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.

People's Choice Winners of the Birth Becomes Her Image Review 2020

The 2020 People’s Choice Winners and Honorable Mentions were announced!

NICU Photographer in McAllen, TX

The 2020 Birth Becomes Her Image Review is in progress and this week, the winners and honorable mentions of The People Choice were announced!

I am so humbled to have this incredibly moving image make the cut. This image is one of the first images that came to mind when I first considered entering this year’s review.

Let me tell you a little bit about this story from my perspective.

Originally, the plan had been to attend this birth to document the moment this sweet baby entered the world. Plans changed quickly when things didn’t go as planned. (Birth is unpredictable like that sometimes.) I didn’t take a single photo. Instead, I helped call an ambulance, flagged them down, and held adoptive mama in my arms as we waited for paramedics to transfer this baby to the hospital.

I was shattered for this family… both biological and adoptive. My heart was heavy and I went home wondering whether everyone was ok. Wondering if it was too soon to send a message with my love. Wondering if it was too soon to offer to come to the NICU to document this story.

4 days later, we met at the NICU. We talked, connected and waited to head in to see baby. This would be the first time everyone would be int he same room with baby and it was a very emotional moment. There was prayer, laughter, tears, hugs and so much hope. I’m honestly not sure how I managed to hold myself together as I witnessed all the tender moments between this family.

This amazing baby is a fighter. As I approached her mama about submitting this photo for the 2020 BBH Image Review, I remembered what a vulnerable time this was for everyone. I’m so proud of her for saying yes to sharing this intimate moment. I know it’s important for us to see birth in all of it’s variations… our stories help others navigate their own journeys. It connects us to many other mamas even if we aren’t always aware of it.

These days, I see how incredibly strong this baby is as she pushes through each milestone, smiles, basks in the sunshine at the park… y’all, she’s amazing. I hang on to hope again, for all families currently experiencing their own NICU story or any who will do so in the future.

My heart is with you all. It takes so much strength and I’m here to support you if you need a friend.

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Let’s keep exploring the rest of these incredible images! Discover the artists behind the photos too!

Over 15,000 votes were submitted this year for The People’s Choice voting round at the Birth Becomes Her Image Review 2020. Wowza!

It’s incredible to see so many beautiful images together… bringing us one step closer to normalizing all the variations of normal when it comes to birth.

It wasn’t long ago when many birth photographers struggled to have their images accepted by the entire photography community. It’s hard y’all. Birth can is raw and we fight social media bans almost daily. Big changes have been made in the last 4-5 years and I’m so happy to see that birth photography is now more openly welcomed!

Today, we see that the world is watching, and accepting this raw, emotional, beautiful and sometimes hard niche.

If you’re not following the Birth Becomes Her Image Review 2020, you should. The judges are tallying up their votes and the winners will be announced soon!

Congratulations to all the winners and honorable mentions in The 2020 People’s Choice round! Yay!

Here’s the list of the talented photographers from this round:

(Top 5 ) Brittney Hogue | Inge Berken | Sarah Hill Photography | Julie Asdurian Fotografia | Hardie Photography

(Honorable Mentions) Tinette Turton | Renate van Lith Fototgrafie | Love is Photography | Abigail Page Photography | Sophia’s Special Deliveries | The Antwerp Doula | Noa Fotografie | Jenna Van Photography | Michelle Glenn Photography | Blessed Touch Photography | Christina King Photography | Rushes and Waves Photography | Salt City Birth and Newborn Photography | Births by Tim | Neo Photography | Sojourning Birth | Alexandria Mooney | Wunderbirth

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

Birth Story: Leonardo

Birth of Leonardo | Rio Grande Regional Hospital, Labor & Delivery Photos in McAllen, TX

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The birth of Leonardo was eagerly anticipated by his two wonderful parents. Beverly and Jorge met me early in their pregnancy. They had found my work online and expressed how much this little one meant to them and how important it was to document this journey.

Their life was already filled with joy with their son L.A. and now they were so excited to welcome this second little one. We had fun filming their gender reveal a few weeks back. Did you get to check that out? Here’s the link to that wonderful moment!

Time seemed to pass us so quickly and before we knew it, we were all gathered again. This time, surrounded by hospital sounds and in a room filled with love and anticipation.

Beverly calmly took on each wave that brought her closer to baby Leonardo… Jorge lovingly whispered in her ear, made her smile, and reassured her through all her labor. It was such an honor to be present for this moment between them. Documenting their story was a beautiful way to be reminded of how special life and love can be.

Leave this wonderful couple some love in the comments. I’m sure they will see them and be inspired by your words of encouragement as they adjust to life as a family of 4.

Welcome to the world, Leonardo! You are so loved.

Are you considering birth photography? Let’s chat about how we can document your family’s love story.

~Norma Hess