Mallory | Newborn Session | Charlotte Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

And then there were four—four girls, that is. Mallory is the newest addition to this crew of little ladies. I adore this family. It’s been a blessing to photograph all four of these girls and to capture each of their individual personalities. I know I am in for a fun time when they book a session, and I really appreciate how they trust my vision for each of their sessions. I must add—it is such a treat when I see that they’ve printed and displayed my images all around their home! Mallory’s youngest older sister did a Baby Plan with me, so I’ve been able to photograph each one of these girls in her milestone photos. There’s something so special about getting to know families through photographing them over time.

Look at how well these girls love their newest little sister!

James | In-home Lifestyle Newborn Session | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

You all might remember Erika from her stunning indoor maternity photos. She and her husband are now parents to baby boy James! Upon arriving at her home for the session I was awestruck by the decor—Erika knows a thing or two about design. This made my job so easy! Lifestyle photographs can be much more diverse when every room in the house is styled and clutter-free. With that being said, please don’t feel any pressure to make your home just so before I come—the transition to motherhood can be trying! This mama just has a special gift, and I was able to capture that in these photos. All I really need is a space with one good window for lighting to get the best photographs of your and your new addition!

More beautiful than their stunning home is this family, just full of joy. Even baby James gave me some sweet smiles to capture. With mom and dad in neutrals and denim and James swaddled in neutral, textured blankets, I was able to really capture some of their first, special family moments without any distractions.

There is something so special about the home to which you bring your brand new little baby, and as much as I enjoy studio sessions, I really love capturing families in their element. What do you prefer—studio or lifestyle session?

Ways a Photographer Can Give Back | Charlotte, NC Photographer

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we’re all thinking of how we can give of ourselves during this season. As a photographer I’ve had the most wonderful opportunity to partner with Pierce’s Project, an organization that supports NICU families both during their NICU stays and beyond, to offer free NICU portraits for families. Since I am both a NICU nurse and photographer, it’s been a gift to intertwine two of my passions in order to create an opportunity to give back.

For several years in a row, I donated my time to two annual March of Dimes Chef’s Auctions here in Charlotte. I spend most of my time donating to Pierce’s Project, including their family nights, Santa portraits, and the 2019 Oktoberfest. I was given the opportunity to display canvases of families I had photographed in the NICU at the event. After the event, I put up the canvases in the family waiting room at Novant. I am currently still donating sessions to local families with babies in the NICU at hospital here in Charlotte, which I started doing back in 2016. The opportunities are endless—get creative!

Here are three tips to get you thinking about for how you can give back as a photographer:

1. Look at the circles in which you’re already involved and offer free or low-cost photography. Does your church need updated head shots? Could the community animal shelter use your help photographing animals that need homes?

2. Think of special holiday events that you could photograph for little to no cost. Does your child’s school have an event you could photograph? Is there a holiday party or fundraising gala you could photograph?

3. Mentor an aspiring photographer. Do you know of an individual or small group to whom you could offer a few photography and/or editing sessions?