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!

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?

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?

Erika | Indoor Studio Maternity Session | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

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Photographers have an eye for beauty in all things, but sometimes we come across a really easy subject. Not only is Erika a sweet, bubbly, pure ray of light with a big laugh to match that radiant smile you see in these photos, but she is also quite the model. She makes pregnancy look stylish, with such an element of comfort—I’m not talking about the messy bun and sweatpants kind of comfort, but an apparent ease. Do you get my drift?

Her indoor studio images are some of my favorites, as I was able to really focus on capturing her belly. She was about 30 weeks which is what I recommend for maternity photos, as many women have a prominent bump by this point, and comfort and mobility aren’t yet compromised. I want mamas to be as comfortable as possible because that is how we have a great session that leads to cohesive galleries with a lot of images!

One thing that adds to beautiful photos is the wardrobe. Erika had everything from a Calvin Klein bra and panty set to a body con turtleneck dress. The black dress really emphasized her silhouette, while the Calvin Klein set allowed for a fun, relaxed moment to bare her beautiful bump. Finally, her chunky, neutral knit created a casual, lifestyle-type photo opportunity—just her and her little one enjoying some quality time. With only three outfit changes, this gallery has such a diversity in the tone of the images. I aim to diversify your sessions, and I want you to end up with images that don’t all feel like they’re the same.

What is your favorite type of maternity session? Do you prefer indoor or outdoor? Long gowns flowing in the wind or a more casual look? How about family or purely the bump?

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!