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.
I’m Heather, one of the most trusted Oceanside CA photographers,
creating natural, joyful portraits for families visiting or living in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and all of North County.
Many of my clients come to me looking for an Oceanside photographer who offers a full-service experience—from styling to wall art.
As a North County local, I know the best hidden gems from Oceanside & 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.
Planning your session? Learn more about my family portrait experience.
Expecting? Check out my natural studio maternity sessions.
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 studio or an outdoor location (I know all the best spots!), my goal is to create images that feel true to you.
As one of the most experienced Oceanside CA photographers, I specialize in creating timeless images for families. 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 a San Diego-based family photographer specializing in natural, joyful portraits for families in Oceanside, Encinitas, and the North County coastal communities. Whether we’re capturing beach photos in Oceanside, warm golden light in Carlsbad, or timeless portraits in our studio, my sessions are designed to create meaningful art you’ll be proud to display. I offer full-service photography experiences, including custom-designed wall art and high quality albums that celebrate the people you love most.
Full-Service Photography for Families in Oceanside, Carlsbad & Beyond
Vallentyne Photography is a portrait studio in Oceanside, CA, with a newborn studio in Carlsbad, 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 beautiful portrait studio.
We’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable. Let’s start with a quick chat about what matters most to you. We’d be honored to create portraits you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
I get it—being pregnant can feel overwhelming. You’re tired, you’ve got a million things on your list, and the thought of planning a photo session might feel like one more thing to manage.
That’s where I come in.
From helping you choose what to wear, to finding the perfect location, to guiding you through every pose—I’ve done this hundreds of times. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to show up, and I’ll take care of the rest.
Because these months go by faster than you think. And when they’re gone, you’ll want to remember the way it felt to be here, waiting.
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I know the questions already circling in your mind.
Will your toddler melt down?
Will you have time to pull outfits together?
Will your partner run out of steam?
I’ve thought of all of it—and planned for it, too.
Whether you’re preparing for maternity portraits or welcoming a newborn, every detail is handled. From wardrobe styling to location planning to gentle direction during your session, I’ll meet your family right where you are.
You don’t need to arrive perfectly polished—you only need to arrive. I’ll take care of the rest.
✨ Ready to turn these fleeting moments into timeless art for your home? Send me a DM or click the link in bio to reserve your session today.
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Just two people and a whole new chapter rolling in with the tide.
No shoes. No stress.
Just soaking it in before everything changes.
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Still so new to the world, and yet already so full of soul.
It’s these tiny, unexpected moments that take my breath away.
Simple. Honest. Powerful.
No props. No posing. Just your baby—exactly as they are.
#newbornphotographer #newbornphotography #carlsbadnewbornphotographer #oceansidenewbornphotographer #sandiegonewbornphotographer #encinitasnewbornphotographer #newbornportraits #newbornsession #newbornphotos #newbornlove #babyphotography #carlsbadphotographer #sandiegophotographer #encinitasphotographer #oceansidephotographer #lifestylefamilyphotography #southerncaliforniaphotographer #northcountysandiego #carlsbadcalifornia #oceansidecalifornia #familyphotographer #familyphotography #vallentynephotography #DocumentYourDays #TheEverydayPortrait
There’s nothing quite like those first days of motherhood.
The way she holds her baby close, still learning each other’s rhythms.
The quiet strength in her arms. The softness in her eyes.
It’s raw, overwhelming, beautiful.
And it passes faster than anyone warns you.
That’s why I keep things simple in the studio—so all the focus stays right here:
On the connection. The love. The beginning of it all.
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Is there anything better than the first real smiles you get from you baby?!!
I don`t think so!
Baby`s start smiling at people they recognized between six and twelve weeks of age!
Want to capture some of those sweet smiles? Schedule your appointment today! Link in bio!
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