Hamptons in the early Fall. Nina Drapacz Photography.

I love to travel to the Hamptons for family sessions when the crowds are gone and its still warm but not hot. This day started out rainy and dark. When I arrived it had just stopped raining and there were overcast skies. They were concerned the images would look gloomy. I guarenteed everyone they would be bright and cheerful, which they were! The wind really kicked upon on the beach and as soon as I finished the rain returned in a torrential way! This was the ONLY hour that day it did not pour! We were lucky! The goal at the end was to capture an image of their youngest dog jumping in the water while the kids posed…

Headshots of Mom and Daughter. Nina Drapacz Photography

This session took place on the top floor of a west village apartment. A few flights of stairs within the apartment lead to this amazing rooftop space, which mom admitted, they rarely use. It was perfect for the photo session with sweeping views of the west village. The time was 5 pm, perfect low soft light. Mom warned me in advance that her daughter, a teenager, didn’t smile easliy…I told her not to worry. The session was for headshots of each of them. Shortly after we started, mom out of sight, she smiled, lauighed and helped me come up with brilliant ideas!

Personal Branding for A New Business. Nina Drapacz Photography

I had been photographung her sister’s family for many years and we spoke a few times at parties. When Jena reached out for headshots I was so excited! We discussed her apprehension at being photographed. I made the studio experience as relaxing as possible. Almost instantly after the first grouping of images in the first outfit, she relaxed. It was a wonderful collaborative. We discussed her best angles and expressions as I showed her the images as we went along. We took it to a new level finishing the session in her home space.

Corporate Portraits in the Studio and Outdoors. Nina Drapacz Photography

I have been photographing this mom and her family for 7 years. She was changing jobs and needed a headshot. I suggested we try indoor and outdoor for two different looks. She chose these two images. They show confidence and strength.

Corporate Website Headshots made Fun by Nina Drapacz Photography

Its a day everyone dreads, portrait day like in school! Once I was done, they couldn't wait for me to return to take more! I did two looks, one classic studio and the other a bit more current or cutting edge. They chose both! For different purposes and each person now owns a two perfect retouched portraits to use for social media as well! 

The important part of photographing in a corporate environment is being quick and efficient. Give direction on positioning and tell them where to look. It is also beneficial to have a decent sense of humor, especially when the other co workers are observing and teasing!

 

STREAMLINE WEBSITES AND PRESENTATIONS. CREATIVE BUSINESS PORTRAITS NINA DRAPACZ PHOTOGRAPHY

In the world of internet, visual presentation is critical. A great headshot can create an element of trust. A polished portrait speaks volumes for business websites, social media and personal branding. Do not hesitate to make the time and financial commitment as the LinkedIn profiles with great picture are viewed many more times. An attractive image that portrays strength and confidence is the definition of a successful headshot. The portrait can be used not only for websites and LinkedIn, but Facebook business pages, leaving comments on blogs, etc...  

Trust a professional photographer as she or he knows what to do, the tilt of the head, the flattering angles of the light and most importantly what to elicit from the subject. Creating a sense of ease and working collaboratively is the secret. In this shoot with the doctor for her new website we had four different looks to be used for different purposes. 

 

Never Too Cold for Holiday Portraits...When They are Inside! Nina Drapacz Photography

Parks aren't always the best when it comes to holiday portraits, apartments are way to go when its freezing outside! Of the five plus years I have photographed this family, the two apartment sessions were the best! No trees to climb, no expansive places to run and best of all, controlled lighting!

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!

More from Storm King in the Hamptons! Nina Drapacz Photography

I needed to add these images as I was burning memory sticks for the family. It was such an awesome shoot combining the gorgeous backdrops with the art and the family.

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.

Personal Branding, Corporate and or Social Media Portraits... Nina Drapacz Photography

Image is everything so don't settle for anything less than perfection! A very fortuitous beginning, this strong ambitious woman was on my bus to Washington DC to march. As a successful business woman she expressed a need for a new portrait for LinkedIn as the current one was a random phone image. 

She arrived prepared with several changes for a variety of looks upon my recommendation. Nervous at first, the strongest images were midway to end. We stopped frequently to go over images and tweak expressions until she found exactly what she wanted to portray for her competitive goals.

After the shoot I uploaded the images, over 500, and we whittled them down to the best- 72! We made three categories with these chosen images, LinkedIn, Facebook and other social media and lastly, a sweet one for mom! She came in for a single perfect image and left with 6 for all different purposes, success!

Outdoor Winter Photography...its not too cold! Nina Drapacz Photography

Its been seasonally warm this winter, so far. This family reunion was after Christmas and the weather was perfect for this Harlem outdoor photoshoot! The family was so much fun, some visiting from Australia. Laden with multi outfit changes for the cousins and tons of interchangeable bright hats, we were set for the fun! 

Personal Branding Headshots by Nina Drapacz

This mom never ages! She's stunning! I have photographed Erica and her beautiful family for years. She contacted me for a new headshot for an upcoming talk show position which is very exciting! We used her own environment and natural soft window light. Of course we needed hubby and her babies, Ricky and Lucy, to make the session complete!