jill carmel photography | the blog

Just Like Heaven | Sacramento Family Portraits

Do you remember this family from their gorgeous maternity and newborn sessions? Their littlest is already eight months old...boy does time fly! I had the pleasure of photographing them in a glowing apple orchard last weekend, and it was just like heaven. Here are about 1% of my favorites from the session... :-)

I love this picture, but I think my favorite thing about it is how big sis is holding on to mom's hair for comfort.  Do you see her little hand there? Sooooo sweet.

I love it, she's already got some attitude!

Quiet moment with bear. So soft and glowy.  

Mom bought the girls their pink converse for the shoot and then dad surprised mom with a pair for herself. How sweet!

I such a good time, you guys! Thanks for sharing that day with me!

Jam-Packed with Smiles | Sacramento Child Portraits

Mom warned me that Eva was a very happy baby, but I didn't realize that that meant I would be getting non-stop smiles! It didn't matter if it was the swing, the grass, the sky, the session was jam-packed with giggles, smiles and laughter. Ahh, what a fun day!

We Made Lemonade | Sacramento Modeling Photographer

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.  That's what I kept in mind as we drove out to who-knows-where based on some bizarre directions from a local. After driving around for what seemed like forever, searching for a particular barn (I'm still not sure whether it exists) and watching the sun disappear over the hills, we decided to just pull over and make the best of the 20 minutes of sunlight that we had left. Ruby was a rockstar. It was amazing what we got photographed in so little time.

Part of the deal for this shoot was that the guinea pig had to be in it...and how could I resist when it's name means "caramel"...a sweet so close to my heart. ;-)

An obliging white fence made for some beautiful shots.

I gotta say, it was a great 20 minutes.  Thanks for being such a professional, Ruby!

King of the World | Granite Bay Baby Portraits

I'm completely in love with the pictures of this family.  Owen is their first baby (aside from their puppies, of course!) and he is one seriously adorable little man.  

He's just the king of the world, in between mom and dad.

I learned about a new doll that day -- Blabla Kids.  Okay, okay...most of all of you are probably thinking, "What! She doesn't know about Blabla Kids?!"  I'd never heard of them before last week, but I adore them now.  I think they might be my favorite doll...ever... This family has a whole mobile made out of Blabla kids...lucky!

Their little man does the cutest little face (see below on left).  His mom and dad call it the "Popeye".  I'd have to agree the name fits.  Love his little teeth making their way out just for the picture.

This is their sneak peek, but, oh boy, there are some super pictures that I didn't have room to include here.  Can't wait to show them the rest...coming soon!

Get Ready Pottery Barn Teen! | Sacramento Headshots

The striking look that this kid has is OUT OF CONTROL! Check out his stunning eyes.

And his oh-so-handsome smile --

Love that sweeping, glowing afternoon light.

Bundle of Love | Sacramento Newborn Portraits

At 9lbs 4oz, this little girl was just a perfect bundle of love.  She was a dream baby: ate well, slept well and even smiled for the camera.

Here she is, showing off her baby blues.

All warm and snugly, taking advantage of the last few weeks of hot summer days.

The whole session was peppered with these sweet smile-gifts.  Love them.

Charmed | Folsom Child Portraits

This little guy must have heads turning wherever he goes.  With his rosy cheeks and sky-blue eyes, he's certainly got me charmed.

He's looking at his mom through the window and the look of excitement at seeing her is so fun.

Bennett's dad is an air traffic controller and one of his coworkers knitted this BEAUTIFUL quilt for them before Bennett was born.  Can you believe that?? I got all choked up as his mom was telling me the story of how this woman made it just for them. Not only does it have Bennett's name on it, but there are planes and helicopters to show was his daddy does for living.  Wow - what a wonderful gift!

Apple Orchard Photos? | Sacramento Photographer

The apple orchards are glowing with this year's crop and I LOVE photographing kids and families at my favorite orchard in Placerville.  If you've already booked a session for this fall, or you're still thinking about it, let me know if you'd like to do yours amongst the apple trees. It's loads of fun and an opportunity for great photos.  

Here are two of my favorite boys at the apple orchard last year.  Remember them? 

Jill

Modern Baby | Sacramento Newborn Portraits

Oh boy, did I have some fun with this little man. At five days old he was such a good eater that he slept and slept and allowed mom and I to get creative and take advantage of their beautiful home.

Here he is, all warm and snuggled in the noon time sun.

Okay, who could ever resist a baby in a drawer?!  Beautiful baby + sweet modern drawer = super fun picture. This is definitely one of my top three favorite newborn photos of 2009.

Big brother was only too happy to lay tons of kisses on the new member of the family.  I think he gave five kisses in a row.  Love, love, love: what more could a little boy want?

I have so many more AMAZING shots from this session, but I don't want to spoil the surprise for mom and dad too much...maybe I'll post some more up later.

Until then,

Jill

Two Beauties | Sacramento Child Portraits

Do you remember these two sisters from last year?  They've grown so much! 

Little Iliana has lots of smiles, giggles...and new teeth! She was just too cute with the little purple flowers. 

It started to rain during our photo shoot, so the kids jumped into their super fun rain gear. Hey, any excuse to bring out rain boots, and I'm IN!

Even more smiles and giggles...love these two together.

I couldn't resist showing this shot.  It was a shy moment, but an oh-so-beautiful one.