TEN YEARS OF KGP | Charlotte, NC | Newborn & Family Photography

Can you believe it?! TEN YEARS. Ten years of photographing newborns and families. Ten years of growth inside and out. Ten years of trusting me with your most prized possessions! What a whirlwind and what a great blessing to have you all in my life!

My interest in photography began back in middle school when disposable cameras were still commonly used for those who didn’t have a “real camera.” The thrill of taking a camera into Walmart and finding out what was inside was something I lived for! When I got the images back, I aways made sure to share copies with my friends. My first digital camera was a Kodak DC 3200. Although it felt giant in my hands, I loved being able to see what the image looked like immediately after taking the photo. Instant gratification! That is the first camera I remember owning.

When I entered high school, I enrolled in a film photography course. My grandma gifted me my first (and only) film camera. Although I didn’t stick with film, the class did inspire me to continue to follow my interest in photography.

My love for all things tiny

I began my career as a nurse in 2010. In 2012, when we settled in Charlotte, I was able to secure a position in the NICU. I dreamed of working with preemies for so long and that dream finally came to fruition! It turned out to be a great fit for me, and I am still employed there today.

My love for all things tiny was so great that spending time with them in the NICU just wasn’t enough. I invested in a DSLR camera sometime around 2010 or 2011. It was a Canon Rebel T2i, which is a great starter camera! Fast forward to late 2013, a college friend asked me photograph her newborn. She wanted to do the session outdoors in November, and I agreed. I was hesitant and wondered how a newborn would feel being outdoors in the winter, but it actually went really well and the baby slept the whole time. I got lucky with that one!

And so it began!

Ten years ago, in December 2013, I shared the results of that very first newborn session on Facebook. I didn’t have a website, a portfolio, or branding of any kind. I truly started from scratch and let things grow organically. After all, I didn’t want to invest a lot into this new business if I wasn’t sure whether or not I had an artistic eye.

That first year was the perfect time to explore the sessions that I was most interested in and decide on a specific genre. So I took on anything and everything that came my way! Different lighting situations challenged me. Unpredictable children challenged me. I grew from every situation and learned to roll with the punches. I look back on some of those portraits, and I can definitely think of things I’d do differently now, but I had to learn somehow!

The highlights

2014

I officially created a Facebook page for Krista Gantt Photography. I started offering to photograph friends and their children to get more practice using my camera and editing software.

2015

My photography business exploded! I got a website and started posting my work to the blog. I felt a little more “official.” I learned and grew and photographed so many families. I photographed a few weddings as a second shooter with my friend Julie Staley of Old South Homes (previously Old South Studios). I also discovered that weddings aren’t for me! I didn’t mind second shooting, but I didn’t want the pressure of being the one ultimately responsible for catching those one-time moments.

2016

I started my free NICU portrait program with the help of an organization called Pierce’s Project, which has since been acquired by Bee Mighty. This program has been a fun and rewarding way to merge my love of NICU babies with photography, all while providing a free service to NICU families in the Charlotte region.

I entered a photo contest at the Neonatal Association of Neonatal Nurses. My winning image was published on the cover of their journal, Advances in Neonatal Care.

The Baby Summit in Atlanta in the fall of 2016 was a highlight of my career. Seeing so many photographers I followed for years in person - and learning from them in a small group setting - was phenomenal. That was my first experience with in-person learning, and it was an exhilarating introduction into the big world of newborn photographers.

2017

My studio got a big upgrade this year to accommodate my growing business. I converted a room in my home to a studio and added hardwood floors, which made cake smashes a possibility! We also started our annual tradition of private sessions with Santa.

Click Magazine approached me about publishing my NICU portraits along with some tips for photographing preemies. I’m not much of a writer, but I wrote an article and sent over some of my favorite images of NICU babies. I was pleased that they wanted to published my work in their May/June 2017 issue. I didn’t have a goal to be published, but this made for the second time, and both times were such a fun surprise. There’s nothing like seeing your work in print, especially when you know it’s going to be in a lot of other people’s hands as well!

I went on another trip, this time across the country to Santa Barbara, for a photography retreat with a national association of photographers. It was a much smaller group of ladies but still very informative.

I spent a lot of time and money on education, joining online learning platforms and educating myself more specifically in newborn photography. I learned so much about editing and was able to bring significantly more consistency to my work.

