Rhett | 28 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

“Complete terror and panic set in as we rushed to the hospital. We cried and prayed that everything would be alright.”

Courtney and her husband tried for some time to have a baby.  When they found out they were pregnant, they "were over the moon excited!"  Courtney felt great throughout the pregnancy.  She eventually started having issues with elevated blood pressure, that evolved into severe preeclampsia.  On Sunday, July 17th, Courtney experienced a placental abruption and sweet little Rhett was delivered by c-section on July 20th.  He weighed just 1 pound 6 ounces.

Here is the rest of Rhett's story, as told by his mom: 

"We were so relieved to hear him cry when he was born. The whole experience was so surreal. The doctors and nurses took Rhett into the NICU right after delivery before I could even see him. Once he was stable and I was out of recovery, my husband and I went to the NICU where I finally got to see my newborn.

He was perfect and beautiful, but so tiny. I was terrified. The beeps of the machines, all the wires and lights... It was so scary.

He has been making steady progress and is already 8 weeks old.  He is breathing mostly on his own and weights 3 and a half pounds already. He's growing stronger everyday!

If I could go back in time, I'd tell myself its all going to be ok, he will grow fast and even though it doesn't seem like it, this wont last forever."

Jaxson | 25 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

“He is fiesty is what all the nurses say. He has the nickname Action Jaxson!”

You might have seen Jaxson floating around on my Facebook page.  Well he has given his mom run for her money!  Jaxson was born on July 7th at just 25 weeks, weighting 1 pound 4 ounces.  He was originally due on October 17th, but his mom was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and Jaxson had to be delivered via c-section.  

When I came to visit him, he was spending some time on bubble CPAP but he is now back on the ventilator letting his body rest while his lungs grow a little.  He made it to 3 pounds 6 ounces and is now 33 weeks and 3 days.  (Yes, we count days in the NICU!)  According to the nurses, Jaxson is getting quite spunky in his old age.  :)  Take a look!

Kaden | 27 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

This sweet little guy decided to come a little early!  Meet my new friend, Kaden!  He was due in August but decided to come in May at just 27 weeks.  His birth weight was 1 pound and 11 ounces, and he was only 11 inches long!  Kaden's mom found out that she was expecting in January and did not expect to go into labor so early.  She was so scared, just like most other NICU moms.  Can you relate?  What kind of feelings did you have when you found out that your baby was going to be delivered sooner than expected?  

This is what WebMD says most babies are doing at 27 weeks.  Kaden decided he didn't want to have anything to do with all of those "normal baby" things - he was so excited to see his mommy that he just couldn't wait any longer!  

Scroll through to see what his life is like in the NICU...

Fall Special 2016 Booking is OPEN!!

The Krista Gantt Photography Fall Special 2016 is now open for booking!   Summer has come and fall is on its way!  You may have heard by now that I'm offering a *special* this fall!   

Dates, times, and locations are limited and are based on availability.  For family sessions, I'll photograph up to 5 people.  Additional family members are $25 per person.  Seniors, couples, and children are also welcome to jump in on this special!  

These fall portrait sessions are in addition to my regular newborn sessions and full time work as a nurse.  Therefore, I decided to go all digital and not include prints in the package.  This provides more flexibility and enables clients to add on additional items if desired.

Well, what are you waiting for?!  If you're ready, I'm ready!  Don't wait because based on the feedback I've been getting, these sessions will sell out.  This offer may not happen again, so check your calendars and book your session today! 

click here to book a fall session now!

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Locations

Each location has different settings and little hidden surprises, but they all photograph beautifully in the fall!  You really can't go wrong!

