jill carmel photography | the blog

Dashing Through the Snow | Sacramento Child Portraits

When it snows, I automatically start thinking about pictures of little ones playing in the snow (and you might, too) so here's our "hit" for the week of cute kids in a winter wonderland.

We had about two seconds to take some pictures with the family...

 

and then...

It was all about snow ball fights!!!! 

 

Little bro wasn't too sure about the cold stuff, but we soon found a little cabin where he was much happier...

 

But brother not so much... ha ha - this shot makes me laugh every time.

We had just too much fun. Can't wait for the next adventure with these lovely people.

Playing in the Leaves | Folsom Family Photographer

There's something about kids playing in the leaves that is just magical. Needless to say, these guys had a ton of fun throwing the leaves around. I love this shot - especially her little hands, tossing the leaves with such enthusiasm!

 

You know I'm a sucker for these unguarded moments...

 

Between his baby blues and her smile, they could stop traffic!

So sweet. 

Just Glowing | Sacramento Family Portraits

Look at all of these beautiful smiles. You might remember the littlest one from his newborn session. He's so big now (with tons of smiles) and his older sister helps out a ton - lucky mom!

 

Stunning.

 

Completely. Head-over-heels. Love. This...

Yummy baby goodness.

 

A Few of My Favorite Things | Sacramento Portraits

This family was just too much fun to photograph. We met up at an apple orchard and had a great time rolling in the leaves, drinking AMAZING apple cider, and finding the perfect spots to shoot in.

 

I think this is my favorite shot from the whole day. His smile is contagious!

Mom was just gorgeous in this soft light. Another little one on the way and she's just glowing.

 

Another one of my favorites -- there are really too many to choose!

  

 

What a fun day!

Struck | Sacramento Child Portraits

I've been thinking about this session since the day I shot it and I couldn't wait to get some time away from shooting to start working some Photoshop magic on these images and now I can see why.  I'm completely struck by this little angel of a girl. 

This image has stolen my heart. I'm completely in love with it. I want to print it out and put it on MY wall!

 

She looks so sweet amongst the festive autumn berries (don't worry, she didn't eat any of them!).

 

What a killer smile. Ford Modeling Agency - watch out!

Go Gaga | El Dorado Hills Child Portraits

I definitely have a special place in my heart for this little man. He is the famous baby that graces the front of my website and the top of this blog. Plus, who couldn't go gaga over his big blue eyes and infectious smile. I have to say I adore his parents as well and have become good friends with them since I first met them for their newborn session.

 

 

Hello!

 

Quiet moment. Love those.

 

 

Can't wait to show mom and dad the rest of the pictures!!

Darling | Sacramento Family Portraits

Mom looks so content, like she's right where she's supposed to be -- cuddled between her two little ones.

 

This moment between father and daughter was so darling, I had to show it.

I'm keeping the all-family photos as a surprise for mom, but I had to show this funny little one from the day. This is what happens when I shout out, "Everyone look at sister!". He he.  

Three is the Magic Number | Sacramento Portraits

These three kept me on my toes with gymnastics moves, dancing, singing and a wide assortment of expressions (all of which I loved - just how kids should be, in my opinion), but here is a shot that cracks me up. It seems to sum up how the day went: big brother being all perfect, sister being silly and the littlest one being mesmerized by her sibling. Love it. 

 

I'm completely in love with the little foot up on mom's shoulder. Priceless.

 

Beauuuuuutiful. I adore her deep, dark eyes.

What do YOU Want for Christmas?

The holidays are coming soon and it may have crossed your mind...

What do YOU want for Christmas???

In my humble opinion, if anyone deserves an AMAZING Christmas present, it's you -- the parents -- the amazing, patient, undefeated, super-heros of this world. So when you tell your honey want you want for Christmas, ask for the one thing that you know will make you giggle and tear up at the same time: beautiful portraits of your family and children.

Holiday Special: Book a standard portrait session to take place between December 7th, 2009 and January 29th, 2010 and receive your choice of one of the complimentary gifts displayed below.

And I'm not forgetting about all of you pregnant mommies! This special goes for maternity and newborn sessions, too. You can even book a Belly-to-Baby Session Set and select two of these gifts!

3 Web-Sized Digital Files ($225 value)

25 Folded Gift Cards ($75 value)

Six-Image Brag Book ($150 value)

*Please note that the deadline for having a session with guaranteed Christmas delivery is December 5th, 2009. 

I still have a few openings in November and the first week of December, so call me today if you'd like to book a session before December 5th and have your order ready in time for Christmas giving.

I hope to see your beautiful faces soon!

Jill

                       

Apple of My Eye | Sacramento Family Portraits

What a pleasure it is for me when my clients return year after year and I feel as though we are old friends. I get to see their children grow and change, and they feel comfortable with me; they can be themselves.

We ventured over to the local apple orchard and got some fan-tabulous pictures. Let me tell ya -- a lapful of apples sure can make for some super smiles!

 

I feel like I've been blessed for a day when I get a shot like this (below). Not all kids will kiss their siblings for me! They're so stinkin' cute!

 

I love the way the composition turned out on this shot. Candid, natural and filled with beautiful fall colors.