2018

I became a mom! Evan changed everything for my family. I was really able to grasp just how fast childhood goes and to see the value in photography for myself. I started making annual family yearbooks just to have something for him to look back on when he’s older. So much happens throughout the years and there’s no way to remember everything… Photos are the way to go!

2019

I had the opportunity to put up NICU portraits at Novant Hemby Children’s Hospital in their family room. This was huge for me, as it meant more exposure to other NICU families but also the opportunity to celebrate the work I have done in the NICU.

I spent the year learning how to balance motherhood, owning a business, being a nurse, etc. with my 1 year old in tow. I also tried boudoir portraits and decided it wasn’t for me.

2020

Like so many small businesses in 2020, things slowed down for me significantly this year. I was thankful for the opportunity to spend extra time with my husband, Michael, and son, Evan. I was finally able to reduce my hours at the hospital, but that came with a price. I had to go back to night shift. I also finally took the plunge and upgraded to a mirrorless camera! I was a little worried about adjusting to it, but it turned out to be an easy transition.

2021

Studio sessions, Santa sessions, and NICU portraits resumed after a hiatus. It took me a little while to get things back up and running and get back into the rhythm of an increased workload. I branched out and tried a few new types of sessions that didn’t get much traction, but you win some, you lose some!

2022

I hired my first employee, Lauren, to help me with many aspects of the behind the scenes work that this business requires. The business had grown even more, and with the increase in volume of photos I was taking, that meant it was time to focus on getting things organized on the back end. I was able to truly focus on doing the parts of photography that I love and couldn’t outsource. The rest was in Lauren’s hands. She helped me accomplish more in a shorter time, which led to an increased turnaround time for my clients.

I began offering NICU sessions at a second hospital in Charlotte, NC and introduced 3 new and very popular mini sessions (see more here). This is when I was really thankful for Lauren! The increased volume of sessions and scheduling extra clients was a lot to coordinate.

2023

I got very specific with the sessions I took on. I started homeschooling Evan and really felt the pull to slow down even more. After 10 years in the business, it was time to find a new balance and carve out more time for family.

4 cameras, 8 lenses, and 10 years later, I’m proud of how I’ve grown and incredibly thankful for all of the special people I’ve met along the way!

What’s coming in 2024?

I’ll be focused on serving my Luxury Membership clients throughout the new year. My favorite work is always done with the clients I spend the most time with. I’m able to get to know them, and their children get to know me - and we have fun together! When work is fun, it doesn’t feel like work anymore.

I’ll be spending my time photographing these families and designing albums and other products to make their photo visions come to life!

Make sure to follow me on @kristaganttphotography on Instagram to see where the new year takes me!

Ready to order your Christmas cards and gifts? | Charlotte, NC | Newborn Photographer

On this Small Business Saturday, if you’re wondering how to support this small business of mine, look no further! As a photographer, I am picky about the companies I use to print photo products. High quality photos deserve high quality printing, and I want the best for all of my clients. Here are a few gift ideas along with discount codes so that you can save big this holiday season!

If you’re looking for photo gifts for your family or even to keep for yourself, you can order prints and products directly from your photo gallery. You can choose from a wide range of products including prints, ornaments, and albums. Each of those products come from my professional print lab, so I stand by the quality of each piece. You can also reach out to me directly about ordering a silhouette necklace if you had a silhouette session recently!

If you were photographed by me in the last month (no matter the location or whether we were joined by Santa), you should have received an invitation from Minted along with your final images. If you didn’t see it, check your spam! Clicking the link will bring your holiday photos straight into Minted where you can start designing your cards. When you use the link in the email invitation, you’ll receive a 15-20% discount on your purchases. It makes ordering your holiday cards and gifts so, so easy!🙌

Pretty in Polka Dots makes gorgeous real wood photo ornaments. These are my favorite way to spice up your tree in a personal and unique way each year. These ornaments are made of solid wood and are BIG so they make a statement for sure! They also come in sets of 3, which is convenient when you need an easy gift. Use code KRISTAGANTT for 15% off.

If you’re looking for some other options, I have lots of ideas! I love Pinhole Press for photo gifts. The personalized board books, puzzles, and memory games are so fun for children! And that’s just a small fraction of the items that they offer. Use code KRISTAG15 for 15% off.

