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.
There’s something so special about gathering the whole family—generations together, kids running barefoot through the sand, golden light pouring in.
This sunset session was filled with tiny, beautiful moments: a toddler twirling in her grandma’s arms, cousins holding hands, laughter between siblings who’ve grown up side by side.
It’s these in-between moments that mean the most. The ones that tell the real story of your family—just as you are, right now.
#CarlsbadPhotographer #CarlsbadBeach #OceansidePhotographer #SanDiegoFamilyPhotographer #NorthCountyPhotographer #FamilyBeachPhotos #CarlsbadFamilyPhotographer #OceansideBeachPhotography #ExtendedFamilySession #NaturalFamilyPhotography #SunsetFamilyPhotos #SoCalFamilyPhotographer #HeirloomPhotography #FamilyPhotosCarlsbad #carlsbadportraitphotographer
They say a day well lived makes every yesterday a dream—and I believe it. These really are the best days of our lives. Not because they’re perfect, but because they’re filled with love, laughter, and those tiny everyday moments that make life beautiful—if we pause long enough to notice.
Today reminded me how important it is to slow down. To take a breath, step away from the hustle, and make space for the in-between moments that are everything.♥️
#carlsbadphotographer #sandiegophotographer #love #carlsbadfamilyphotographer #oceansidephotographer #familytime #familyfirst
Photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about holding onto memories.
I want you to look back at these photos and remember the way it felt to hold your kids, the sound of their little laugh, and all those tiny moments that make this time so special.
Because they’re only this little once. 💕
Book your session today! Link in bio.
As a portrait photographer, my goal is to capture people just as they are in this moment—real, unfiltered, and full of personality.
I work hard to see the real because that’s where the beauty is.
As a mom, I want to remember my kids exactly as they were—messy, joyful, and completely themselves. And no one embodies that better than toddlers. They don’t pose, they don’t fake a smile—they just are. Whether they’re flashing a toothy grin or wobbling their way through those first few steps, every expression is 100% real.
And that’s exactly why I love photographing them so much!
Preparing for your photo session? Keep it simple!
I find solid colors (like white, cream, tan, or gray) or classic patterns like a soft floral photograph beautifully, and avoiding logos keeps the focus on you and your family.
Let’s make your session fun and easy! DM me with any questions.
#vallentynephotography #carlsbadcalifornia
I’ve been photographing families in North County since 2005—bringing over 20 years of experience to every session! ✨
With a timeless, minimalist approach, my goal is to create images that feel true to your family—beautiful, natural, and meant to be cherished for generations.
💕 Ready to book? Link in bio!
