Ways a Photographer Can Give Back | Charlotte, NC Photographer

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we’re all thinking of how we can give of ourselves during this season. As a photographer I’ve had the most wonderful opportunity to partner with Pierce’s Project, an organization that supports NICU families both during their NICU stays and beyond, to offer free NICU portraits for families. Since I am both a NICU nurse and photographer, it’s been a gift to intertwine two of my passions in order to create an opportunity to give back.

For several years in a row, I donated my time to two annual March of Dimes Chef’s Auctions here in Charlotte. I spend most of my time donating to Pierce’s Project, including their family nights, Santa portraits, and the 2019 Oktoberfest. I was given the opportunity to display canvases of families I had photographed in the NICU at the event. After the event, I put up the canvases in the family waiting room at Novant. I am currently still donating sessions to local families with babies in the NICU at hospital here in Charlotte, which I started doing back in 2016. The opportunities are endless—get creative!

Here are three tips to get you thinking about for how you can give back as a photographer:

1. Look at the circles in which you’re already involved and offer free or low-cost photography. Does your church need updated head shots? Could the community animal shelter use your help photographing animals that need homes?

2. Think of special holiday events that you could photograph for little to no cost. Does your child’s school have an event you could photograph? Is there a holiday party or fundraising gala you could photograph?

3. Mentor an aspiring photographer. Do you know of an individual or small group to whom you could offer a few photography and/or editing sessions?

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

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!