Blurb has been my go-to for family yearbooks since before Evan ever entered the picture! They make it easy to compile your photos into a keepsake to remember all the fun things you did that year. I’ve been talking about family yearbooks for…well, years! 😆 Do you think 2024 will finally be the year, I’m able to get this course together?? 🤞 Use this link for 35% off of your first book at Blurb.

Artifact Uprising is well known for their premium photo books, prints, and photo calendars.

No matter who you’re shopping for, you’re sure to find something personal and unique in one of the above sites. Reach out if you need any help designing your products, ordering, or using your discount codes. I’m here to make your gift-giving dreams come true!

*As an affiliate, I earn commission from purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you! Thanks for the many ways you’ve supported my small business this year. I’m so thankful for you!

My Favorite Newborn Hacks | Charlotte, NC | Newborn Photographer

Have you ever wondered how I’ve captured the perfect sleepy photos of sooooo many newborns? It’s not by chance! My ten years of experience as a NICU nurse, ten years of photographing newborns, and having a child of my own have all helped me build up my skills in this department.

Of course there are times when no matter what I do, baby is wide awake during their session. As I’m sure you know, these babies have a mind of their own! However, there are a few things that will improve our chances of having a sleepy baby during their newborn session. I have a few tricks up my sleeve, which I’m happy to share! 😉

1. As newborn as possible

   The biggest key is to schedule our session in the first 7-10 days after birth. Babies are the most sleepy during this period. This isn’t always practical for your family or for coordinating our schedules, but that’s okay. I have a few more tricks that we can use for our session AND that you can use at home!

2. Warm room

   I keep my studio slightly warmer than usual. The rest of us might get a little toasty, but baby will love it!

3. Full belly

   I recommend that babies come to their session with a full belly. Also, we can sometimes sneak a bottle feed in while they’re still posed, if necessary, to keep them content a little longer.

4. White noise

After nine months in a very noisy place, babies are used to all of the “outside” noises being drowned out by whooshing sounds. White noise machine to the rescue!

5. Swaddling

Like many of these tips, this helps mimic the feel of the womb. A snug and warm baby is a sleepy baby! I happen to have more than my fair share of practice with this. 😆

6. Facial Massage

If baby is peaceful, but not quite ready to close her eyes, we can use a little facial massage as encouragement. Swiping your finger gently across the forehead and down the bridge of the baby’s nose, will encourage her to keep her eyes closed.

7. What you’ve learned so far!

You know your baby best. Any tricks you have learned in the care of your little one so far can help us too! I know babies, but that doesn’t necessarily necessarily mean I know YOUR baby. All babies have different needs and respond differently to certain calming techniques, so you let me know what works best!

5 Things I Wish Every Client Knew | Newborn Sessions | Charlotte, NC Newborn Photographer

After almost ten years as a photographer, I’ve built up a strong base of repeat clients. But whether I’ve known your family for years or it’s our first time meeting, there are five things I wish every client knew.

1. I am a parent too!

   If you follow me on IG, there’s no way you’ve missed that fact. 😉 I haven’t forgotten what it’s like to be pregnant, to have a newborn, or to try to wrangle a wild toddler. Combine this with over 10 years of experience in the NICU, and just know that whatever the situation, it’s probably nothing new to me!

2. Remember what you’re here for.

I want to accurately capture your family and the love you all have for each other. If you are anxious or stressed about the session or your hair, etc., it will show in the images. Make sure you prioritize getting ready but also remember that the outfits, shoes, and jewelry don't make the photo. Remember to be "in the moment" and enjoy what the session is all about. Every image doesn't have to be picture perfect; I want the connection of the family and your interactions, not just a family smiling at the camera. But of course we'll get that one too. 😊

3. Trust the process.

You may think that we haven't gotten any "good" shots or worry that I didn’t spend enough time on a certain pose, but most of the time, clients are pleasantly surprised with what I deliver. Not every session will be that way, but 99% of the time, clients say "wow!" or " I can't believe you got so many good ones!"

4. I’m honored to join your journey.

I cherish the opportunity to capture these highlights as your family grows over time. One of the serious perks of this business is getting to know your family and photographing you again and again!

5. I think of you when I do the dishes.

No, really! I work hard to keep my home clean so you’re not distracted by a messy kitchen on the way to my studio. 😆

Why You Should Hire a Photographer for a Private Santa Session Instead of Going to the Mall

Why Hire a Photographer for a Private Santa Session?

