baby

James | Sitter Session | Charlotte, NC Newborn and Baby Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

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James! The third baby for this precious family. This is one of my favorite families to work with… Emily always trusts my vision for each session and comes prepared for a fun time together. If you know me, I like to keep backdrops clean and simple to keep the focus on the baby.

If you’re looking for something colorful and busy… I am not your girl! I will happily refer you elsewhere to make sure you get the images you’re looking for! You can count on me to keep it classic and simple, but still unique enough to experience a custom portrait session.

Tristin | 30 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

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Tristin

30 Weeks

3 pounds 4 ounces

Just as his parents were preparing for his baby shower, Tristin surprised them with a speedy arrival much earlier than they had anticipated. Since he was about 10 weeks early, he earned himself a stay in the NICU to do some more growing and to develop a few more skills before leaving the hospital and heading home. Since his NICU admission he has proven to be quite a little fighter and is making great strides in his development—no longer needing an IV and breathing mostly without support. The snuggles and skin-to-skin time are surely helping both Tristin and parents to adjust and to thrive. Just look at those smiles!

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“I found out I was pregnant when I was 5 weeks (in June).  I had just graduated from the University of South Carolina and  just received a job here in Charlotte at Charlotte Latin School. I was terrified and had no clue what I was going to do. I had no other choice but to make the most of my situation and my pregnancy. Fast forward to December, I was preparing for my baby shower to be on December 7th. On December 1st, at about 3:30 am, I began having sharp pains in my stomach. I honestly thought I had food poisoning from Thanksgiving. I could not sleep and was in excruciating pain. I finally decided to go to the hospital around 7 because I hadn’t felt a lot of movement along with my stomach pain. I got there and they told me I was 4 cm dilated. They gave me medicine to stop it, however, the meds did not work. Next thing you know, they told me I was 7-8 cm dilated and my baby was coming right then. My boyfriend and I looked at each other and didn’t know what to do. Tristin Joshua Lewis was born on 12/1/19 at 9:16 am. He weighed 3 pounds  4 ounces. All I could do was cry because he was so small. He was transported to Novant Presbyterian right after he was born. He is now 3 pounds 6.7 ounces. He is breathing on his own (room air trials) for 18 hours of the day. He had is picc line removed and he is done with all fluids he was receiving. He is a fighter! He’s doing everything he’s supposed to be doing and I couldn’t be more proud of my little trooper. Being a young parent is not easy. Being a parent already is not easy, but I wouldn’t trade this feeling for the world. Tristin lights up my world and never fails to put a smile on my face. He is my SONshine! Babies are blessings. I am beyond thankful to have Tristin in my life!”

Josephine | Studio Newborn Session | Charlotte Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

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Josephine snoozed through her dreamy newborn session. She mirrored the peaceful demeanor of her lovely parents. I adore accessorizing little girls with dainty headbands. With sweet little newborns, it doesn’t take much accessorizing to create a beautiful feminine photograph. Also, as you can see swaddling babies does not have to limit access to their sweet fingers and toes—those are some of the best parts of newborn photos!

What are your favorite accessories for little girls?

Mallory | Newborn Session | Charlotte Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

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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!

Ava | 4 Month Session | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

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This little lady with the captivating smile and full head of hair is Ava! Is she not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen? Also, I don’t blame you if you’re currently searching online for her outfit in your size—can you say timeless elegance?! While we are just starting Ava’s baby plan, I’ve gotten to know her family a bit already because Miles, one of her two big brothers was also on a Baby Plan of his own! Let me tell you, this family is so much fun! They are easygoing and just wonderful in front of the camera.

Their mama is not only sweet as pie and raising some serious cuties, but she is also Dr. Haberle from Metrolina Dermatology. If you’re looking for a comprehensive dermatology practice in the Charlotte area, I cannot recommend one more highly than Metrolina. Just take a peek at Dr. Haberle’s accolades and I bet you won’t disagree with me! From skin cancer screenings and Mohs procedures to microdermabrasion and chemical peels, this office can handle all of your dermatological needs.

Okay, back to sweet baby Ava. This session was all about baby girl. It was so much fun to focus on Ava and all things girly and sweet during this session. Pearls, bows, and lace all made an appearance in her portraits. Every girl likes to play a little dress up now and again, right?

