Meet Leanna

Mission, Texas In-Home Newborn Photo Session

Photograph-focused-mainly-on-newborn-babys-fine-black-hair-while-she-lays-on-a-bed.

Two years ago I joined this sweet family in their birth space and I can’t tell you how joy-filled my heart was to hear from them again as they prepared to welcome baby Leanna.

Every family’s journey is different and witnessing their journey is often accompanied by my whole heart being there in the trenches with them… so when I’m trusted and invited back into this magical space, I can’t help but feel so honored. Beyond honored… is there a word for that? It’s truly a feeling I can’t describe.

So almost exactly two years from her big brother’s birth, comes little Leanna. Her perfect little cheeks are so swoon worthy. I’m hoping to be back in their home soon so we can document this gorgeous family unmasked and loving & kissing on each other.

For now, let me introduce this sweet little baby to you!

Welcome to the world, Leanna!

Young-father-is-facing-newborn-daughter-while-she-rests-in-his-arms-in-front-of-soft-window-light.
Baby-tightly-wrapped-in-white-swaddle-blanket-with-the-words-I-love-you-lays-with-open-eyes-on-bed-in-soft-window-light.
Black-and-white-photograph-of-newborn-baby-wrapped-in-tight-swaddle.

To book your very own in-home photography session, click here. I can’t wait to meet you, hear your story, and document this season of your life.

Love & light to you!

~Norma H

Newborn Photography in 2020

Newborn Photography & Covid-19

In-home newborn photography by Norma Hess at Sojourning Birth McAllen, Texas.

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.

Covid-19 newborn photographer comes to your home with a mask and remains at a safe distance from your home. SojourningBirth.com

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.

Outdoor newborn photography in mcallen, texas allows for safe social distancing rules during the Covid-19 global pandemic.
in-home newborn photography in mcallen texas and surrounding areas by Sojourningbirth.com

Some "me" time.

McAllen Photographer | The Making Friends Tour, Jukebox The Ghost and The Mowgli’s in Austin, Texas.

View from Covert Park at Mount Bonnell in Austin, Texas | Photo by Norma Hess Photography | McAllen Doula, Photo & Video

Hi y’all!

Sometimes I look at this crazy life I’m living and I can’t help but feel incredibly lucky. I think like most people, (ok, maybe not most…) I often wondered what I was meant to be doing. I never really felt quite right in all my other job opportunities. Although I’ve learned so much through each experience, none felt like it fit me and my soul.

Fast forward 30something years and here I am, living my dream! This dream doesn’t come without a price though. Living life on-call is sometimes challenging (especially when you are a mother of 5.) I have left my own birthday celebration for births, skipped out on my kid’s 1st theater performance, and various other events. Sometimes this part of the job seems a bit too demanding, it’s not just my feelings after all… but I wouldn’t change it.

I.Love. What. I. Do.

McAllen Doula, Photos, and Video. Norma Hess Photography

Now, with that being said, I am human and I do need to recharge and refuel to keep going. This month, I had the opportunity to see one of my favorite bands in concert while visiting Austin, Texas. Jukebox the Ghost was in town and I didn’t want to miss it… my March mama was aware of my plans and she was totally understanding (thanks Emilie!)

I made sure I left a solid plan behind and had a wonderful team to help me out in the event Emilie went into labor while I was out of town. Their support was so comforting, I always want to make sure my clients are in good hands and building these backup photography relationships is so important.

Road trip for the family and me! Norma Hess Photography McAllen, Texas

I spent the weekend with my siblings, laughing, eating all the vegan treats I could find, and laughing some more. Then we jammed to the beat of The Mowgli’s and Jukebox the Ghost at the Empire in Austin. All in all, it was a pretty fantastic weekend and I feel recharged and ready to be on-call again. I treasure this amazing family of mine as I’m sure you will treasure your family as it grows… Life is incredible.

Here’s a glimpse of my concert weekend! (Also, I totally learned that concert photography is not my jam. I’m more of a live-in-the-loud-bumping-base-moment kind of person.)

I hope you enjoy this tiny glimpse into my life! If want to say hi, book a session, or explore the booking process, Click HERE. I can’t wait to meet you and help you document your story.

Tommy Siegel performing with Jukebox The Ghost at the Empire in Austin, TX | Photo by Norma Hess Photography
Ben Thronwill performs with Jukebox The Ghost at the Empire in Austin, Texas | Photo by Norma Hess, McAllen Event Photographer
The Mowgli’s join Jukebox The Ghost on stage to sing “We are the champions.” 3/2/2019 at the Empire in Austin, Texas. Making Friends Tour 2019 | Photo by Norma Hess McAllen, Texas Photographer