As the country recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, social gatherings are becoming increasingly important. Founded 20 years ago, The New York Photo Video Group is focused on capturing the moments people have missed over the past year, including weddings, birthday parties, and communions.
While the company intended to open in April 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic delayed opening until June 10, 2021.
“We got into the business because we love photography. We love videos. We like to make films, ”said Peter Rodriguez, co-owner and founder.
NYPVG is a family owned company based in Bellmore providing photo, video and photo booth services at various events. Their website describes their style as a mix of modern, documentary, and photojournalistic, which Rodriguez highlights as an asset to the company.
Part of NYPVG’s goal is to capture not just the images, but the deeper side of every event. For example, at weddings, Rodriguez said, “We try to capture the father’s emotions when he dances with his daughter. And we try to get into his mind. He ponders each of these dances when his daughter was three or four years old … the same goes for the mother when she dances with her son. It’s very emotional, so we try to get a nice close-up when she’s crying. “
Although the pandemic prevented the NYPVG from reporting social events, the company took the opportunity to expand its online presence. They started streaming various podcasts and shows, many of which were created in collaboration with psychologist Steve Vaccaro to share their knowledge with others.
“We all got together and found a way to provide a platform and resource for people with disabilities or young people in which they can give voice to others through television productions,” said Vaccaro.
One of their programs teaches teenagers about filmmaking and videography by demonstrating concepts such as camera angles and audio. Similarly, another program is helping teens build the skills they need to become effective talk show hosts.
In total, NYPVG is helping host 14 shows, not just on Facebook but also on Bronxnet TV, YouTube, and social media.
In addition to creating its own content and expanding its own platform, NYPVG wants to highlight local businesses by sharing video clips and sound bits from different owners in the area. Through this collaboration, NYPVG hopes to give other companies the opportunity to thrive in the aftermath of the pandemic, Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez added that the NYPVG is looking forward to more social gatherings as Covid-19 becomes less and less relevant. The wedding and party business continues to open up, which allows the company to continue doing what they really enjoy – preserving people’s memories.
NYPVG, located at 305 Bedford Ave. in Bellmore can be found at www.nyphotovideogroup.com and their Facebook content can be found at www.facebook.com/nyphotovideogroup.