jill carmel photography | the blog

Sweet Natalie | Sacramento Child Portraits

Sweet Natalie was busting out the smiles and giggles the moment I arrived. You can almost hear the music of her laugh coming right through this shot.

A quiet moment...

She was literally surrounded by love from mom and dad.  

I love to photograph new families... 1+1 = 3.  ;-)

A girl after my own heart, she was independent and adventurous. I love the way the warm sunset light seems to be kissing the air around her as she takes a stroll down by the lake.

Two and a Half | Sacramento Child Portraits

This was a really fun shoot.  Audrey's auntie set it up for the family while she was visiting from out of town.  She wanted to capture her niece at this spirited time of her life -- only 2 1/2.

I'm really glad Grandma and Grandpa were there -- they were so admiring of their sweet granddaughter. 

By the way, check out this girl's outfit - hot pink bow, tutu and glittery converse.  This kid's got style!

Mom and Audrey on the bridge with a loving Grandma looking on.  I adore the colors in her summer dress.

Last but not least - Audrey and her beautiful aunt, having way too much fun in the long grass.  I love this light and glow of their hair.  Just gorgeous.

More Frames

I have a new password-protected gallery of display ideas for my clients.  In this gallery you can view 25 different and inspiring ideas for how to display your portraits in various places in your home: nursery, stairway, living room, etc.  If you are a client, and you would like access to this gallery, just send me an email and I'll give you the password to view them.

One of the display ideas includes these crown moulding shelves.  Someone recently asked me where they could get them and I stumbled upon them ON SALE at Pottery Barn Kids.  They're great for any part of the house, but I think that they look particularly sweet in a nursery or child's room.

Classic Shelving Collection -- 50% off sale right now!  

I've written about these before because I think they are so convenient.  The fronts of the frames pull down (like a mail slot) and you can change out the photos inside that easily.  I love how they've lined four sets up above the bed for a collage look.

They are called PhotoBox Frames and here they are in a girl's room -- very fun.

Five Extra Weeks of Heaven

Little Joey just couldn't wait to see his mom, dad and big sis, so he decided to show up five weeks early. Just a tiny guy at 5 lbs, 10 oz, he was such a pleasure to work with. He tried so hard to stay awake and hang out with us, but some yummy milk and mama's warm arms were too much for him to resist and that's when we snagged these gorgeous shots:

Welcome, Baby Joey.  You are loved.

Mother's Day | Sacramento Child Photographer

In celebration of Mother's Day, we got some stunning images of Gianna and her mom.  It was a beautiful day for two beautiful girls.

Fun in the Sun | Sacramento Family Photographer

If you've been following my blog, you'll recognize some of these beautiful faces.

Do you remember this little guy when he only weighed a few pounds?  Now he's so big!  It's such a pleasure to watch him grow.  

That's his big bro on the left, who was so great. You never know how older siblings are going to be with the little ones in their life, but there was nothing but love and cuddles between these two.

This is their cousin - pretty as picture in this field of yellow wildflowers.  You gotta love spring.

Here are the beautiful moms (and sisters to each other).  They were a blast!

All We Need is Love | Sacramento Baby Photographer

One of the very best things about my job is meeting families and sharing, if only for a moment, in all of the love that is there.  This little guy is SO LOVED.  His mama and papa just adore him to bits and I can see why. He's full of belly laughs, smiles and his eyes...his eyes are sooo expressive.  I wanted to share a few of the many truly beautiful images from that day that I feel honored to have captured.

So Pretty | Sacramento Child Photographer

Golly, there were so many great shots, I had the hardest time trying to decide which ones to show in this sneak peek for mom and dad.  Here are some of my favorites:

Big sis was simply striking with her dark brown eyes and little rosebud lips.

I love this shot! We had so much fun!

Okay, watch out, because the cuteness factor is off the charts!

I love the smiles on these girls!

Boston Beauties | Sacramento Dog Photographer

In between my newborn, child and family shoots this week, I got to meet three gorgeous Boston Terriers - Dylan, Goodie and Turtle.  They belong to Danielle Campbell, a recognized Boston Terrier breeder in the Sacramento area.

Last week, her gorgeous cutie, Dylan (officially - "Multi BISS CH SUNWOODS LAMBURGINI"), won the 2009 BTCA National Speciality, which basically means he's the top Boston Terrier in the country for 2009.  How cool is that?!

You can tell he knows how special he is...

And handsome...

And just plain cool!  Check out his great ears.

Here's Goodie, who is only eight months old and still has that puppy sweetness thing going for him.  His little lips and laid-back ears just make everyone want to kiss him a hundred times!

Last but not least, Turtle.  Love the look she's giving me here!  She's like, "Come on, just give me the treat and get it over with, lady."  I joke, but they were all so sweet.

A kiss goodbye --

Pea in a Pod | Sacramento Newborn Photographer

Like a little pea in a pod, this little guy was so so sweet.  I love his tiny pinkie finger here.

It's like you can see Mom's heart growing right in front of you with so much love and adoration.

I can't get enough of his pudgy little lips.  What a darling.