senior Portrait photographer
If you're searching for a senior photographer near you who creates natural, personality-filled portraits, you’re in the right place.
I offer full-service senior sessions for high schoolers in Oceanside, Carlsbad, and North County San Diego.
are more than just a photoshoot;
they're a celebration of
a milestone in life
Senior Portrait Photography: Authentic, Fun & 100% You
Senior Year Goes by Fast—Let’s Capture This Moment.
One minute, they were starting kindergarten, and now they’re picking out dorm room decor.
Senior year is a huge milestone, and senior portraits aren’t just for the yearbook—
they’re a way to celebrate who they are right now before they take on the next big adventure.
Senior year is such a milestone—it's a mix of excitement, reflection, and planning for what’s next.
My senior sessions are relaxed, fun, and focused on capturing your senior’s true personality.
We’ll choose a location that fits their vibe—whether it's the beach, the trails, or a favorite local spot—
and create portraits that feel natural, confident, and timeless.
I make the experience fun, natural, and totally custom to them—
no stiff poses, no awkward smiles, just authentic, personality-filled images
that capture who they are.
Not Just Any Senior Photos
Every senior is different, and their portraits should be too!
That’s why I offer completely customized sessions—
from choosing the perfect location to styling a few outfits that fit their personality.
Love the beach?
Let’s capture golden-hour by the ocean.
Prefer an urban, modern feel?
We can explore a cool city location.
Want a classic studio look?
I have the perfect studio for timeless portraits.
Not sure how it works?
Don’t worry—I’ll help guide every step of the way!
This session isn’t just about taking pictures—
it’s about capturing their story, their confidence,
and this once-in-a-lifetime moment before they head off to what’s next.
Not quite ready yet? No problem!
Senior Year Is Exciting—But We Get It, It’s Also a Lot
Parents: How did we get here so fast? Weren’t they just learning to ride a bike?
Now you’re thinking about yearbook deadlines, graduation announcements,
and (let’s be real) trying not to cry at the thought of them leaving home.
These portraits will become some of your most treasured keepsakes—
something to look back on long after they’ve packed up for college.
Seniors: You want photos that actually feel like YOU—not something awkward, cheesy, or forced.
Maybe you’re a little camera shy, or maybe you’re totally ready to go full model mode.
Either way, I make sure you feel comfortable, confident, and actually enjoy the process.
Making Senior Photos Easy & Fun
Not sure what to wear?
I’ll send you a guide with outfit tips that look great on camera.
Nervous about posing?
Don’t be! I’ll give you natural direction so you look amazing without feeling awkward.
Location options?
I know all the best spots in Oceanside, Carlsbad, and beyond! I’ll help you choose a favorite look.
Want something beyond just digital files?
I offer custom albums, wall prints, and gifts so your senior’s photos don’t just live on a screen.
Bonus! I also photograph families and siblings—take a look at my family portrait experience.
One chapter ends, another begins—
memories you’ll look back on for a lifetime
More Than Just a Yearbook Photo—
Senior portraits are one of those things you’ll be so glad you did.
They capture this exciting, in-between moment—
the last year of high school, the transition to adulthood, and the person they’ve grown into.
And trust me, when they’re off at college and their room feels a little too clean and quiet…
you’ll be so grateful for these photos.
Let’s make this happen! Contact me today, and let’s plan a session that feels 100% YOU.
Senior portraits for high schools including but not limited to,
Canyon High School, Carlsbad High School, Sage Creek High School, Corona Del Mar High School, Diamond Ranch High School, El Camino High School, Oceanside High School, Glendora High School, Palos Verdes High School, Peninsula High School, San Marcos High School, Sunny Hills High School, Troy High School, Villa Park High School, West Covina High School, West High School
For more tips on preparing for senior year, check out this guide from College Board.
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.
Because sit still and smile is not in their vocabulary
And honestly? I wouldn’t want it to be.
The laughter mid-air, the tiny toes kicking, the wild beach breeze—that’s the magic.
These aren’t just photos of your kids behaving… they’re memories of them being.
Because years from now, you won’t miss the perfectly posed moments—you’ll miss this.
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No awkward poses. I promise only real beautiful moments.
You don’t need to perform to look amazing in your photos.
You just need to be you.
Whether that’s quiet and thoughtful or bold and full of energy—I’ll guide you every step of the way so it feels natural, never forced.
No cheesy backdrops. No uncomfortable poses. Just real, relaxed moments that feel like you, captured beautifully.
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Real life is way more fun than perfect poses
Because the truth is—your kids probably won’t sit still.
They’ll make silly faces, run in opposite directions, or collapse into giggles just when you were hoping for that one perfect shot.
And honestly? That’s exactly what I want to capture.
The real smiles. The chaos. The snuggles. The way your toddler leans into you when they`re tired, or how your baby clutches your finger like it’s the most important thing in the world.
That’s the good stuff. And those are the moments you’ll actually want to remember.
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It`s been such an amazing summer filled with truly special photo sessions and so many people I got to meet and connect with!
Can`t believe we`re already rolling into fall, and I am so looking forward to all the special families I will work with this holiday season! If you`re thinking about doing photos, get in touch soon because dates are already booking fast and I would love to work with you! xoxo, Heather
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“The best days of your life are not just ahead—they’re happening right now, in every moment you choose to be present and grateful for what you have.”♥️
No rules, no stress, just your favorite location -and a lot of fun on our senior session.
Confident. Calm. Completely herself.
Senior year, but make it golden. 🌞🌊
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