Authentic, Timeless Photography for Families Who Value Real Moments
One minute, they’re tiny and holding your hand everywhere you go.
The next, they’re borrowing your shoes and rolling their eyes at your jokes.
Time moves fast, but photography lets you hold onto the moments that matter.
For over 20 years, I’ve been helping families capture the real, unscripted beauty of their lives—
whether it’s a maternity glow, newborn snuggles, toddlers on the move, or a senior ready go out into the world.
As a North County local, I know the best hidden gems from Oceanside and Carlsbad to San Diego,
the perfect lighting and backgrounds, and how to make your session feel natural and fun.
From planning to finished artwork, I make the process simple, so you can focus on what matters most—
being present with the people you love.
I’d love to hear more about your family and what you’re looking for.
Feel free to reach out—I’d love to chat!
Hi, I’m Heather!
I’m based in Oceanside and specialize in capturing family connections with a clean, bright, and natural style. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning backdrop of an outdoor location (I know all the best spots!) or the simplicity of a modern studio session, my goal is to create images that feel true to you.
With two decades of experience, I make the process easy and enjoyable, so you can relax and focus on the people who matter most. Let’s create something special together!
Get in touch—I’d love to chat.
testimonials
BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS THAT TELL YOUR STORY...
THROUGH NATURAL LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Vallentyne Photography is located in coastal Oceanside, California.
Serving North County, San Diego County, and Orange County with local portrait sessions in Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Elijo, La Costa, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Cardiff, and Del Mar.
Travel is also available for a few destination weddings & portraits every year.
Vallentyne Photography is a portrait studio in Oceanside, CA, serving North County and San Diego. With 20 years of experience, we specialize in natural, timeless portraits for families, maternity, newborns, and seniors—capturing genuine moments on location or in our historic, ocean-view studio.
We’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable. Let’s start with a quick chat about what matters most to you. If we’re a good fit, we’d be honored to create portraits you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
✨ Time for a 2025 refresh! ✨ If your LinkedIn, website, or business cards still feature an old headshot (or worse… a cropped vacation photo 😬), let’s fix that!
I’m hosting Branding Boost Sessions on Thursday, March 27, from 11 AM to 1 PM at my (𝗡𝗘𝗪!!) gorgeous historic downtown Oceanside studio.
This one-day-only event is perfect for busy professionals who need a polished, modern headshot—quick and easy.
☘︎ 15-minute session
☘︎ White, gray, or cream backdrop options
☘︎ Expert direction & expression coaching
☘︎ One fully retouched digital image (with more available!)
Only $190 per session.
Secure your spot with a $90 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁.
📩 DM me or email heather@vallentynephotography.com to book!
Spots are very limited, so don’t wait!
Can’t make this one? Let me know, and I’ll add you to the list for next time.
More details here:
https://vallentynephotography.com/headshot-refresh-downtown-oceanside/
🤍 Hold onto every tiny moment while you can. #NewbornPhotography #TinyFingersBigLove #holdontothis #small
“I just want one good family photo.”
I hear this all the time. And I get it!
But I promise—family photos aren’t about looking perfect. They’re about remembering what this stage of life feels like. The joy. The chaos. The love.
Every senior has their own story, and that’s exactly why I love customizing each session to reflect who they are. For her, that meant starting at San Dieguito High School, a place that’s shaped so much of her journey. With its artistic and unique campus, it was the perfect setting to capture her dedication to both academics and athletics.
From there, we headed to Swami’s Beach in Encinitas, a spot filled with family memories and a place she’s spent countless hours over the years. The mix of these two locations—school and home, discipline and relaxation—felt like the perfect way to capture this milestone.
Senior year is about so much more than just a diploma. It’s about the moments, the hard work, and the places that made you who you are. That’s why every session I photograph is different, designed around you. If you’re graduating in 2025, let’s create something that tells your story.
✨ Real life is full of movement, laughter, and a little bit of chaos—and that’s exactly what makes the best photos. Let them play, I’ll do the rest. 📸 #LetThemBeLittle #CandidChildhood #familyphotography
How many photos of your kids are on your phone right now?
And how many of those do you actually see every day? Let’s change that. Let’s turn those moments into something real—something you’ll smile at when you walk down the hall, long after the kids have grown.
