Why should you document your pregnancy & the newborn stage?

Anika Fatouros is a professional photographer specializing in portraits, weddings and engagements throughout the Hudson Valley area. She is a mother and owner of A. Fatouros Photography. She works closely with families to capture the most import times in their lives.

​You have photos all over facebook, instagram, your computer files and stored in your phone. Shouldn’t documenting your beautiful body and the amazing things it is doing during pregnancy be one of them? You are only pregnant with this little human for a moment in time. The memories of what it felt like to feel your baby move inside you might fade. Having lasting photos to treasure these moments is so important. Once our babies are here, they grow with the blink of an eye. By having professional photos done you will have lasting memories of those tiny toes and perfect faces forever.

Why do you feel it’s important to document the important milestones such as pregnancy and the 1st few days of a newborn's life?  
Because moments are fleeting, and once they are gone you wont get them back. By documenting these moments you are freezing a moment in time that will become apart of your family’s legacy. For me personally, I am adopted and I do not have any pictures of myself upon until 4 years, therefore I don’t know what I looked like as a baby.

When families are choosing a photographer what are some things they should ask? There are many things to consider when choosing a newborn photographer. It’s important for people to do their research and not just price shop; not all photographers are created equal. Ask, are they professionally trained and experienced? How do they create complex baby poses? Do they have an assistant or ‘spotter’? What age of baby do they prefer working with? The photoshoot setting, studio (in home, rented space) or will they travel to you. 

Newborn safety is very important to you, what are some safety practices that set you apart from other photographers? 

​All complex baby poses should be done as composite, where we merge the images in photoshop to create the final product. Please be aware: No photographer should ever force your baby into positions which make them uncomfortable or put them in danger. No baby should ever be expected to support the weight of its own head or body, be suspended from a height or put in a basket or box which could potentially topple over. The baby should be relaxed and comfortable at all times, and 100% safe. Ask each photographer if they have an assistant to help out during the photoshoots, to provide crucial support to the baby during posing and photographing. While not all photographers have an assistant, there is always the need for a second pair of hands at some point during a photoshoot. If they don’t have an assistant, who will help out? You, the parent? If this is the case, make sure you are comfortable with assisting in the shoot. If you would rather not, the solution is simple: choose a photographer who has their own assistant. You may find the experience more enjoyable if you are able to relax and watch, rather than have to play an active part yourself. ​

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What are some photography styles families can looking into when deciding on a photographer? With newborn photography, styles may range from studio posed session, some photographers shoot with props, and there are many photographers that shoot studio sessions that are more simple and not posed.There is a also lifestyle sessions in which the photographer can come to your home and capture you and you family interacting with your new bundle. Each photographer has their own unique style, when choosing a photographer, it’s important to check their portfolio to know what to expect in the end. 

What do you offer in your studio? My studio is located in my home and I provide a full service experience. Being a full service photography company means I don't send a zipped file of jpegs to my clients after the session is over and then I'm done. There is a lot that goes into the service I provide my clients. It starts with planning out sessions from the color schemes and what they will wear.  Full service means taking the time after the session at an ordering appointment to discuss what will look best printed large for wall art. And how it will look in various sizes on your own walls. Or what will flow better in a book and stir the memories of the heart for years to come. It means offering an array of professional and archival products that can be passed down to future generations. I finish by personally putting products in your hands. With hugs. My people are important to me and I try to make that evident through every step of the process. From start to finish.

What should families expect when having an outside photoshoot? Fun and lots of interaction, playing games and such. This allows me to get to know my clients more, and help them loosen up in front of the camera while capturing authentic moments.

What sets your photography style apart from other photographers? I don’t think I have found a perfect word to do describe my style. My ultimate goal when photographing families, engagements and weddings is to capture moments. I want people to relive their moments through my photographs. When photographing newborn I like to keep it simple and focus on their tininest. 

How long should parents expect a newborn shoot to take? I work on the babies time. I provide my clients with a preparation guide, but all babies are different. Some babies cluster feed or they may be gassy, but once settled the session usually goes smoothly. A typical session can like 2.5 to 3 hours.

When is the best time to schedule a maternity or newborn shoot? My schedule books up pretty fast. I would say when you are 20+ weeks. Maternity session should be done right at the beginning of the first trimester, where you are showing but not uncomfortable.

What is the best way to prepare for a photoshoot? I would say make sure you are well rested. Schedule your session at a time where you aren’t feeling rushed, rushed to go anywhere after or to do anything. I usually encourage women to get their hair and make-up done, it brings out different kind of confidence in women. Get the family excited, the morning energy you bring your session the more fun we will have together.

What would you say to an expecting mother to get across the importance of documenting her pregnancy? A statement I hear frequently from mom’s is that I wish “I had done maternity photos”.  I firmly believe that there are times in our lives we should document regardless of how we feel about our bodies.  Pregnancy is by far one of those precious times. We are dealing with hormones, growing waistlines, and an insecure body image amidst the changes which are our excuses for avoiding cameras during pregnancy are the very reasons we need to get in front of cameras.
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You are hosting a “Motherhood Event”, to capture photos of mother and children. Can you tell me more about this event? It’s common for us moms to be behind the camera most of the time. The Motherhood event is designed with moms in mind. We want them to feel pampered, relaxed and beautiful as they step in front of the camera for their session with your little ones. This event includes wardrobe styling services and fresh flower crowns,professional hair and  makeup, as well as bubbly and snacks to make you feel your best. And while you're with the glam squad, there will be a small play area for kids! 
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I really believe in the importance of showcasing the beautiful changes your body makes and the newness of your baby. Anika’s work is absolutely breathtaking and is art you will be proud to show off in your home. Make sure to like her on facebook and visit her website.

Anika Fatouros ​

My passion for what I do stems from being adopted and not having any pictures of myself until I was about 4 years old. This is why I think it is important to print. We live a digital age and  our memories are beginning to live on social media. Sadly our kids are not going to know that nostalgic feeling of holding a photograph and reminiscing about the past. 

My work can be found at: www.afatourosphotography.com
www.facebook.com/afatourosphotography
www.instagram.com/afatourosphotography_ny
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