Hiking adventure at Estero Llano State Park in Weslaco, Texas

Estero Llano State Park, Weslaco, Texas

In all the years I’ve lived in the Rio Grande Valley, I had never taken the time to visit Estero Llano in Weslaco, Texas. I’m not sure I can be proud of that statement. I’ve missed out.

Hiking hasn’t been my thing, ever. If you know me, you know that snakes scare the bejeezus out of me and bugs induce soprano tones from my throat. It’s no lie. Ask my kids. They’ll chuckle and tell you all about it.

Since life has us all turned around and masked up, the family has gotten creative about how we can safely see friends and loved ones. Frankly, we rarely go anywhere these days but over the holiday break, we wanted to see familiar faces and embrace the holiday spirit.

The solution, outdoor gatherings in large open spaces while masked. That’s what worked for us and honestly, it was a beautiful opportunity to do things I don’t generally do. I have to admit. This holiday break taught me to be a little more open minded about hiking and exploring the outdoors. Aside from being mildly scared of the wildlife, I found that I was mostly astounded by the beauty.

The cool breezes took me back to all the days I played outside as child and the outings kept nudging me to try some more. So over the holiday break, we not only explored this beautiful state park… we kept on exploring and I can’t wait to tell you about those.

Estero Llano has clearly marked trails that lead you to various bodies of water which are perfect to catch a glimpse of the many birds that travel through South Texas on their migration journeys. I hear there’s also an alligator which I did not get to see (thank goodness) and the kids were kind of bummed about missing “Alli the Alligator” as they called it.

There is an area with a small incline that leads you to a water reservoir… if you make it out there, the view is worth the extra steps. We saw plenty more beautiful birds and looked down to catch a glimpse of the park while we were up there. (I make it sound like a steeper mountain but it’s really just like getting to the top of a canal..)

If you plan to head out, take me with you next time. I’d love to document your family hike. :) (I promise not to hit the soprano notes on your outing…)

~Norma H

Father's Day: The C Family

Celebrating Father’s Day: Family Reunion Photos, Los Fresnos, Texas

This Father’s Day I got a chance to document a beautiful family in Los Fresnos, Texas. They were celebrating the father figures in their lives together and I got to witness all their connections. It was beautiful to see! The little ones sharing memories with their cousins, siblings gathering their families under their father’s roof…. it was just what my own heart needed on this warm & sunny Father’s Day!

The plan was to gather everyone for a big family portrait… we did that but I have to say, my heart melted as I was pulling up these candid shots of the little ones as we worked on gathering the whole family.

The little ones got curious about the camera and loved seeing themselves in the photos! “Take a picture of me!” she said. Just one year ago, she was so shy and hiding from me and my camera. Oh, how time flies!

These photos are a sneak peek of our session… I can’t wait to show the C family their completed gallery!

Thank you for welcoming me into your home C Family! It was so much fun to spend time with you and your wonderful family!

xoxo

Norma H

Newborn Photography in 2020

Newborn Photography & Covid-19

Bringing home baby during a global pandemic is not something any of us saw coming when we were ringing in the new year a few months ago…

Many mamas schedule their newborn sessions months in advance (some probably before this pandemic stuff happened) and some just days prior to their due date… no matter when you booked, social distancing rules are making photo sessions more challenging these days.

To ensure you and your family are safe during a newborn session with us, we have implemented some changes in the way we do things but our lifestyle/documentary approach has actually worked to our advantage.

I am able to keep a safe distance from you and your family as we photograph your family in a very vulnerable time of your life. You’re free to be in the comfort of your own home which adds a wonderful level of relaxation to your experience. No need to do anything special either, we’ll find a cozy corner on the couch, the bed, or outside to create some beautiful photos.

In the past, I may have adjusted your hair or wrapped up baby in a blanket for you, now I simply allow every move to flow organically and I am able to provide you the space to do these things yourself so that I never come in contact with you or your sweet new baby. (Trust me, there’s nothing I love more than being able to wrap your adorable little ones but your safety will always be my #1 priority.)

So what does a session with me look like?

See for yourself. Here, you’ll find a couple of families who have opened their homes for us to document their new little humans.

If you are looking for a photographer for your upcoming newborn photos, feel free to reach out to us! We’d love to come by and document this season of your life while keeping your safety in mind.

~Norma H.

A day with Penelope

South Padre Island Family Photography

Little Penelope loved running around with her mama in the sand dunes at South Padre Island, Texas. We explored a quiet little section of the beach (which was so beautifully breath-taking!) This lovely pair played for a little while and I got the opportunity to witness their beautiful bond while documenting this season of their lives.

If you are a parent yourself, you know that these little moments are happening daily and then all of a sudden, your little one just stops doing something and you never see it again. Whether that’s a special way they scrunch their face or the way they get excited about seeing their favorite animal. Something about this moment is special, and then it’s gone.

When you make time to document this time of your life, you ensure that you’ll be able to revisit these photographs for many years to come.

If you have put off that family photo session for a while, now is the perfect time to do it. We can schedule your session for a time that is convenient for you and we can do this in your home or your favorite outdoor spot.

Your safety will always come first so I will continue to practice safety around you and your family. We can stay 6 feet apart, I will wear my mask and you can simply relax and enjoy this play time with your little ones.

Send us a message and learn more about how we work together soon!

xoxo

Norma H.