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.

take a look aroundwelcome

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.

seeing yoursmy greatest joy is

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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.

Get in touch

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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.

After 20 years as a photographer, one thing has never changed: people just want to feel seen, valued, and remembered. That’s exactly what I create. Curious about how it works? Let’s start the conversation.
For me, photography is all about connection—capturing love, laughter, and the beauty of your family as you are right now. If this feels like what you’re looking for, send me a message—I’d love to hear your story.
Having lived here my whole life, I know the hidden trails, secret beaches, and quiet fields that make for the most beautiful portraits. Want me to share some of my favorite spots with you? Send me a note. 

#VallentynePhotography #CarlsbadBeachPhotographer #OceansideTrailPhotos #EncinitasFamilyPhotography #DelMarPortraits #VistaStudioPhotographer #RanchoSantaFeMaternity #NorthCountySanDiego #NaturalLightPhotography
Full-service photography means I don’t just take your photos—I help with planning, wardrobe, locations, and artwork for your walls. If that sounds like what you’ve been looking for, let’s talk.

 #VallentynePhotography #CarlsbadFamilyPortraits #OceansideMaternityPhotographer #EncinitasStudioSessions #DelMarSeniorPortraits #VistaNewbornPhotography #RanchoSantaFePhotographer #NorthCountyPhotography #FullServiceExperience
Whether you’re drawn to natural outdoor settings or timeless studio portraits, I offer both so your photos feel like you. I’d love to create something meaningful together—reach out and let’s chat. 

in case you're curious about the background of this photo, I shot this while shooting a wedding on a  private island in the Bahamas, pure bliss!🥰

#VallentynePhotography #CarlsbadStudioPhotographer #OceansideFamilyPortraits #EncinitasSeniorPhotos #DelMarBeachPhotography #VistaFamilyPhotographer #RanchoSantaFePhotography #SanDiegoPortraits #BeachAndTrailSessions
After 20 years as a photographer, one thing has never changed: people just want to feel seen, valued, and remembered. That’s exactly what I create. Curious about how it works? Let’s start the conversation. 

#VallentynePhotography #SanDiegoPortraits #CarlsbadPhotography #OceansideBeachPhotos #EncinitasFamilyPhotographer #DelMarMaternity #RanchoSantaFePortraits #StudioPhotography #NorthCountyPhotographer

email directly:

heather@vallentynephotography.com

760-672-2416

located in oceanside, california