Carnell ran her own photographic studio from a home on Spruce Street in Philadelphia. She organized the Women's Federation of the Photographers' Association of America in 1909, and served as its first president for three years. "Her tact and executive ability is apparent in every movement of her stately figure," wrote
Bayard Wootten in 1912. "She is the mother of the Federation, and in grateful appreciation of all she has done for the Federation she was voted its head for life." Carnell was also president of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the
Old Guard State Fencibles, member of the Historical Pageant Association of Pennsylvania, president of the Professional Women's Club, member of the Society for the Prevention of Social and Moral Diseases, member of the
Dickens Fellowship, and on the board of directors of
The Plastic Club. ==Personal life==