom as well as reminding me of my own experiences as a new mom hours after my baby was born. With each session, I gain new perspectives and learn more about newborns and their parents and how unique each family is.

 

 

Personal Favorite Newborn Images from Newborns Under 48 Hours. Nina Drapacz Photography

Photographing in three different hosptials, Cornell, Mt. Sinai East and Mt. Sinai West, I try to capture brand new babies as artisictally as I can which can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the baby. I feel these images are a good summary of my work in just a month, toggling between hosptials and rooms. These sessions afford me the opportunity to meet so many different families and to turn my creative energy to wonderful portraits documenting a very emotional time for everyone. The dad with the twins chose a pink shirt to take his twins babygirls home this day!

The birth stories I hear as well as the coaching I give the new parents on how to soothe their babies and even swaddle them correctly gives me the pleasure of sharing what I know from being a mom as well as reminding me of my own experiences as a new mom hours after my baby was born. With each session, I gain new perspectives and learn more about newborns and their parents and how unique each family is.

 

 

Under 48 Hours Old. Mt. Sinai East. Nina Drapacz Photogaphy

New hospital for me lots of new babies! The parents of this little beauty work here at the hospital and had a wonderful new private room in the new addition on this floor. What a head of hair! She was all cheeks and hair, a true delight to photograph!

Newborn Baby at Weill Cornell by Nina Drapacz Photography

Mom was recuperating and was eager for a photo session right in the hospital, she was prepared with plenty of hats from grandma! The baby was a beautiful girl! We tried my props first then moved to her own. She slept through the whole shoot! Grandma was a huge help! I would definitely hire her as my assistant. We both took turns swaddling her granddaughter.

 

Newborn Shoot a Day After Birth! Cornell Hospital by Nina Drapacz Photography

Arthur was born on a Tuesday at Weill Cornell Hospital and on Wednesday he had his first photo shoot with his big brother and family right there on the hospital bed! As soon as I walked into the hospital room I met his big brother who was somewhat hesitant and losing patience...had to work quick, Arthur was calm and quiet but his brother needed coaxing. Need less to say this family took away wonderful images of Arthur and a bonus of Arthur and his older brother and parents! Birth announcement image DONE!

 

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...

Hamptons in September. Nina Drapacz Photography

When I arrived, this gorgeous girl was watching her father and brother playing basketball. She was dressed to go and they ran into the house to change. I met this the family when the kids went to Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club Camp a few years back and they all keep getting more beautiful each year.

Beach Captures! Hamptons, NY. Nina Drapacz Photography

Unseasonably warm, why not? Its never the wrong time to have beach portraits! This day was extremely cloudy, a photographer's dream! No shadows and the ability to shoot from any direction without squints! 

There was a small mouse running around behind me until a seagull swept down and captured it! I don't know who screamed the loudest, the mom, the kids or me!

Fall Photoshoot with Active Twin Brothers. Nina Drapacz Photography

I began photographing these two when they were just 2 years old and now they are applying to schools for kindergarten! They had a great time so I kept going to almost 6:45 when the sun was setting! Lolly pops of course, were my specail treats for them and function well as an "incentive".

Copy of Swinging Above a Lake in September in Tuxedo, NY. Nina Drapacz Photography

This past Saturday was not warm enough to swim, especially in a huge lake! When we went to the dock to take pictures, the dad put the boys on a swing above the lake. Needless to say the boys stayed dry holding on tight and I was able to make amazing images with "natural" smiles! A win win situation.

Swinging Above a Lake in September in Tuxedo, NY. Nina Drapacz Photography

This past Saturday was not warm enough to swim, especially in a huge lake! When we went to the dock to take pictures, the dad put the boys on a swing above the lake. Needless to say the boys stayed dry holding on tight and I was able to make amazing images with "natural" smiles! A win win situation.

Not Just Twins but Identical Twins in the North Fork! Nina Drapacz Photography

These beautiful little sisters had the best clothes! We had plans for at least 7 outfit changes but the girls allowed just 4 or 5. We had to choose wisely...I could have kept taking photographs all day, there was so much beauty and many special moments. Identical twins have a symbiotic bond like no other twins. My goal was to capture it! I especially love the image where one discovered her sister hidden in the bushes and it looked as if she was looking in the mirror at herself.

 

Hampton Personal Sculpture Garden Family Shoot by Nina Drapacz Photography

Its always exciting to visit this small version of Storm King in the Hamptons and see this wonderful family! Replete with outstanding art inside and out, my goal was to incorporate the art with the families of a doting grandfather and fine art collector.

Hampton Photography! Nina Drapacz Photography

I love photographing this family! Every year its a treat and this year was just magical! Too windy for the beach but the house was the perfect backdrop, filled with natural golden sunlight.

Two Teenagers and Their Little Brother, A Successful Challenge! Nina Drapacz Photography

The traffic was ridiculous and I arrived late. The mom was anxiously texting me to hurry as all three were losing patience. The lighting was soft and beautiful but all were upset and not into the shoot. Slowly but surely as we scouted for locations in Central Park, we came across an amazing tree, then rocks that lined up and more. So with the perfect backdrop and lighting, I needed to work on the adolescents. I resorted to politics and sure enough, it worked!

Two Teenagers and Their Little Brother, A Successful Challenge! Nina Drapacz Photography

The traffic was ridiculous and I arrived late. The mom was anxiously texting me to hurry as all three were losing patience. The lighting was soft and beautiful but all were upset and not into the shoot. Slowly but surely as we scouted for locations in Central Park, we came across an amazing tree, then rocks that lined up and more. So with the perfect backdrop and lighting, I needed to work on the adolescents. I resorted to politics and sure enough, it worked!

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.

Central Park, After School and After a Cup of Grom. Nina Drapacz Photography

Baby number two, two years old and very serious. The only trick that worked for a fleeting smile was the Dad toss. I photographed this little one in his mom's belly, as a newborn and now a toddler with his handsome older brother. The shoot came after they both consumed Grom strawberry gelato, thank goodness for photoshop! Evidence erased!

Valentine's Day is Approaching! Family Portraits by Nina Drapacz Photography

Professional fine art photographs are a fun and a perfect way to say "I Love You!" for someone special. It makes a wonderful surprise as framed prints or a wrapped gift certificate to be used at a later date with an expiration of one year. Book now or buy a certificate for later!

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