Glencairn Garden

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Mint Museum Randolph

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Jetton Park

A Fall Family Session | Charlotte, North Carolina | Newborn Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

NOTE: This post and these photos are over 2 years old!   My photography skills have drastically improved and this family has grown by one baby girl!  :)

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This family is very near and dear to my heart.  Brooke and I met through a mutual friend, and later lived together at Clemson.  After graduation, she moved away to Utah and I moved to Missouri - and now we're both reunited and living in Charlotte!  I'm so thankful for her friendship and am so glad we've been able to explore Charlotte together.  She is a wonderful role model, and always so positive and encouraging. 

This session was at Jetton Park in Cornelius, North Carolina on a beautiful fall day.  I was thankful that my husband, Michael was able to come along to keep Eli smiling behind me with bubbles and squeaker toys.  Eli was such a trooper - and so photogenic!  Clint's elephant impressions also helped add laughter and cheer to the session, for all of us!  I would have loved to see a video of all of us trying to get Eli to smile!  We were quite entertaining I'm sure!

~ Booking for the Fall Special 2016 begins Monday, August 22nd!  Be on the lookout! ~

Abbie and "Chris" | Charlotte, North Carolina | Family Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Meet Abbie, Chris, Hunter, and Caroline. Ok, so his name isn't Chris.  It's Jason.  But in my mind, those two are the same.  For almost the entire session, I wanted Jason to be Chris.  He eventually answered to it, but I'm sure deep down he really wishes I would have called him by his real name. 

I met Abbie through her sister-in-law, Ashley.  I was so glad to meet this beautiful family and capture a small moment of their lives.  Let me just say - Caroline and Hunter are so beautiful and so polite!  They were such good sports about the cold and windy weather, too.  We knocked out their family session on the same day as Ashley's, and in the same park - Glen Cairn Garden in Rock Hill, South Carolina.  Favorites are below...

A New Platt is on the Way! | Outdoor Maternity Session | Krista Gantt Photography | Charlotte, North Carolina

This is my sweet friend, Kelly.  She and her husband are expecting their second child, whose gender they are keeping secret!  Their daughter, Teagan, was also a surprise.  She can hardly wait to meet her new little brother or sister!  I'm excited too, since I'll be taking their newborn photos as well!

So what's your vote? Boy or girl?! 

Another Big Announcement

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Well folks, here is!  You've been asking for it, you've been waiting for it.  Fall portraits are happening this year!  

Normally, the only way to get in on family portraits is to start with a newborn session, since I spend most of my time and energy specializing in newborns.  Well this fall, you can skip that step and jump right in!  This might not happen again, so make sure to take advantage.  I'm offering portraits for families, couples, and seniors.  If you need a headshot for your website or for your business, use this special for that as well!

Over the next few weeks, I'll feature some portraits I have from the past, just to give you an idea of what you'll be getting.  Use your images for prints or canvases around your home, family heirloom albums, or even for your holiday cards this year!  

Stay tuned for the details.  Spaces will be limited. Booking begins on August 22nd!  

#kgpfallspecial2016

“We loved working with Krista! She made our session so much fun (despite the cold weather!) and was super patient when trying to get my 2 year old son cooperate. ☺️ She did such a great job of capturing our family, and I will always treasure those photos.”

Dreya | 27 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

“This is my first time experiencing a premature infant. I prayed to have a girl and experience raising a female child and God gave me more than I asked with this entire experience. It built my faith and took me on a journey I’ll never forget! I love her strength!”

This is Dreya!  She was born at 27 weeks weighing 2 pounds 12 ounces.  She interrupted a family vacation at the beach to come into this world a little early!  Mom had to stay on bedrest for a week, and eventually had to deliver Dreya due to placental abruption.

Dreya came out crying despite being only 27 weeks! She didn't require oxygen for too long, and when I visited her, she was eating a bottle on her own.  That's right - no feeding tube!  She is now at home growing big and strong, alongside her three older brothers.

The Secret & Awesome Features of Your iPhones Camera

Your iPhone is with you at all times, right? It’s like your right hand — always there, always ready to help you muddle your way through the day and kill boredom when the need arises. But that phone of yours can be oh-so-frustrating when your darling child chooses a particular moment to do something photo-worthy and your phone chooses that time to revolt.

