Tell me more about NICU portraits!
Hi! I’m Krista. I’m a Charlotte, North Carolina area photographer and I also happen to be a NICU nurse. I love all things little, and that includes babies! In 2016, an organization called Pierce’s Project helped me begin photographing babies in the NICU as a way to help capture a significant time in these babies’s lives, and in the lives of their parents. In 2021, Bee Mighty acquired Piece’s Project and continues the mission of serving families in Charlotte-area NICUs. They sponsor these free NICU portraits, in addition to many other services including counseling, therapy, equipment, and care packages.
Catalina
I had the opportunity to photograph Catalina and her mom shortly after Catalina turned 2 months old. Catalina was born at 27 1/2 weeks and weighed 800 grams - that’s less than 2 lbs! In the NICU we often refer to a baby by their adjusted age, so we would refer to Catalina at the time of our meeting as 38 weeks adjusted. This way of referring to a preemie’s age helps us to remember what to expect in terms of their development. At 38 weeks adjusted, we would expect a preemie to behave like a typical newborn, not like a full-term baby at 2 months old.
How do I sign up?
You can sign up for NICU portraits in the Charlotte, North Carolina area by submitting an inquiry here. I open booking for sessions at each of the two area NICUs once per month. Booking usually opens about 1 week or so before the scheduled morning of sessions at each location. After your inquiry and when booking is open, I’ll respond to you with more information, including a link to choose your preferred time slot on the pre-selected day. Because of Bee Mighty’s sponsorship, these sessions are completely free for you!
When is the best time to have portraits of my NICU baby taken?
As soon as possible! For some families, these may be the only professional photos of their baby that they will ever have. ❤ As a NICU nurse, I am comfortable with NICU babies of all ages and levels of care. For even the tiniest of preemies, I am able to accommodate their needs. I can photograph babies in isolettes, and even adjust to deal with that pesky glare! And I am well acquainted with all of the cords and wires. Even still, I will leave it to you or your baby’s nurse to do most of the handling of your baby. I would love to photograph your baby at any time on their NICU journey.
Keep your eyes out for more photos of Catalina on my @kristaganttphotography Instagram account soon! Now that she’s out of the NICU, I had the pleasure of photographing her in my studio recently. It was a unique and special opportunity to photograph her family in their traditional dress before her extended family returned home to Mexico.