The enchantment of the holiday season often revolves around the magical figure of Santa Claus, bringing joy and wonderment to children and adults alike. For many families, a visit to a mall Santa has become a traditional annual event. However, there is an alternative option that ensures an even more memorable experience – a private Santa session with a professional photographer.

At Krista Gantt Photography, we understand the importance of capturing those cherished moments with Santa Claus. That’s why we are about to celebrate our seventh year hosting private Santa sessions! Here are a few reasons why hiring a photographer for a private Santa session surpasses the mall Santa experience in creating lasting memories:

Personalized Attention and Time

A visit with mall Santa can sometimes feel rushed and impersonal due to the high demand during the holiday season. However, a private Santa session allows you and your loved ones to have dedicated time with Santa, ensuring a more relaxed and personalized experience. I work hard to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable, fostering genuine connections and capturing the true spirit of the season. Private portrait sessions provide you with photographs of your children experiencing the excitement of meeting Mr. Claus himself.

Attention to Detail

When working with a professional photographer, every detail is carefully considered. From the backdrop selection to the lighting, we work carefully to create a magical setting that complements your family's style and preferences. Each photograph is meticulously composed and edited, resulting in high-quality images that truly reflect the festive atmosphere of the holidays.

Over the years I have held sessions on my back porch, in my studio, and even in my own den depending on the backdrop I was trying to accomplish. I was very thankful I made the decision to hold the sessions indoors last year because it turned out to be 70º in November. Poor Santa would have been melting outside! (It looks like it may be the same again this year!)

Authentic Interactions

While mall Santas try their best to engage with numerous children, the ensuing line can limit the amount of time spent with each child. In contrast, during a private Santa session, your family will have an opportunity for genuine interactions with Santa Claus. We skillfully facilitate these precious moments, capturing the wonder, joy, and sometimes even the shy smiles, resulting in images that will warm your heart for years to come. The lack of distractions allows for a more relaxed and memorable encounter, ensuring that the true spirit of Christmas shines through.

For years we hosted Santa and Mrs. Claus, until they decided to retire. I started hosting a fabulous new Santa last year, which turned out wonderfully. He actually owns his own professional Santa shop and a Santa school, where he trains other Santas across the country. He even custom designed a new suit just for our sessions!

Flexibility and Convenience

Booking a private Santa session provides you with flexibility in terms of time and location. You can choose a time that works best for your family, ensuring a stress-free experience without the constraints of a crowded mall and an hours long wait. At Krista Gantt Photography, we believe that the memories created during the holiday season should be preserved in the most beautiful and authentic way possible. Our private Santa sessions offer a unique and personal experience, ensuring that everyone is in high spirits and ready to embrace the holiday cheer. This convenience allows you to truly savor the experience without the anxieties often associated with crowded environments.

With a private portrait session, you have the opportunity to personalize the experience to suit your child's comfort level. You can communicate any specific requests or considerations beforehand, allowing Santa to create a warm and inviting environment that fosters trust and confidence. This customization ensures that every child feels safe to express their dreams and wishes with Santa, resulting in heartwarming and authentic interactions.

I can’t wait to capture the magic of the holiday season as your children meet Santa this year!

My Photo Session Wish List | Charlotte, NC Newborn Photographer

While every baby is different, following my tips for your newborn session just might help us keep your baby sleepy and content for a good long while. Brooklyn was a champ for her newborn session! That allowed me to check off many of the photos that are on my wish list for each newborn session.

Family photos. I usually try to get these done early in the session, in case any siblings are just ready to be done. I’m always very aware of how everyone is feeling. I can be flexible, but often knocking these photos out first works well. These also tend to be the most important images to the parents.

• Parents standing holding baby

• Parents seated holding baby

• Both parents’ hands on baby

• Both parents’ hands cupping baby’s feet

Baby with siblings.

• We’ll start sitting, if the siblings are old enough to hold the baby

• Then we can move to the floor or beanbag

• In some cases, we take whatever we can get!

Photos with each parent individually.

• Baby’s hand holding parent’s finger

• Looking at baby

• Holding baby up beside your face, cheek to cheek

• Baby on a shoulder

Photos with baby by herself.

• Swaddled

• Draped

• Curled up on beanbag

• Swaddled on fuzzy rug

The details!

• Ears

• Lips

• Eyelashes

• Hair

• Fingers and hands

• Toes and feet

• Creases, rolls, and wrinkles

Bonus images. If your baby is being particularly cooperative, I will keep shooting until I am satisfied with what I have. These images are a little more creative, and I always like to try them if I have extra time.