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

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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?

Ketcher | 34 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

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Ketcher

34 weeks

Recently I was able to capture a big day for Ketcher, a 34-week preemie—his graduation day! During our scheduled session, Ketcher was being discharged home with his family. While his parents were thrilled to get home, they were also familiar with the ins and outs of the NICU because Ketcher’s big sis, Avayah spent some time in the NICU not too long ago. Discharge can bring feelings of overwhelm, excitement, and even fear, but this family was just bursting with joy! Just look at those radiant smiles!

After his big sister Avayah graduated from her time in the NICU, mom and dad signed her up for a baby plan, and it has been so much fun to watch her grow! I look forward to doing the same with Ketcher as we move beyond his NICU days and into his baby plan.

While I love photographing these cute little babes, it has been an absolute treat to be able to photograph their entire family. I even had the privilege of taking maternity boudoir photos for Ketcher’s mama before her little man was born. Talk about stunning!

As a NICU nurse I love capturing NICU moments, but as a photographer I adore getting to know and to photograph families through each of their adventures. Life is full of seasons, each one unique and each one fleeting. In these images, time stands still.

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

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Caroline

27 weeks + 3 days

2 pounds 14 ounces

Caroline was born premature and spent a bit of time in the NICU. Her onesie is an ode to the incredible NICU nurses she met along the way. Caroline’s parents definitely have a magic touch and managed to take a temperature, change her diaper, and pose for some sweet family photos, all without waking the baby! She did give them the sweetest smirk though!

Look how tiny she looks in her daddy’s hands! She’s already got her parents wrapped around her little preemie fingers—and toes!

Scarlett | 22 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

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Scarlett

22 weeks 2 days

13 pounds 12.8 ounces

Scarlett is quite the little fighter. She came into this world under one pound! Her story began as one of four quadruplets. She is the only one earth side, but her siblings—Oliver, Amelia, and Vivian—still remain a beautiful part of her family’s story. Recently, the peanut you see below has gained ‘big sister’ status to her little brother Christian, who has already had his newborn session as part of his Baby Plan membership.

Despite the hardships of a pregnancy with quadruplets that ended in preterm deliveries and spending quite some time in the NICU, Scarlett’s parents have a great sense of humor—I always enjoy my time with them. Below, Scarlett’s mother, a nurse, details her family’s journey through a pregnancy with multiples and their time in the NICU.

“We knew we would have trouble conceiving. I have PCOS as well as a bicornuate uterus. We did three rounds of IUI. Our last was successful and we were pregnant with quads. We found out we were pregnant in May. The pregnancy was moving along very easily. My husband and I were so excited, and our family and friends couldn’t even believe there were four. At my 21 week MFM appointment my water broke and the immediately sent me to the maternity unit where I stayed until the babies were delivered. It was a roller coaster from that point forward. I went into early labor and had to deliver one baby who we named Oliver. He passed away during the laboring process. We knew God had a bigger plan for him. We call him his sisters’ hero, he held on long enough to buy his sisters more time. The other three were able to hang on for another week. I ended up getting septic and had to have an emergency c-section to deliver the other three babies at 22 weeks and 2 days. One little girl we named Amelia passed away and his hanging out with her brother Oliver. The other two we named Scarlett and Vivian— sassy and feisty little girls keeping the nurses on their toes. This is not how we pictured this adventure in our lives going but we couldn’t have been in a better place. Everyone from the nurses, doctors, and support staff [were] the kindest most compassionate people we could have asked to have care for our family through this time.”

Below is a glimpse into Scarlett’s time in the NICU, on a ventilator. You also get to see a sweet moment of kangaroo care with her mother and some hand hugs with mom and dad.

Scarlett’s newborn session after NICU graduation—look how much she’s grown!

Scarlett’s spring session with the peach blossoms at Springs Farm — Scarlett is a big sister!

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Scarlett turns ONE!

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Baby brother Christian snoozes through his newborn session.

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

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Tatiana

25 Weeks

1 pound 10.8 ounces

“I couldn’t become pregnant with my husband so we were seen by doctors at REACH and the doctors were able to help me become pregnant with in vitro and we were so excited to finally have a baby!

My water broke at 24.5 weeks and was admitted to the hospital. Tatiana was born 4 days later at 25.2 weeks. She’s the light of our lives and we love her very much!