Well, when you learn the inner and secret features of your I-phone camera, your days of being “slow on the draw” will be over. On top of that, your camera skills will improve 10-fold and your images will too, making your memories print and wall worthy.

So let’s look at some of the tricks and features inside your iPhone that will make you shine at the next family get together!

Open Your Camera App FAST

Don’t miss ANY moment. To get to your camera lickety-split do one of two things depending on if your iPhone is locked or not.

            LOCKED:

                        1. Hit the home button

                        2. Locate the camera icon on the lower right corner of the screen.

                        3. Swipe up & the camera will open.

            UNLOCKED:

                        1. Swipe Up

                        2. Tap the camera icon & the camera will open.

Turn on your Grid

Activating the grid will place a “tick-tac-toe” box on your screen as you shoot. What’s the benefit? Where the lines cross is called a “power point.” When you place your subject on of the four points you create images with a little negative space and better, more artistic composition. A little pro tip that will make your images that much prettier!

            TO ACTIVATE:

                        1. Go to Settings > Photos&Camera > Grid > Turn it On

Adjust Exposure and Focus at Your Will

Professional photographer know light like the back of your hand, and every lighting situation poses different issues, especially of you camera. A camera cannot see light and adjust the way the human eye can. So, it’s important to be able to tell your camera how to behave when you need it to in order to get a good “exposure.” The classic scenario that may drive you crazy is shooting a darker subject on a bright background. Your camera will want to make the background look good and your subject will be dark and ugly! ARGH! The way mourn this? Use the hidden feature in your iPhone that lets YOU control how bright an image is.           

            CUSTOM SET YOUR EXPOSURE

                        1. Open the camera

                        2. Compose your shot

                        3. Tap and HOLD on the screen where you want to focus. The yellow box will blink and set focus.

                        4.  Swipe up or down to make the camera brighten or darken the exposure

                        5. When you’re happy with how it looks, take the shot!

Turn off your Auto Flash

Flash from your camera almost never looks good. It produces a harsh, flat light that doesn’t always need to be there, yet the camera seems to want to use it all the time. Turn it off when you can for more pleasing light in your images.

            TURN OFF YOUR FLASH    

                        1.  In the camera app, tap the lighting bolt icon in the upper left corner.

                        2. Choose and tap “Off.”

                        3. Shoot as you like!

Use Burst Mode For Fast Action

Did you know your I-phone can shoot 10 frames per second in burst mode? WHAT? My iPhone has burst mode? Yes it does! And it’s great for catching your toddler on the run.

            TO ACTIVATE:

                        1. Press and HOLD the shutter release button on your camera app.

                        2. Voila! 10 frames per second.

Edit Like a Pro

Taking the picture is just half the process in the Pro world. Editing and enhancing the image is 50% of the process. Yes, even when you shoot with your iPhone you can make your images stand out even more by using a good editing app.

Here are a few fun suggestions to try out:

Photogene

hipstamatic

Rhonna Designs

snapseed

pic-tap-go

wood camera

camera+

mextures

after focus

tiltshift generator

procamera

Sully | 28 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

“Although the road to recovery will be rough, and a journey to say the least, Sully is a miracle and we can’t wait to bring our boy home.”

Sully's story is a beautiful one!  His mom was told years ago that she was unable to have children.  Well that changed last winter.  Sully's parents found out they were expecting on the night before Christmas Eve.  As his dad said, "What a wonderful Christmas Miracle!"

Sully surprised his mom and dad with an early entrance into this big world.  He decided to come earthside early in May at just 28 weeks and 2 pounds 6 ounces.  He's not the smallest baby I've seen, but to most - that is so so tiny!  He has spent the majority of his time on CPAP, which you'll see in the images below.  He's working on feeding and getting out of the NICU.  His parents cannot wait to have him back home with them!  Here is a glimpse into the neonatal intensive care unit and all that comes with it...

