A Baby Naming During Covid by Nina Drapacz Photography

I had met this family right before Covid at the hospital after their second daughter was born. I was there to photograph the new baby and the sisters meeting for the first time. A year later, mom had reached out during the pandemic to see if I would photograph her first birthday cake smash in Central Park. Six months after her first birthday they asked me to document her baby naming, which had been postponed due to Covid. They had a small outdoor area outside their window. Immediate family and the rabbi. The paternal grandparetns could not travel so they were streamed in by zoom. The ceremoney was sweet and meaningful. I am so happy to have captured this important milestone for them.

Mitzvah Photography at Temple Emanu-El by Nina Drapacz Photography

What makes this so special is having a photographic relationship with this wonderful family since she was just 4 years old! I was so excited to be the photographer for her important day. We started with images in Tribecca months before …Synagogue photographs (thank you Temple Emanuel for allowing photography during the service) followed by reception also in Tribecca! I did not want to do conventional images in Temple Emanuel, especially considering how nervous everyone was before the ceremony . Her little brother was the perfect family member to create the more relaxed mood that we all needed!

Birthday in the Hampton's by Nina Drapacz Photography

It was all about the mermaid outfit! The birthday girl had a good time with the balloons and scarves before the guests arrived… which for me, creatively, was the best part!

Bris Photography by Nina Drapacz Photography

Some beautiful moments captured at this Bris, which is almost always a very emotional event for the parents. This baby is surrounded by so much love from his parents, grandparents and big sister. Luckily the mohel was fast and the baby stopped crying as soon as his diaper was secured. Whew!

Fall Fun in Central Park by Nina Drapacz Photography

Yearly tradition for dad- after swinging each daughter one by one, he holds all three at once. Admits this may possibly be the last year since they are getting too big !

Bar Mitzvah At The Classic Car Club! Nina Drapacz Photography

All the super valuable cars had been removed except for the DeLorean was which equipped with car karaoki. It was an amazing over the top Mitzvah with basketball players, dancers, insane passed treats and an awesome DJ!

Identical Twin Madelines for Halloween! Nina Drapacz Photography

The twins birthday party falls near Halloween so it was a two for one photo session. On the way to the party we snuck in some awesome images of the twins in their beloved madeline costumes!

Baptism Photography Upper East Side by Nina Drapacz Photography

I find the visual aspect of a baptism so compelling. This little one didn't let out a peep, she was amazing! Whether she was anointed with oil or the priest splashed her with holy water, she was calm and happy. And what a head of hair! Mom was busy fixing her hair after the dunk to get it back to its initial bounce!

Bar Mitzvah Manhattan Style! Nina Drapacz Photography

After photographing and attending so many mitzvah's, this one was simple and classic! The bar mitzvah boy is even barefoot during a hora in his own apartment! The temple was stunning, the tallis was the same color as the torahs in the ark, a perfect combination coincidently... What would I have done without the gentleman that works at Central Synagogue? He positioned the tallit perfectly after grandpa had put it on and was full of ideas for the images. Needless to say a little hairspray, a gorgeous tallit and a beautiful family make a great combination for perfect photography.

A few hours later everyone headed to the apartment for good food, magic tricks, mind reading and a hora! Followed by a spectacular birthday cake, carrot, and quite melted by then. 

Children's Birthday Party at Amorino, a Primo Gelato Shop! Nina Drapacz Photography

What's better than an ice cream party for six year old twin girls?  A gelato party! It surpassed even the best ice cream party as it was at one of the best gelato shops in NYC, Amorino. The gelato is imported directly from Italy - it doesn't get better! Imagine a fresh made waffle cone with more than three insane flavors made into a flower and topped with a macaron- then imagine an unlimited supply of these cones plus thick homemade hot chocolate!!!

A dance party followed by an awesome acapella group singing their favorite songs apres the hot chocolate and gelato.....

Capturing a Bris While Trying Not To Look! Nina Drapacz Photography

Covering all aspects of the bris, from the preparation, the service, the delicious food and schmoozing I avoided photographing the actual procedure -thanks to the mohel, whew!

The Hampton's in the Summer! Nina Drapacz Photography.

There is no better combination than the Hampton's and New York City as a family and event photographer! The Hampton's provide a serene respite from the hot city. Beautiful families and parties on the beaches are a joy to photograph!

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.

It Was Meant to Be. Engagement Photography by Nina Drapacz Photography

They met when she was a student and he the professor many years ago. There was an instant intellectual connection. Keeping in touch over the years she would visit his family and, on occasion, babysit for his children. With the passing of his wife he reached out and she was there. Life events brought them full circle. Without wasting time, he proposed. Some of the images were captured at Convent of The Sacred Heart where she went to elementary school many years before they met. It was meant to be.

Magazine Portrait Photography for ASRT by Nina Drapacz Photography

When I was approached to shoot the cover of the magazine, ASRT Scanner, a medical periodical, I was thrilled to be chosen. The assignment involved photographing a radiation therapist, who was being recognized for his 25 years of experience, in an actual radiation room at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.  I brought the entire studio to MSK and set up. In walks Charles, his contagious smile and bow tie instantly put me at ease! When the lighting and angle were perfect we began and continued with several other background settings.  A person who works with photo sessions from MSK was there to assist me and surprised me by taking her own photos of our session! It was a great photo shoot and I look forward to more.

Mitzvah Photography Manhattan, Westchester, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Nina Drapacz Photography

No stone left unturned. I arrived at the family home at 7 am sharp and began documenting... from Mom helping with the tie to the dog watching as he slipped into his shoes. Then on to the synagogue. It was pouring and dark. We did all the traditional images as well as some behind the scenes before the service. Next, the most extraordinary kiddish we have ever photographed! 

The evening events left myself and my team speechless. Every detail was perfect and many were "over the top!!!" One of the best mitzvahs!

Holiday Party Photography for Personal or Office Celebrations! Nina Drapacz Photography

Whether you are having a holiday party for friends and family or an office party, let us take some of the pressure off your event. We will cover all the stages of your party from the decor to the best portraits of your guests and everything in between! Relive the party and share high-res downloadable images with guests, employees, and family in a musical slideshow the next day.

Probably getting close to the last of the color, Fall Photography. Nina Drapacz

Some solace by weeks end. With all the shock of the week, it was comforting to experience nature in NYC as its finest. 

Village Maternity Opens! Photography by Nina Drapacz

Last night was opening night for my favorite practice, Village Obstetrics' new addition, Village Maternity! Doula and midwives abound! I was happy to create this poster for them, a few of the babies in this poster were delivered by these docs! Successful opening celebration for these doulas and midwives with Dr. W and Dr. M.

When Image is Everything, Go for the Best! Professional Headshots by Nina Drapacz

In the age of the Smartphone, one may be hard pressed to "splurge" on a professional image for work websites, social media, corporate images, LinkedIn , singles websites..... A professional image that captures personality and concentrates on looking great can be the key to success in reaching your goals. Its well worth it. Professional photographers not only know the secret to good lighting, they have a trained eye to look beyond the smile to represent who you are at your best!