in-home

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?

The Perks of Private Santa Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

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A trip to see Santa is such a quintessential childhood experience; the visit brings such joy to little ones and their families. While Santa is pure magic for kids, there are so many factors of visiting Santa in a mall or larger setting that can make the experience less than ideal for families.

A private Santa portrait provides a special, individualized experience for each and every child. Families can plan around nap times and other activities and skip the long lines in order to enjoy a moment of togetherness and to soak in the holiday spirit.

Not only are the little ones able to see Santa; they are also able to visit with his better half—Mrs. Claus! This is an experience that is not offered very frequently, and it really brings the entire Santa experience to life.

Private sessions also allow for all kinds of special considerations. For example, a private setting can be more manageable for children with sensory processing challenges. Also, for children with weakened immune systems (like all of those sweet preemies I photograph) the private settings create a cleaner environment with fewer chances to leave Santa with any unwanted ‘gifts’. Even children on home ventilators are welcome, as I am comfortable working with all kinds of medical equipment.

My private Santa sessions begins with coffee, hot chocolate, and some sweet holiday treats. The aroma of WoodWick’s Frasier Fir candle fills my home studio, and creates a relaxing space for families to dwell while the children craft their wish lists. When Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive, the little ones can jump right up—the shy littles are allowed plenty of time to warm up before sharing their wish list. All of these factors add up to create relaxed, authentic photographs for each family.

Below is a sneak peek of a few 2019 private sessions with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Tell me in the comments why you would choose a private Santa session over a visit to the mall! I’m interested to hear your thoughts!

Neutral Nursery Inspiration | Charlotte Newborn Photographer | Boy Nursery Ideas

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I am excited to share Evan's nursery with you today, and can't wait to share him with you very soon! Today is my due date, so it seemed like the perfect day to finally reveal the nursery. I am waiting on a few book shelves, but it is mostly complete. 

When I first started dreaming up this nursery, I knew it had to be white.  Call me boring, but I love an all white room. The light bounces off the walls and instantly increases its size!  I wasn't quite sure what direction I would go after choosing white walls, but I knew I wanted to stay away from the typical baby blues and keep it nice and neutral. I wanted to incorporate some greenery and plants, so I knew I would also be bringing in earthy colors to tie it all together. I wanted to stay away from a theme, but it turns out that smiling sloths, llamas, and pandas are pretty cute.

Overall, it's simple but it's neutral enough that our baby boy can grow into it over the next few years. The wall art can easily be changed and we can incorporate any colors we want since white is so easy to work with. It's also pretty gender neutral if you're looking for ideas for a baby girl nursery. 

Let me know if you have any questions, and make sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think of our bright, airy boy nursery.

Newborn Baby Girl, Charlee | Charlotte, North Carolina Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

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I met Charlee on a beautiful spring day.  One of my favorite parts about meeting her was the drive down a long dirt road to her house.  Most homes I visit in the Charlotte area are in neighborhoods with homes side by side, but Charlee's home is at the end of a gravel road without a neighbor in sight.  I always grew up in a neighborhood, so being away from the city is always refreshing to me.

Charlee was born weighing a dainty 5 pounds 9 ounces.  She did wonderful at her in-home newborn session and is such a sweet baby. Her big brother is still getting used to not being the star of the show, but I think he secretly loves his baby sister.  

Newborn Baby Girl, Charlee | Charlotte, North Carolina Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

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Charlee came to join her big sister Madison in February of this year.  She rocked her newborn session and I couldn't be happier with the results!  What do you think?  She has a head full of hair and looks so much like her big sister, Madison.  I just can't even handle how sweet Madison is holding her little sister. 

Charlee's neutral grey nursery with pink accents was the perfect backdrop for her family photos. If you know me, you know I'm all about white, ivory, and blush, especially when it comes to newborn photography.  A little grey never hurts either!  

Newborn Baby Girl, Leah | Charlotte, North Carolina Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

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Meet Leah!  She's quite adorable, and so are her sisters.  This newborn session was so much fun and included a surprise visit from Leah's dad!  Mom didn't know he was coming home and she was brought to tears when he walked in the door, just in time for a few photos.  Newborn photos are such a special time, and I hate when Dads have to miss out and go back to work.  I'm so glad he made it to this session because this family wouldn't be complete without him!

Peyton | In-Home Newborn Session | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

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This family!  I cannot express how excited I am to have them as clients.  I so enjoyed their newborn session for many reasons.  They just recently moved here from New Jersey and had just enough time to get settled in before their second baby came along.  

Speaking of their second baby... Have you SEEN her?!  Let me introduce you to Peyton.  She's the newest member of the Krista Gantt Photography family, and she is PRECIOUS.  Her big sister, Kennedy, is equally as adorable - and so sweet with her little sister.  This family is a member of my Baby Plan, so you'll be able to watch Peyton and Kennedy grow with me over the next 2 years.  Read more about Baby Plan membership here.

Aiden | In-Home Newborn Session | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

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Aiden wasn't supposed to be one of my preemies that I usually photograph in the NICU.  His mom called me well in advance of her due date, but unfortunately Aiden came a little earlier than expected.  He was born at 34 weeks and did spend some time in the NICU, but today is healthy and at home!

I photographed him in his home and he did so great!  He slept throughout his entire session, and didn't make a peep.  I loved hanging out with his mom during his session too.  She's so easy going and is thankful to have her boy home with her.  Enjoy Aiden's newborn images!

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

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Jeannie is a sweet friend I met at the hospital - she works in a neighboring unit. When I met with her for her consultation, we hit it off from the start.  I mentioned that l hadn't been floated to work in her unit in quite some time.  In fact, we had never officially met in person until the consultation.  We had never crossed paths at work.  To my surprise, the very next day, I was floated to her unit!  I even gave report to her that night at the end of my shift, transferring the care of my babies to her.  By the end of her shift, she was into labor.  

Will was a few weeks early and spent some time in the NICU for respiratory issues, but was able to make it home in time for his newborn session, which was 2 days before his due date.  

Will's session went great and his parents were so warm and welcoming.  They even offered me some coffee!  I don't always get to drink it because I'm busy working with the babies, but I certainly appreciate the gesture!  I absolutely loved working with this family and their sweet boy!

Newborn Baby Girl, Lula Kate | Charlotte, North Carolina Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

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Kayla is another dear friend of mine!  I grew up with Kayla, running around the streets of Wexhurst, sliding down her playroom stairs on a mattress, and bouncing for hours on end on her trampoline.  We have so many memories together from childhood to rooming together at Clemson.  It's amazing that we've been friends for long and it has been fun seeing where life has taken her.

Kayla's first pregnancy was exciting, to say the least!  Miss Lula Kate surprised Kayla a little later in her pregnancy than most moms.  Kayla was more than thrilled to find out she was pregnant, and now she's totally in love with her new little angel baby.   

Speaking of angels, Lula Kate slept like one during her session!  She was alert for some photos too, which I am not mad about.  Alert babies can make for some really cute photos, as long as they're not crying of course. Check out the photos of Lula in the pearl necklace!  I think she looks just precious, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed!

I'm excited to see Lula Kate grow into a little person and watch Kayla and Jim learn the tricks of being parents.  Lula is already loved by so many!