• Backlit family image

• Naked baby on beanbag

• Parents with hands on curled up baby

• Baby in a basket or bowl

Photographing Triplets! | Charlotte, NC Newborn Photographer

I’ve photographed my fair share of multiples. In the NICU alone, I’ve photographed 8 sets of twins in just the past year, 1 set of triplets almost exactly a year ago, and the Queen City Quints over seven years ago. 😮 The studio is a bit different than the NICU though! The Rileys’ triplets were born at 35 weeks. I was honored to be chosen by them to photograph their family and to have the opportunity to welcome triplets to my studio for the first time!

Naveya, Kaden, and Cosette were the perfect babies! I could not have imagined that this session would have gone as smoothly as it did. It turns out that everyone functions better on a schedule, and the Rileys have that down pat. 👏 The triplets were already over two months old by the time of our session, but it all worked out just fine. They were all fed just after they arrived, changed, and then I got to work on swaddling each of them. Then, it was finally time to pull out my camera!

Fortunately, we had lots of help behind the scenes, including two grandparents, and my assistant, Lauren. It was really nice to have an extra set of hands to help reposition heads and to convince Kaden to keep his eyes closed. 😆 This also allowed us to take good notes on what each baby was wearing throughout the session and who we had already photographed.

If want my advice on photographing triplets, here it is:

• Plan for best and worst case scenarios.

  • What photos are most important to the client?

• Make sure you have extra hands behind the scenes.

• Take notes!

Luca | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, NC Newborn Photographer

Luca weighed 2 lbs, 10 oz when he was born at 27 weeks and 4 days. His mom shared his birth story with me, “At 25 weeks my water broke while I was sitting in bed watching Netflix. We rushed to the hospital where they told us I had PPROM (Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes) and would need to be transferred to CMC Main to stay until it was time for baby boy to come, with a goal to make it to 34 weeks.”

“We had our 20 month old daughter, Sella, at home, so being told I would be away from her felt tragic in itself.”

“We made it an additional 2.5 weeks in the antepartum unit at CMC Main when our baby boy Luca was born at 27 weeks 4 days at 2lb 10 oz. While we feel torn between spending time with our daughter at home and Luca in the NICU, we look forward to the day we can all be together as a family!”

Like many parents, Luca’s mom worried about capturing photos with him when the whole family couldn’t be in the NICU together. This is a conversation that I have often! Sometimes people don't want to be in the photos because their partner can't be there or the baby’s sibling(s) can’t be there. And sometimes there is a grandparent present who wasn’t prepared to be in photos. Regardless of the circumstances, I still encourage them to be in the photo. The baby will want to see THEM when they are older or when that family member is no longer around. Their child will simply appreciate seeing the love shared between them and whoever is able to be present!

Hiring a Photographer for your Maternity Session | Charlotte, NC Photography

Capturing the Beauty of Motherhood: Why You Should Hire a Maternity Photographer

There is an indescribable magic that surrounds a woman during the journey of pregnancy, a one-of-a-kind experience that should be celebrated and cherished. Hiring a maternity photographer is an investment in capturing this incredible milestone, and a decision you won't regret! Let’s explore the reasons why you should hire a photographer for maternity portraits.

Preserving Joyful Memories

Pregnancy is a fleeting stage that passes by in the blink of an eye, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. Before you know it, your baby bump will have disappeared, and a new chapter of life will begin. Hiring a professional photographer ensures that you can relive those precious memories whenever you desire. The emotional bond with your unborn child should be commemorated in a way that can be shared with your child as they grow older. These beautiful portraits will become heirlooms, telling the story of their origin and the love that surrounded their arrival.

Professional Expertise

The goal of your photographer is to capture the essence of motherhood in the most flattering and artistic way possible. Their experience in working with pregnant women allows them to create a comfortable and safe environment during the session. They know the best poses and angles that will highlight the natural beauty of your changing body, ensuring you look and feel incredible. With their exceptional skills in lighting, composition, and editing, a professional photographer will provide you with breathtaking images that make you truly shine.

A Creative and Unique Experience

Collaborating with a professional photographer allows you the freedom to get as creative as you desire. They can help you choose the perfect location, outfits, and props that reflect your personality and style. Whether it's a cozy indoor session or a setting in nature, your maternity pictures will uniquely represent your journey to motherhood. A skilled photographer will capture the anticipation, excitement, and love between you and your partner, creating timeless images that create everlasting memories.

