A Mitzvah in the Hamptons During Covid. Nina Drapacz Photography

I was scheduled to photograph the Mitzvah in June 2020 indoors in NYC. In May the mom contacted me to ask if I could do covid safe photography outdoors in East Hampton since indoor services and parties were not allowed. Yes! Just a small intimate family service to start followed by an evening of safe mitzvah fun. A temperature checker at the front entrance for additional safety and tie dyed masks, made by the mitzvah girl ,were laying in a bowl for everyone next to the disinfectant.

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!

Bat Mitzvah at Home by Nina Drapacz Photography

As a photographer and as a guest I have been to many many mitzvahs. This was the first one at home - it was simple and a class act. Warmth and affection from close relatives really made this mitzvah so wonderfully unique and special!

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!


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!

Bar Mitzvah Photography at Temple Emanu-El of New York by Nina Drapacz Photography

TRIEDtried4tried2tried3tried6I arrived at the home of this lovely family for portraits before the ceremony. Two years earlier I photographed their oldest daughter for her Bat Mitzvah. I suggested photographing the actual service which wasn't an option for their daughter and they agreed if the temple agreed. Surprising to the family private services were allowed to be photographed. What a gorgeous synagogue, what a gorgeous family!

Double Mitzvah, twins by Nina Drapacz Photography

hal2 hal3 haleTwo stunning red heads no less! We did the temple photographs a week after the ceremony when everyone was nice and relaxed. Earlier we did a portraits for posters to sign at the party. All pictures were timed perfectly when there was no stress for the family or the photographer! Whew!