Lilly | 29 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

“My husband and I wanted to be parents more than anything. It was a long journey and it did not happen right away for us. When I got to tell him we were pregnant right before his birthday, we were ecstatic. We couldn’t wait to be parents to our little girl.

Everything was going normal in the pregnancy until April 20th. I was scheduled to fly out that day to go back to Indiana for Lilly’s baby shower. I knew something wasn’t right that morning, went to my OBGYN’s office and got the ok to fly. Later that evening, I started going into labor at the airport and didn’t even realize it. I just had a lot of back pain. So I changed my flight to the next morning and went home to relax and ease the pain. A few minutes after arriving home, my water broke. My husband and I raced to the hospital and within an hour of getting there, Lilly was born via c-section. She was 17 inches long, weighed 3 pounds 7.7 ounces, and was the most beautiful baby we had ever seen.

She is so precious and such a fighter. My husband and I are blessed to have her in our lives. ”

His Name is Colton | Columbia, South Carolina | Newborn & Birth Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

I'm so excited that my friends Davis and Megan are expecting a second baby!  I photographed her firstborn just a few years ago, and now she's expecting another boy!  Baby #2 is sure to be just as handsome as his big brother Colton.  Here are images from Colton's birth and delivery, and then some when everyone made it home with their new little bundle.  Cannot wait to meet their next little guy!  (Check out Callan's newborn session, here!)

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His name was a mystery throughout Megan's pregnancy, so he became known as "Baby C".  One cool October day, the mystery was no more.  Davis rounded the corner as he made his way to the nursery with a brand new baby boy.  His [very excited] family rushed down the hall to meet him.  Davis had the honor of introducing them to his very first baby.  He tearfully stated his name for the first time.  Colton.  His name is Colton.  His family stood in awe of the tiny miracle, squeezed Davis, and then watched through the nursery window as he got his first shot and held his dad's hand for the first time.  iPhones were out, pictures were taken, tears were falling.  A healthy baby boy is here at last.

Brooklyn | 6 Month Session | Charlotte, North Carolina Baby Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Oh sweet Brooklyn!  Have you ever meet a baby who is very well behaved, never fusses, and smiles for the camera??  Well this is one of those!  Miss Brooklyn is on the Baby Plan and these are the images from her 6 month session.  She never disappoints!  She even poses for the camera when asked!  It's such a treat to photograph her, and I can't wait for our next session together!  Take a look at some of my favorite images from her session.

That One Wedding I Photographed | Krista Gantt Photography | Charlotte, NC Photographer

One time back in November 2015, a sweet photographer friend of mine let me third shoot a wedding with her at Myers Park Methodist and reception at Firethorne Country Club.  I had a great time working with Julie and her second shooter Alyssa, who is THE sweetest!  The detail shots before the ceremony and bride/groom shots after the ceremony were more up my alley, but I did learn a lot about lighting at the reception.  You won't see any reception shots here though - mine were below par, so just go check out Julie's blog post to see the entire day.  It was a beautiful fall wedding to remember!  

Julie from Old South Studios is THE wedding photographer here in Charlotte!  I have been behind the scenes and I see what she puts into her business, which is why so many brides choose her over other wedding photographers.  She goes above and behind for every single Old South bride.  The best part about her is, she's just so full of energy!  The entire bridal party loves her and she knows how to have a good time while working.  

Julie has been such a great mentor to me, answering silly (and outright stupid!) questions of mine and letting me assist with some pretty sweet engagement sessions (like this one!).  I have loved working with her and soaking up every bit of knowledge she has, just so I can be a sponge and learn the ins and outs of photography.  Make sure to follow her on Instagram, especially if you're engaged!  She posts behind the scenes shots too... like this one of me after the wedding!  Not my most flattering angle, but still hilarious!  Julie is so much fun! 