Building a Connection

Choosing the right photographer involves finding someone whose style resonates with you and understands your vision. By establishing a connection and open communication, your photographer will be able to bring out your true emotions, creating authentic and meaningful images. A trusted photographer will make you feel at ease with your new body. As a bonus, you will be comfortable with your photographer for your newborn portraits when the baby arrives earthside.

Whether it’s an indoor studio session, a garden setting, or a session in a gorgeous sunflower field, the maternity session is one you won't want to pass up.

Welcome to My Studio! | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer

If you’ve been wondering what to expect when you book a session at my studio, this is the blog post for you. Welcome to my studio!

We are quickly approaching the tenth anniversary of Krista Gantt Photography! One of the aspects of my business that has grown along with the number of clients is my studio. I’ve had this space for as long as I have had my business, but it got a big upgrade a few years later with some fresh paint and flooring. I have continued to add props and other options as the years have gone by. The all white background and minimal props keep the preparation and transition between different types of sessions fairly easy! I find myself using my studio space for more and more sessions each year. It’s just so convenient!

Backdrops

My most commonly used backdrops are a traditional white paper background, white shiplap, and soft white sheer curtains in front of my faux window. If you’re feeling wild I also have gray paper and hot pink paper.

Outfit options

I offer a studio wardrobe for babies from newborn to 18 months old. There are options for boys and girls in a wide variety of colors, textures, and fabrics. You can even use a combination of your own outfits and options from my studio wardrobe. 😍

I also have a few options for moms that I have acquired over the years! I have white lacy dresses in the small to medium range and two more simple stretchy dresses that will fit a variety of sizes and heights, one in black and one in a deep red.

Props

I have baskets, bowls, a bean bag, classic wooden toys, ALL of the swaddle blankets in a variety of colors and textures, and seating that is the perfect size for your mini. I have several fluffy rugs, too.

Seating

I have a light, neutral couch and several stools and wooden chairs. For your little one, I have a mini chair and stool, too. For sitters and 1 year olds, I will even place them right on the floor for a clean and classic look.

Lighting

Don’t worry about the weather, my Lastolite faux window and my dual lighting setup will provide all of the lighting we need for your session! I utilize natural light as well as strobe and continuous lighting to create beautiful images in a variety of styles.

Behind the Scenes

I want you to be able to relax when you are at your session, especially if you’re not in the spotlight. I have a comfortable sofa for you to sit on and a changing table set-up for your diapering needs. There is a restroom right around the corner and you’re welcome to enjoy snacks and drinks during your session.

Sample Albums

During your session downtime, you’ll have the opportunity to preview sample albums. This is a great time to flip through to see layout options, cover options, and album sizes to get a feel for what you’re interested in. You don’t have to make any firm decisions at this point, but it is super helpful to start forming an idea of what your final album will look like. It’s never too soon to start mentally designing the album of your dreams!

Thanks for joining me in the studio! I look forward to adding your name to my welcome board for a session soon.

Huge thanks to the super-talented Demi Mabry for my recent branding session! This session turned out even better than I had imagined and I’ll be showing off these images for years!

Updated Style Guide | Charlotte, NC | Newborn and Family Photography

It’s here! Updates to my style guide have arrived just in time for this Fall’s mini sessions. Look for two pages full of suggestions for my upcoming Sunflower Sessions! 🌻

You can start here for neutral styles for…

Baby: Janie & Jack

Girls: Janie & Jack

Boys: Janie & Jack

Mom: Madewell, Nordstrom, J. Crew

Dad: Madewell, Nordstrom, J. Crew

Additional pages of inspiration (and links!) have been added to the attached style guide, including options for your child’s heirloom portraits and Fall portraits in a sunflower field.

Links to sold out items have been removed; remaining linked items may have limited availability.

NURSERY INSPO | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer

My business has changed some in recent years. You may have noticed that most of my clients now come to my in-home studio for photos. This helps me control one of the most important aspects of your photographs: the lighting. ✨ This set-up also happens to work really well for my family.

BUT, when one of your childhood best friends has a baby, sometimes you make an exception. I just have to share this gorgeous nursery with you!

