Three Reasons to Book a Mini Session | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

There are so many options when it comes to booking a photography session. Some things that factor into your choices are timing, finances, weather, utilization of the images. The list goes on. One great opportunity for both photographers and families is booking mini sessions. There are a number of reasons to choose to book a mini session, but below are three main reasons many families choose to book this particular type of session.

Mini sessions can be a great opportunity to try on your photographer for fit without a huge commitment. You want to ensure you and the photographer are comfortable with one another—if not, the discomfort can lead to images that aren’t of great quality photos that simply don’t feel genuine.

Once you’ve determined the relationship between yourself and your photographer, you will want to examine your budget. If finances are a little tight but you really want to prioritize photos, you can book a mini session, which is typically a less expensive option. Photographers tend to book back-to-back sessions in order to accomodate more families on a particular day. The session will be shorter (around 15 to 30 minutes) and usually does not allow for outfit changes. So they are quick and painless!

Finally, sometimes you’re just not looking for an abundance of images. You may even have a very specific image (e.g., special announcement, Christmas card, pregnancy announcement) that you are looking to capture and you don’t need a gallery of 100+ images. These special situations lend themselves perfectly to mini sessions because they usually yield fewer images in the final gallery.

This sweet girl definitely made the most of her mini session! What kinds of mini sessions would you like to see from me this year?! I have a few ideas in mind but I want to hear from you!

4 Tips for Successful Maternity Boudoir Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

Boudoir photos—while they may not be the first, most traditional item on your pregnancy to-do list, I can assure you a maternity boudoir photography session is a priceless opportunity. When you are growing a baby, it may be challenging to want to bare your bump for more intimate photos, but these photos are an opportunity for me as a photographer to give you a different perspective on your blossoming, maternal beauty. In case you need some more convincing, I’ve put together a few tips for a successful boudoir experience.

First, not all boudoir photographers have the same vision or artistic slant. Search online for a photographer that uses light, poses, and outfits in a way that aligns with your taste. You may want more coverage and less skin or you may want more revealing images. Just make sure your photographer will accommodate that. Your photographer may even have a different level of comfort than you do!

Second, bring outfits that make you feel beautiful. The moment you try to put on something that you think you should be wearing but doesn’t fit your style and make you feel absolutely stunning, you are setting yourself up for an uncomfortable session. Different types of lacy bralettes can be found at places like Anthropologie or Francesca’s. A light kimono or sheer robe like this one is also a nice way to add a little bit of coverage.

Next, talk to me! Be an open book with your photographer. The more we can chat during your session, the better I can capture your vision and make you feel (and in turn, look) as comfortable as possible. Sometimes I am inspired by my client’s vision, so it doesn’t hurt to share your ideas.

Finally, print and enjoy theses photos! Pregnancy, while it can sometimes feel achingly long, is such a fleeting time. We don’t always take time to reflect on the beauty of it all. Plus, your husband might enjoy looking at these more than you!

Speaking of beauty, here are a few boudoir images from this stunning mama-to-be who has already introduced her new baby boy into the world!

How to Support and Encourage a Family with a Baby in the NICU | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

If you’ve ever had a friend or family member whose baby ends up in the NICU, you’ve probably felt scared, helpless, and at a loss on your role in this experience. While the NICU can be a scary place, it is also a place where milestones and joyous moments occur daily and where families are growing, loving, and learning as well. The good news is that there are plenty of great ways to support families in their NICU stays.

First, communicate with the family. Ask how they’re doing, how they’re coping, what they need or don’t need. Some families may just be completely overwhelmed and may prefer limited contact especially upon the initial admission or during periods where their baby may not be stable. Just be sensitive to where they are in their journey and all they’ve taken on.

Second, once families are seeing a little more clearly and ready to accept help or even visitors, never come empty-handed! While NICU families may not need tons of baby gear, one thing they do need is a little bit of TLC. You all, some NICU parents do not leave their child’s bedside for hours! With that being said, they sometimes skimp on sleep, meals, and self care. Do a little research on restaurants in or around the hospital and bring a meal or a gift card for a meal. Better yet, set up a meal train where people can bring meals to the hospital. Perhaps you could bring a cozy blanket to make the hospital more comfortable for them. A little pouch with some self-care items can go a long way, too!

Finally, just listen. Sometimes the NICU can seem like a world of unknowns. Each person wants to ask all of the questions so he or she find solutions for their loved ones. NICU families work with comprehensive healthcare teams, rounding multiple times each day. They’re tired of talking about problems and solutions. They may just want to talk about how they’re feeling, or they may just want to joke around and find light in their circumstances. So, don’t worry about having the right things to say. Just be present and lend an open ear—meet them in their grief, their excitement, their joy. Wherever it is, meet them there.

If you think your friend of family members may be suffering from postpartum mental health issues, like postpartum depression please refer them to a professional. NICU parents (moms and dads) are at a heightened risk for adverse mental health outcomes. Foundations local to Charlotte like Pierce’s Project offer simple ways to get started with a counseling program to make the NICU stay, and beyond, a bearable experience. Doctors are increasingly aware of these issues, but sometimes it takes a friend or family member to encourage the family to step away from the NICU for a moment to care for their mental well-being.

What have you gifted to a NICU parent? For NICU parents—what gift or experience during your NICU stay was most supportive?