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.

Holy Family Birthing Center: Birth of Benjamin

Water Birth at

Holy Family Birthing Center

Weslaco, TX

Birth of Benjamin

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Meeting families is always an adventure. Everyone’s story is different and I’m always so excited to learn about them so I can start to think of how I will be piecing their stories together.

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Documentary photography is quite candid and never really comes with a script but every family has a wish for their birth photography experience. Some wish to have a more conservative story while others wish to have every detail included.

I met the L family when they were expecting their first little one. Their sweet son (who made a great doula this time around.) We had a few chats about how birth photography worked and somehow, we didn’t end up working together for his birth.

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Upon finding out they were expecting baby #2, they jumped on-board and booked a birth package right away. Mrs. L explained that she absolutely needed these photos. So we did it! SHE DID IT! She birthed her second son like the birth goddess that she is.

She was supported by her husband, her sister, her mother, and her son too! They all gathered and encouraged her as she worked through each wave. They held space for her as she transitioned and witnessed as she roared her baby out.

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Benjamin was surrounded by love and tears of joy as he made his way into the world for the first time! What an absolute joy it was to document this very special moment of their lives.

Congratulations L family! I hope your holiday season is filled with celebration and new traditions as a family of 4.

~Norma H

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Are you ready to book your birth photography or doula package? Let’s chat! <-Click Here.

I would love to be a part of your birth team.

9 Things To Do Before Your Photo Session

McAllen Photographer | Fall Photography Sessions

Fall is the PERFECT time to head outdoors and get those family portraits done in the Rio Grande Valley. Maybe it’s time to update that family photo or you are looking to revamp your headshots. Here are some helpful tips to help you make the most of your session, whether you've booked with us or one of our many talented RGV photographers.

1. Be sure you and your photographer are on the same page when it comes to your ideal portrait session. Does your photographer stick to traditional poses? Do you want candid shots? Talk to your photographer about your vision, this will ensure you both know what you want out of your session so you can achieve amazing photographs to adorn your walls at home.

2. Drink lots of water in the days leading up to your session. Water can help keep your skin healthy and supple and it will keep you hydrated… we all know that this RGV heat can be pretty brutal. You don’t want to feel completely drained and dehydrated at your session. We want you to feel your best!

3. Choose your outfit in advance and make sure that your choices are comfortable. Do you have an inspiration photo in mind? What does that outfit look like? If they are soft and elegant? Chose neutral colors with soft, flowing fabric. (Such as creams, very soft pastels, oatmeals, light browns, tans, grays, and slate blues.) Want more spunk? Choose coordinating colors (but avoid anything too matchy, matchy) with bold accent colors. Don’t forget accessories, sometimes these can be that pop of color or that sentimental touch to complete your look. Need ideas? Pinterest is always super helpful. Don’t be afraid to build that inspiration board just for this session.

4. Sleep, sleep, sleep… oh, and did I mention sleep? Getting a full night’s sleep before your photography session can help you feel rested and energized. Well-rested usually leads to a more enjoyable experience and who doesn’t want that, right?

5. Wearing make-up on the day of your session? Test out your look a couple of days before. Most times, less is more and whatever normally works for you will work on the day of your session.

6. Bring a cheer squad! A close friend and relative (or two) – people who will surround you with nothing but positive vibes during your session with your photographer. These folks will help you laugh naturally and keep your session relaxed and fun. That’s always the goal. If you’re having fun, your images will show it.

 7. Keep a backup plan in mind. Sometimes the weather goes bad on the day of your photoshoot or something happens last minute. It’s ok, you have a backup plan and all is well with the world. If you’re booked with us, you know that we have babies to welcome to the world so we likely have a backup day in mind already. (#woohoo!!)

8. Eat. (The term “hangry” comes to mind. I’m sure you’ve heard it, right?) Ensuring you have a filling meal or snack before your session will set you up for success. Full bellies equal happy kids + happy adults… that’s the goal. Everyone will be more willing to cooperate if they are in a good mood.

9. Smile, relax and put yourself in the hands of your photographer. Have fun, share your story, get your family to cooperate with some praise, go with the flow and let the session unfold naturally. Chances are, you will have a great time and love the final images!

If you still have questions, remember to reach out (to us or your own family photographer.) We are here to help and make this process fun while capturing the memories that will get passed down for generations.

xoxo,

Norma H

Maternity Photos: The M Family

Julia’s Maternity Session

McAllen Maternity Photographer

As we all anticipate the birth of this little addition, we come together to document the connections between Julia and her sweet family.

I first met Julia many moons ago, when I decided to give cloth diapers a go and she had some wonderful prefolds for sale. Who would have known then (almost 6 years ago!) that we would meet again when I documented the birth of her little Sonia.

Almost two years ago, Julia trusted me to join her birth team and document the peaceful homebirth of Sonia. I still recall the way she held her first daughter for the very first time.

Here we are, almost two years later, documenting her journey with baby #4! I find myself feeling so blessed to be joining them as they embark on this journey as a family of 6 soon!

I’m thrilled for her whole family! Having this new little addition is sure going to be an adventure. Here’s a sneak peek of their maternity session.

The M family came by and spent some time in my little in-home studio. The kids laughed, ran around, gave mama some cuddles while I snapped away.

I hope they had as much fun at this session as I did!

Thank you for stopping by the blog today! If you are ready to document this season of your life, I welcome you to message me. We can make that happen naturally and effortlessly.

~Norma Hess