Rashaad | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer

Rashaad was born at 31 weeks 5 days and weighed 4 lbs 4 oz. His health concerns were first identified at the time of his Mom’s anatomy scan. He was diagnosed with an omphalocele, and there were concerns that he might also have a clubfoot. Mom decided to continue her pregnancy with some additional testing. The good news is that additional testing revealed no further concerns!

Unfortunately, that would not be the end of the excitement for this pregnancy. Around 31 weeks, Mom’s water broke unexpectedly during her sleep. After being admitted to the hospital, the plan was to keep baby in for another few weeks by sticking to bed rest. Just a few days later Mom came down with a fever and Rashaad’s heart rate began running higher than normal, so the decision was made for him to make his appearance! He was able to have his omphalocele procedure completed a few days after birth.

I met Rashaad and his family about 2 weeks after he was born. By that time he was already healing well from his omphalocele procedure and had been able to start feeds. He was already starting to gain weight! You can see that he was pretty happy about that. 😁 It was nice to meet you Rashaad!

What to Do This Summer with Kids! | Charlotte, North Carolina

A big part of owning a small business is planning your work around family time. As we count down to TEN years of Krista Gantt Photography, it bears mentioning that my favorite subject recently turned 5. 😭 So, if you’re wondering what to do with these last few weeks of summer with your kids… here are a few activities Evan and I have enjoyed!

Visit your local library. Imaginon is a fun and free library experience in uptown Charlotte! They also offer summer camps that your child will love.

Cool off at a splash pad. Stallings Municipal Park and Crooked Creek Park in Indian Trail are two great options! Just pay attention to their hours, as each location closes one day per week for maintenance.

Visit a local farm. There are so many options, but Bush-N-Vine Farm in York, SC has been one of our long-time favorites! I’ve offered mini sessions there in previous years, and we’re planning for more soon. 😉

Get to crafting! Noah’s Art has several locations in south Charlotte and Fort Mill. I think Evan could craft all day long, so this is the perfect activity to satisfy his artistic side.

Playland (Indian Trail). This is one of our stand-bys. If Evan needs to get out of the house, and I also need to get work done, this is the perfect place to get the wiggles out! Their cafe now has expanded food options and coffee for me. 🙌

Get more wiggles out at the gym! I can’t tell you how many times we’ve met a friend for the open gym time at Charlotte Allstar Gymnastics & Cheerleading.

Need more ideas? @houseofhenson is the perfect Instagram account to follow for ALL of the kids’ activity options around Charlotte!

And if you’re looking for help capturing photos of your kids enjoying their summer, here are a few tips on how to take better photos!

1. Get on their level. This creates a much more interesting viewpoint and highlights all of their precious details.

2. Pay attention to the light. Is it coming from behind them or from in front? Typically, you’ll want to have the light coming from in front of the child to illuminate their face, which is the subject of the photo. You could certainly try backlighting or a silhouette if you want to get creative.

3. Adjust the brightness. This one edit on your final image can make your photos look so much more professional! It’s best to try to get it right in person, but if you can’t, there’s always the brightness slider.

I hope you all enjoy your last few weeks of summer!

Thank You For Your Referrals! | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer

I can’t thank you enough for how your referrals have allowed my tiny business to thrive for almost 10 years now! I am so thankful for the ways my business has continued to grow since it’s humble beginnings in 2013, and so much of that is thanks to you. Please continue sharing my name - it helps so much!

There’s no better complement to your photographer than a referral! This is one of the biggest ways that my business grows, through referrals from previous clients. It’s not even that difficult for you to do! You can simply tag @kristaganttphotography when you post your photos on Instagram or Facebook. Voila! Anyone who sees your photo will be able to see who your photographer was. If you do want to sing my praises from the rooftop, I won’t say no to that either. 😆 Your Google reviews make a big impact and are always appreciated.

Meet Locke! I had the pleasure of photographing him after I took his cousin Isaac’s Fresh 48 photos, newborn photos, and a few milestone sessions too. You might have seen Isaac recently in my blog post about Fresh 48 photos!

Locke was such a handsome subject with his beautiful dark hair. 😍 He was about 10 days old (in that perfect sleepy window that we always shoot for) and cooperated so nicely for his session.

Jazlynn & Ja’ziyah | Twins | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina Photographer

The mom of twins Jazlynn and Ja’ziyah calls them true miracles! Her baby girls were born at 30 weeks 3 days and weighed 2 lbs 15 oz each.

