jill carmel photography | the blog

The Little Things

I'm delighted to be writing about these two. They are some of the kindest people you'll ever hope to meet and I feel lucky to call them my friends. 

Everyone's photography session is different. I like the fact that I never know exactly what I'm going to bring away from a shoot because what I'm looking for can't be bottled or reproduced. What I'm looking for is that little window, that split-second glimpse into that family and the unique moments that they share between one another. 

And these two showed that it's the little things -- the things that only they do in their own "secret code" kind of way. The soft nuzzle/giggle of affection, the playful glint in dad's eye, the little lean on the shoulder. Those are the things that I look for -- the window, the glimpse. 

Thank you for sharing, you two. I can't wait for the newborn pictures! 

-- Jill

She's Just Perfect

As you all know, I have a Boston Terrier, Bueller. When he was a puppy, I took him to Blue Ravine Animal Hospital to get puppy classes. There we met the lovely Amanda who gave me the tools to turn my crazy, rambunctious puppy into a crazy-rambunctious-yet-willing puppy, using solely positive methods (which I'm a big fan of). Bueller has turned out to be a well-trained dog thanks to Amanda (and many, many treats).

When she called me to do her maternity and newborn photography, I was so excited because, first, I knew she was awesome and, second, because I knew she had a Brussels Griffon...

She and her husband were so wonderful to work with -- easy going, funny and oh so beautiful. 

Okay, I know. It should be about the baby...but I could help myself!

 

And yet more evidence that I'm a sucker for dogs...but I think Amanda is, too, so it's okay. ;-)

 

Since I seem to have started a nursery series, I thought I'd include this lovely shot. Aren't the butterflies sweet? I love how she combined the mobile on the left with the stickers on the wall.

I adore this shot. Simple. Beautiful. She's just perfect.

Soon | Sacramento Maternity Portraits

I love this family. They are SO on the same page as I am, both artistically and individually. You probably recognize their little girl who has graced this blog more than a few times. One of the greatest compliments I can receive is when a child remembers me from their last photography session and lately I've been getting that "I remember you" smile from little "E" when I get to see her.

Lucky Miss E will have a baby sister very soon and we spent a lovely afternoon together celebrating and documenting this special time in all of their lives.

We can't forget Husky! He was their first "baby". 

 

Love this picture. Serene. Welcoming. Beautiful.

 

First | Sacramento Pregnancy Photographer

Expecting her first child, V is relishing the experience of becoming a new mother. The two of us had a wonderful morning, finding the best light in her welcoming home, selecting clothes that would show off her growing belly and laughing over shared experiences.

I knew we'd be a good match after only a few minutes of speaking with her on the phone. We're both very creative and love simple, organic design. I love how her pictures turned out and I can't wait for her to see them all!

 

 

I love how her tattoo seems to be growing with her belly.

Springtime loves a beautiful woman.

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!

So Close | Sacramento Maternity Portraits

The moment I met these two, I knew we'd hit it off. Mom loves being pregnant and simply glows with anticipation and Dad is calm, strong and kind. What a beautiful home for a little one to come into.

I think this is my favorite shot of the day. Lovely.

 

 

 

Don't they look amazing? The excitement is tangible!

Vinita & Kapil | Sacramento Pregnancy Portraits

This session was SO. MUCH. FUN. I mean, okay, they have a Boston Terrier (Lucy) so OBVIOUSLY they are awesome people. ;-P 

They are expecting their first baby this December and I couldn't be more excited for them. And once you see these photos, you just know that their baby is going to be super good-looking!

I think we laughed the entire session -- between the dog not wanting to eat the turkey they brought, imaginary snakes in the grass, and the rouge balloons, we definitely had some good giggles.

 

We scheduled the session for late afternoon and I figured we get some beautiful sunset shots, but then this happened...two suns, one in the sky and one on the water...one for them and one for the baby. It took my breath away right there on the spot. 

 

I wanted to include a little montage here (click to make bigger) to show you how great these two are: serious then loving, silly and charming.  Love them together. Can't wait for their little girl to come. 

Warmth & Love | Los Angeles Pregnancy Portraits

I went down to LA last weekend to photograph this gorgeous mommy.  We borrowed an artist friend's Mediterranean house for the shoot and had some serious fun. We were surrounded by modern art and furniture, in addition to lush gardens, so we took full advantage and created some exquisite images.

Stunning with her dark eyes and red dress.

Glowing in the sun and soft, green grass.

 

Baby Lucia surrounded by mommy's warmth and love.  We welcome you little one.

Love Squared

There is a beautiful phenomenon in this world -- that of one's heart expanding endlessly in its ability to love.  Anyone could see how much love and respect these three have for one another and I look forward to watching there be even that much more love once their second little boy arrives.  I can't wait to meet him.

 

Their son was SUCH a joy to photograph.  Big dark eyes, infectious smile and those sweet little feet...I couldn't get enough!

Organic, heavenly, lovely.  I'm so glad I was there to capture these moments. 

Just Wait | Sacramento Maternity Photographer

I had so many favorites from this maternity session that it was tough to choose just a few for the sneak peek, but here they are -- beautiful and glowing.  

This baby is going to find so much love on the other side...just wait, little one...you'll see.

Sun-kissed and lovely.

What a perfect little belly.