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.
Sometimes the most iconic settings are the simplest. A lifeguard tower, the ocean behind you, and everyone piled close together. It’s not about posing—it’s about capturing what your family looks like in this season, right here, right now.
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If you’ve ever wondered if your kids will “sit still” for photos, here’s your answer. They won’t—and that’s perfect. The best images come from movement, laughter, and letting kids be exactly who they are.
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Class of 2026… your turn is right around the corner.
This season always feels a little magical to me—capturing who they are right now, before everything shifts and they step into their next chapter.
If you’re ready to start planning your senior session, let’s make something beautiful together.
XO, Heather
Are you ready to start planning your photos? Send me a message and we’ll chat!
Standing at the edge of the ocean feels a lot like this stage of life—limitless, a little uncertain, and wide open with possibility. Senior portraits are about more than a milestone. They’re about remembering this exact moment before everything shifts.
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There’s something unforgettable about the senior year—full of color, possibility, and change. A field of yellow feels just right. Bright, bold, and a little bit wild—just like the season ahead.
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Props aren’t really necessary when you’ve got connection—but sometimes, a VW bus just feels right. Families pile in, lean on it, laugh around it. It’s less about the bus itself and more about what it represents: slowing down, being together, and enjoying the ride.🙌🏼
#carlsbadphotographer #sandiegophotographer #encinitasphotographer #oceansidephotographer #lifestylefamilyphotography #southerncaliforniaphotographer #northcountysandiego #carlsbadcalifornia #oceansidecalifornia #familyphotographer #familyphotography #vallentynephotography #DocumentYourDays #TheEverydayPortrait
