Introducing Raelynn!

Welcome to the world Raelynn! | Fresh 48 Session Edinburg, TX

Is there anything sweeter than the smell of newborn babies? This sweet baby was only hours old when we had the pleasure of meeting for her very first photo shoot.

Raelynn was welcomed into the world on 6/28/2019 and her family was so happy to meet her! Her parents, along with her big brother and sisters were over the moon.

It was so beautiful to walk into the room this afternoon to find this sweet family’s room filled with family and all the excitement that a new baby brings.

What an honor it is to walk in and document all the details on the same day when baby makes their debut.

Thank you to the L family for welcoming me on this special day!

The L Family initially found me on their visit to Belly View Ultrasound. If you haven’t visited Monica at Belly View, you may want to if you plan on learning your baby’s gender. When you drop by, let her know you heard about her by reading this blog. ;)

Check out some more photos from our session with Raelynn and her sweet family.

Sweet sleepy Raelynn slept through most of her session…

Her tiny fingers and toes will never look the same! Isn’t it incredible how fast these little ones change?

Raelynn’s first photos with her daddy and big sister.

Mommy and me… just a few hours earlier, mom was eagerly waiting to meet her newest little one. It’s always so wonderful to have these first cuddles with your little one and have the moment documented to cherish for years to come.

The beauty of documentary photography is that anyone in the room can be a part of your session. These grandmothers took turns loving on the newest member of the family. What a beautiful moment.

Hello little one. Mommy and Daddy have been waiting for so long to finally see your beautiful little face.

Big sister meets her little sister… I can see all the anticipation in her face. I bet these girls are going to be best friends. #ohmyheart.

Thank you for checking out the blog today! Leave some love for the L family in the comments.

I hope you are inspired to document your our parenthood moments. If so, let’s chat. Each season of life is special and I would be happy to work with you and your family soon!

Love and Light to you and yours…

~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

Some "me" time.

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

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.

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.

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.