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.
Not every portrait has to face the camera. Sometimes the most powerful images are the ones that let you imagine what they’re seeing—vast ocean, open sky, and endless possibility.
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Childhood at the beach looks like this—wet hair, sandy toes, running full speed toward the water while sailboats drift by in the distance.
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Sunset light, a sky in motion. These are the kinds of images that remind us to look up and notice the world changing above us.
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Love stories don’t end—they keep unfolding. A proposal at the water’s edge, proof that romance isn’t bound by age.
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Some images feel more like paintings than photographs. A child, still and curious, surrounded by color. This one became fine art because it already felt like it.
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Merry Christmas 🤍
This year was filled with love in all its forms—growing families, quiet moments, and stories still unfolding. Thank you to my incredible clients. Photographing your lives is the greatest gift I could ask for.
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