jill carmel photography | the blog

Love of Stripes | Sacramento Baby Portraits

Give me a baby boy in stripes any day and I'm a happy photographer. Here's Hunter with his lovely two cousins featured in the last post from today. 

I adore the light in this shot, warm morning light dipping in and collecting all of the creamy fall colors around them. Every season has it's own flavor and I'm in love with autumn light.

More delicious light with super-sweet smiles. Perfect.

 

He was so good for the camera. So calm - just hanging out, knowing it was all about him in that moment.

Autumn Glory | Sacramento Child Portraits

Ah, autumn is here in all of its glory. Where I'm from, we didn't really have seasons, so making leaf piles is pretty much the best thing ever. These girls were all about it and we got super-fun "leaf-tossing" pictures.

 

Her parents must just get mesmerized in these eyes. Beautiful.

 

So young (3 yrs), but a model already. She had STRIKING blue eyes that anyone could get lost in. Gorgeous.

Stay tuned for more pics of these beauties in their photo shoot with their cousin!

Fab Four | Sacramento Family Portraits

These fab four were referred to me by Mr. Max's mom (see post below). They were such a lovely family, I could've kept shooting for another few hours. 

I have to say, I get goosebumps when I hear a mom say to her family, "Just do whatever Jill tells you to do." It's like music to my ears when they trust me like that and I can just do my creative thing.  We got some wonderful shots as a result.

 

 

What a gorgeous family!

Mr. Max | Sacramento Baby Portraits

Mr. Max is hands down one of my favorite babies. I knew him before he was even out of his mommy's belly. Every time I see him, he's smiling even more than the last time and I think we hit a world record on this session. And check out his brand new set of chompers below!

 

 

 

There were probably 500 squirrels at this park. I even saw a baby squirrel (so cute). I had to include one just for fun. Plus I love the color of the nut he's holding...mmm...chartreuse....

Growing Up | Sacramento Child Portraits

Some of my favorite peeps were back with their adorable twins. You might remember them from the blog last year and they have grown up so much. Here's a picture from last fall.

 

And here they are now -- they're like miniature adults. My, how time flies.

 

 

Already looking forward to the next time I get to see these guys!

Ruby Slippers | Sacramento Family Photography

This little girl is SO DARN CUTE! In her polka dot dress and ruby slippers, I could've photographed her all day long.

Here's a fun thing - in this shot, the shoes are on her feet...

 

They're on here, too...but then...

Off the shoe comes! He he, and the expression on her face is priceless.

 

I had to include this one here because it made my heart melt the moment I captured it.  Papa looks pretty happy. Ah, the joy children can bring.

Ukulele Love | Sacramento Family Portraits

When these guys showed up with their "ukes" I was so excited. I love it when folks bring along something that's unique to them and that they can express their personalities through.

 

 

Dad is teaching his daughter how to play, so I got a little sample of their music and it's so beautiful. I could be a musician...yeah, in my dreams! BUT, if I ever took it up, it might be with a ukulele because their sound is pure heaven. I think I can almost hear his lulling voice through this picture...

 

It's always great to photograph these three.  I'm already looking forward to the next time!

Plus One | Sacramento Family Portraits

I first photographed mom and big sis a little over a year ago and she came back with dad and a new addition to the family, little Elana - only five months old. It's really amazing to me to meet a family one year and, when they come back the following year, they are "plus one", but to me, it seems like only a few months have gone by! 

 

Gosh, I love her hair. I could daydream over this hair...I think I might be slightly obsessed with gorgeous hair. Ah well, if I had to pick something, it may as well be lovely locks and long eyelashes.

 

Love, love, love her polka dots. What kid doesn't look cute in polka dots???

Star of the Show | Sacramento Family Portraits

Little Alida was such a fun, spirited little girl. She loved the park we shot at and was always curious about the next cool spot we chose to shoot in - she even found a rock which could magically be transformed into a galloping stallion!

Mom and Dad, of course, love her to pieces so it was really fun to get lots of "kissy" shots.

 

I think she knows she's pretty much the star of the show here:

 

What fun we had!

Superb Six | Holiday Family Portraits

Even though almost all of my portrait sessions include shots of the whole family, I don't always show the whole-family shots on my blog or website. But this time, I have to share because when a family of six shows up...well, how could I resist when they are this beautiful?

 

This is the second session I've done with these guys and they have such great energy and interaction with one another. I think the biggest thing that has captured my heart both times is how much care the big kids take with their littlest sister. It's just too sweet to bear!  

 

M, you all were so much fun! Can't wait to show you the rest!

-- Jill