Their dad is a veteran of Desert Storm and faced a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2008. At the time, they had two daughters, but they were able to add a son to their family before Dad underwent cancer treatment. He was told that he would be unable to conceive after receiving cancer treatment, which was a huge disappointment for their family. But, that’s obviously not the end of their story. In fact, Mom went on to deliver two more children before the twins were born late last year!

Requesting NICU Portraits | Killian | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer

Have you ever wondered how you can request NICU portraits for your baby in a Charlotte, North Carolina NICU? You can read all about NICU portraits here. And, if you have a baby in a NICU here in Charlotte, you can submit a request for a NICU portrait session at any time.

After you submit an inquiry, here’s how it works:

• If booking is not yet open, you’ll get an acknowledgement email with more information about NICU portraits and a promise that I’ll reach out as soon as booking does open. You’ll get priority notification.

• If booking is open (or once it does for the people that emailed previously), you get an email with a link to schedule.

• Click the link in the email to schedule your appointment for the pre-appointed date. Appointments are usually open for one Thursday morning per month at each NICU location, but this sometimes varies.

• After you book a time slot, you’ll be sent a consent that needs to be signed prior to our appointment. Once both of us have signed it, you’ll receive a final copy.

• You will be sent a reminder email about your appointment 24 hours before our scheduled session.

• Don’t forget to show up about 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time!

Welcome to the blog Killian! At Mom’s anatomy scan, it was immediately clear that Killian would have some health concerns. He was found to have only one kidney. Not only that, but after his birth he faced several surgeries to help improve the function of his kidney.

I photographed him just before his original due date, and he was still facing several additional weeks of recovery time before it was anticipated that he would be able to go home.

It was lovely to meet you Killian!

Proof of Mom! | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer

May is coming to a close, and weeks have passed since we’ve celebrated the mothers in our lives. As we countdown to 10 years of Krista Gantt Photography, I want to share something I’m passionate about with you: I want to remind you to get in the photos with your kids! #proofofmom

I had the pleasure of photographing Sarah during her pregnancy and again for this newborn session. As a photographer, I love helping families document these exciting milestones for their family. AND it’s just as important to capture the little moments together as a family when you’re not all expertly coordinated and perfectly made-up. All of these moments will be memories for you to treasure together in the years to come.

As we say good-bye to the month where we celebrate moms and move on to celebrating the dads (hey, we want you in the photos, too!), let’s not forget to get in the photos with our kids. Your children will not care what you looked like in that bathing suit - though you may share a laugh about the style! - they’ll just remember how much fun you had that day together.

Graham | NICU Portraits | Duodenal atresia | Charlotte, North Carolina

Welcome to the blog Graham! Graham was born at 40 weeks, weighing 6 lbs 14 oz. He received a diagnosis of duodenal atresia (an intestinal blockage) by ultrasound when his mom was 32 weeks pregnant. Duodenal atresia occurs when the first part of the intestine does not form correctly during gestation, leaving the stomach blocked off from the rest of the intestinal tract.

While this diagnosis put Graham at risk for a preterm delivery, he was born just days before his due date. He was able to have surgery to repair his intestine laparoscopically at just 3 days old! Unfortunately, because of this condition, Graham was unable to feed prior to his surgery and wasn’t able to begin limited feedings until days after his procedure. During this time, babies typically receive IV nutrition, but they are often unhappy about not being fed by mouth.

I got to meet Graham just a few short weeks after he was born, but he was already healing nicely and getting to enjoy some milk. 🥳 It was so nice to meet you, Graham!

One Year Studio Cake Smash Session

Happy birthday baby! The 1 year session provides a sweet opportunity to see just how much your baby has changed in the last 12 months. He has grown and developed so much and is discovering his own personality and preferences.

I recently had the opportunity to capture this exciting milestone for Luke. His big brown eyes are dreamy! It was so much fun to capture his sweet expressions and his gummy smile.

For members of my luxury membership the 1 year session is a popular milestone option! In addition to posing with my various props, you have the choice of including a cake smash. If you anticipate that your little one will really enjoy that cake, we can also capture the clean up with a little bubble bath. 🫧 It’s up to you!

Luke’s mom decided to go with a cake smash. He was a little timid, but ultimately enjoyed a few nibbles of his cake. At this age, most babies aren’t moving too quick yet, so it’s easy to capture all of their fun expressions. Luke did not disappoint!