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

Holy Family Birthing Center: Birth of Benjamin

Water Birth at

Holy Family Birthing Center

Weslaco, TX

Birth of Benjamin

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.

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.

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.

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