studio

Welcome to My Studio! | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer

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If you’ve been wondering what to expect when you book a session at my studio, this is the blog post for you. Welcome to my studio!

We are quickly approaching the tenth anniversary of Krista Gantt Photography! One of the aspects of my business that has grown along with the number of clients is my studio. I’ve had this space for as long as I have had my business, but it got a big upgrade a few years later with some fresh paint and flooring. I have continued to add props and other options as the years have gone by. The all white background and minimal props keep the preparation and transition between different types of sessions fairly easy! I find myself using my studio space for more and more sessions each year. It’s just so convenient!

Backdrops

My most commonly used backdrops are a traditional white paper background, white shiplap, and soft white sheer curtains in front of my faux window. If you’re feeling wild I also have gray paper and hot pink paper.

Outfit options

I offer a studio wardrobe for babies from newborn to 18 months old. There are options for boys and girls in a wide variety of colors, textures, and fabrics. You can even use a combination of your own outfits and options from my studio wardrobe. 😍

I also have a few options for moms that I have acquired over the years! I have white lacy dresses in the small to medium range and two more simple stretchy dresses that will fit a variety of sizes and heights, one in black and one in a deep red.

Props

I have baskets, bowls, a bean bag, classic wooden toys, ALL of the swaddle blankets in a variety of colors and textures, and seating that is the perfect size for your mini. I have several fluffy rugs, too.

Seating

I have a light, neutral couch and several stools and wooden chairs. For your little one, I have a mini chair and stool, too. For sitters and 1 year olds, I will even place them right on the floor for a clean and classic look.

Lighting

Don’t worry about the weather, my Lastolite faux window and my dual lighting setup will provide all of the lighting we need for your session! I utilize natural light as well as strobe and continuous lighting to create beautiful images in a variety of styles.

Behind the Scenes

I want you to be able to relax when you are at your session, especially if you’re not in the spotlight. I have a comfortable sofa for you to sit on and a changing table set-up for your diapering needs. There is a restroom right around the corner and you’re welcome to enjoy snacks and drinks during your session.

Sample Albums

During your session downtime, you’ll have the opportunity to preview sample albums. This is a great time to flip through to see layout options, cover options, and album sizes to get a feel for what you’re interested in. You don’t have to make any firm decisions at this point, but it is super helpful to start forming an idea of what your final album will look like. It’s never too soon to start mentally designing the album of your dreams!

Thanks for joining me in the studio! I look forward to adding your name to my welcome board for a session soon.

Huge thanks to the super-talented Demi Mabry for my recent branding session! This session turned out even better than I had imagined and I’ll be showing off these images for years!

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.

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?

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

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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.

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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!

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!