Covid-19 & Graduation 2020

Graduation Portraits during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The year 2020 took a pretty unexpected turn. When spring break came around, I never imagined that my kids wouldn’t be returning to classes after that week of vacation. I also had not factored in that my own kindergartner and senior wouldn’t be celebrating graduation as planned.

If you are one of the many families with a 2020 graduate, I can relate to that sense of loss. It’s a pretty big accomplishment for our kids to work hard in class (whether that was their first year in kinder or their final year in high school) and then miss out on the end-of-year celebration.

Well my friend Amy and I decided to make the most of this situation and we hit a beautiful sunflower field to celebrate with a photo session. Her own daughter was scheduled to walk with all her Kinder class this year and well, since plans changed, why not commemorate that moment with some photos.

If your own little one (or not so little one) is home with a gown, I’d love to chat about making memories with you guys. Maybe 2020 isn’t going as planned, we can still create some beautiful memories to document this very special time in your lives.

Congratulations to the class of 2020! You did it!

If you are still practicing social distancing, rest assured that we will keep more than 6 feet apart for your photography session with us. (Find our packages here.)

Not sure about scheduling a session? Ask about our editing services. You take your own photos on your favorite camera or smart phone and we edit them! #easypeasyphotoediting The fee is small and we’d be happy to work with you quickly.

xoxo

Norma H

8 Tips to Prepare For Your Lifestyle Photography Session

Lifestyle Photographer, McAllen, Texas

Preparing to have an easy-going lifestyle photoshoot? Here are some tips to help you and your family look your best while creating a stress-free experience.

1.. The outfit.

Do you have a favorite outfit or look? Try it on and make sure you feel good. The way you feel will be visible in your photos… so practice, wear the outfit around the house for a little while, sit, stand, play… If it feels good and you feel confident, you have a winner. I generally don’t ask you to wear anything specific although you should probably avoid large logos and neon colors. I would recommend simple, classic, neutral outfits that coordinate (no need to get super matchy-matchy.)

2. Show some side.

Angle your body away from the camera slightly. No matter your body type, it will always look best when slightly angled. Don’t worry about this one, just keep it in mind and during our session, I’ll remind y’all.

3. Pick a side.

You know you the best. Choose a side that will flatter you and make you feel confident. When we bring in everyone for a cuddle, remember your side and jump on in.

4. Laugh Out Loud… or as the young kids say L.O.L.

Seriously, take a moment and laugh out loud. Force it, get the giggles out for this exercise. The first second of that forced laugh will feel unnatural or weird but I guarantee that once that initial laugh goes down, we get that genuine gorgeous smile.

So yea, it will feel weird… just roll with it.

5. Don’t worry, be happy.

Don’t worry about a little one having a grumpy moment or about anything else, really. Our session together will be focused on your connection with your family and while I try not to direct the show, I will give you a little bit of guidance on what light will work best, etc. Frankly, we just need one little pocket of light in a cozy corner of your house, garden, or favorite place.

6. Sometimes bribery works… so if your littles have a favorite treat (think tiny treats) we can sprinkle them in to the session to get them to cooperate. #insidertip

7. At ease.

Keep your arms relaxed… try not to let them hang off to your sides. We don’t need to go for the sorority girl's arm on the hip, but you can relax and touch your partner, your kiddos, your hair… you name it.

8. Have a sentimental piece of jewelry? Remember to coordinate it with your outfit for more depth to your photographs.

Remember these are just tips for your session. I hope your experience with me is relaxed and fun… I promise we will get some great memories of you guys. See you soon!

~Norma H

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