jill carmel photography | the blog

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.

Just As It Should Be | Family Portraits

Little Miss Ava was as cute as a button for her big photo shoot. With four new teeth to show off, the camera just fell in love with her.

 

Love her long lashes.

 

In mom's and dad's arms - what better place is there for a little girl?

 

A girl and her daddy -- gives me warm fuzzies.

New Holiday Cards - The Retro Collection

Last, but not least, I'm announcing my new set of holiday cards - "The Retro Collection". For those of you who have a little more of a funky style, these should be perfect. 

These designs are available to anyone booking a standard or mini-session, but be quick because if you need your cards in time for Christmas, please order them by the end of November. 

To view our other sets of 2009 holiday cards, click HERE.

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!