Being in the NICU is very difficult emotionally and physically, the best advise I can give is to take this journey one day at a time. God is in control, pray every day for your baby, the nurses and the doctors!”

This ‘little lady’ has endured a lot in her first 11 weeks of life, but she is growing and making new developments daily. Growing is hard work for preemies, and Tatianna snoozed through our session!

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

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Piper

29 Weeks • 2 Pounds 11 Ounces

“I have always wanted to be a mom... I started babysitting when I was 12 years old and was a live-in nanny during the summers while I was in college.

I always thought it would be easy to get pregnant and that I would have a picture perfect pregnancy, delivery, etc. Well, I was certainly in for a surprise! It took us almost a year to get pregnant, then I had a pretty tough pregnancy and ended up going into pre-term labor at 25 weeks. I was in the hospital for 4 days (during Christmas) then was sent home on bed rest.

I was home for 3 weeks and went back into labor at 28 weeks and found out I was 2cm dilated when I got to the hospital. I was given another round of steroid shots and magnesium. We found out I had a partial abruption and the baby could come within hours. I was only 28 weeks and completely terrified! I accepted I was going to be in the hospital for the long haul and prayed my baby girl would hold on a little bit longer...

I ended up making it 6 more days in the hospital and then my daughter decided to make her debut. I had a c-section (the spinal did not work, so I unfortunately felt the entire thing- ouch!). Piper came out a fighter and has been powering through her NICU stay.

This has been an emotional rollercoaster, but each day gets better knowing we are closer to bringing her home!”

Wade and Waylon | 26 Week Preemie Twins | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

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Wade and Waylon

26 Weeks 2 Days

1 pound 10 ounces & 1 pound 14 ounces

“We had been trying to get pregnant for 3 years and were about to start the IVF process, and then found out we were pregnant with identical twins! The pregnancy was going well with doctor appointments every two weeks to keep an eye on the babies. We decided to have the boys' baby shower at 26 weeks, so we would have time to get the nursery ready. Well, the boys decided they wanted to come see what they got at their shower...I went into labor 2 days later!

I really had no clue I was in labor but knew something was wrong. I went to the hospital and they confirmed I was in labor and immediately started meds to try to stop it. Well my water broke and I was taken in for c-section. My sweet redheaded baby boys were born at 2:01pm & 2:03pm. This was by far the scariest day of my life. Looking at them now at 11 weeks old (37 weeks gestation), they are perfect.

Still in the NICU but doing great!! I could not be more thankful or impressed with the nurses and doctors. I thank god every day and I'm looking forward to being able to take my boys home.”

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

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Logann

25 weeks 1 day • 1 pound 10 ounces

"Logann was a surprise from day one. We weren’t “planning” on having another child as we have 3 and lead a fairly active life. The day I found out was a whirlwind of disbelief and honestly, some fear as I questioned if I would be able to have energy and the ability to give everyone what they needed.

Logann is teaching me many new lessons on a daily basis about love, strength, and that it’s ok to take it slowly. I’ve never been one for extreme patience but this sweet girl has a tremendous amount of strength and overall guiding me through this journey of patience and love."

“I daydream and long for the day this sweet girl comes home and joins what I affectionately refer to as our circus of love and shenanigans. Logann (Tiny Might) is part of a big beautiful and loving family which includes her sister Lilee(8), Liam (6), Lyla (3), Mom, Dad, and two 100 pound pound labs.”

Evan is ONE | Charlotte, North Carolina Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

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Just like that, our baby boy is one!

The progress over these last 12 months is amazing! Our sweet baby boy came into this world a little small for his gestational age, but he plumped up. He’s meeting all of his developmental milestones, talking, walking, and doing so many fun things. We are having fun with him and can’t wait to see what the rest of our time with him holds.

When I was trying to come up with ideas of monthly photos, I honestly had a lot of options in mind. Too many to choose from! I settled on these three because I liked the crib view, but I also wanted us to be a part of the photos too. You know, to show his size compared to ours. Some months we were a little behind, but looking at all of these together is just amazing! It also makes me a little sad to see how fast he’s growing.

Now, I need to come up with an idea of yearly photos that we can maintain but also show his growth. What have you done for annual photos of your baby? Share your ideas with me in the comments below!