So today was Krista's first day on the job....😂😂😂#charlotteweddingphotography #destinationweddingphotographer #charlottewedding

See this Instagram photo by @oldsouthstudios * 43 likes

Here are some of my images from the wedding.  I definitely need more practice!   : )

View fullsize

Evan | Newborn Session | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

In April, I had the pleasure of meeting Evan for the first time.  Jenna is a friend of mine from work, so when she asked if I could take her newborn photos, I was more than thrilled.  Here are a few of my favorites from Evan’s session.  Just wait until you see this beautiful little family of three!

Memorial Day Baby

Happy Memorial Day!  Make sure to thank our military men and women for serving our country!  These folks spend countless weeks and months away from their families, allowing us to experience freedom in this country.  Many of them even leave behind their brand new babies.  Say some prayers for those who are away right now, and also for those who are doing life without them.

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Lincoln | 28 Weeks | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

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“My husband and I always knew we wanted to have a family. It took us longer than expected to get pregnant. We were ecstatic when we found out we were going to have a baby!

I had a normal healthy pregnancy until February 6th when I woke up in a puddle of my amniotic fluid. I was only 21 weeks and 5 days pregnant. We went to the hospital where I stayed on bedrest for 47 days. I went into labor when Lincoln was 28 weeks old. He weighed 1 pound 15.8 ounces, and he was 13.25 inches long at delivery.

He is so precious and strong. We are so fortunate to have him in our lives. ”

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When I first walked in the family room at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital, I knew Lincoln is very very loved.  His mom and dad were just beaming with excitement for me to meet him.  Despite his early delivery, he is doing well and growing.  His parents are so thankful for my donation of NICU portraits, but I'm so thankful to have met such sweet parents like them.  They are so kind and gracious, and both full of joy for their new baby boy!  I cannot wait to see how big and handsome their sweet boy gets!

Make sure to check out the gift Lincoln's mom received from her best friend!  She received it while on bedrest after her water broke at just 21 weeks.  The necklace is called the "giving key" and given to someone who needs it.  Once they meet someone who needs the key more than they do, they pass it along to that person to help them through their journey.  What a beautiful gift!  I might have shed a tear when she told me the story!  One of Lincoln's photos was even published on the cover of a journal.  Click here to see it!

Here are some images of Lincoln's first ever portrait session...

Logan | 29 Weeks | NICU Portraits | Krista Gantt Photography

Logan was born in March weighing only 3 pounds and 3 ounces. He spent some time on CPAP, was jaundiced, and had some trouble regulating his blood sugar.  He is now three weeks old and made it to four pounds the day I went to visit him.  He also took his first bottle instead of using his feeding tube!  What a trooper!  

Logan's mom is very familiar with the NICU environment, which is why she contacted me.  She has spent a lot of time in NICUs in the Charlotte area - She is also a mom of twins!  I took care of her 25 week twins in the NICU and they are now enjoying life at home with their older brother, who was born at 36 weeks.  Logan hopes to join these three at home someday soon!  

- Click here to request free NICU portraits -

- Click here to request a NICU session -

Nora | Charlotte, NC Newborn Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

So I'm very behind on blogging but... Miss Nora made her arrival in August!  I couldn't have been more excited to do this session.  Nora is such a sweetie and she is the daughter of my good friends Clint and Brooke.  I met Brooke in college through a nursing friend of mine and we ended up living together our senior year.  She is such a kind and thoughtful person, and always puts others needs before her own.  She is the kind of wife and mother that I only hope to be one day!  I'm so thankful for her friendship - and that she moved to Charlotte!

This was one of my very favorite sessions yet!  Nora's big brother Eli is so excited to have a new sister.  He didn't sit still for long, but it was enough to capture his excitement about being a big brother.  Oh, make sure you check out Nora's nursery... <3

Hope you all love this session as much as I do!  Nora is just beautiful and she is the perfect addition to this special family.