CARLSBAD Photographer
Life is short.
the memories captured in our portraits,
last a lifetime.
For families seeking beautiful, lasting portraits from a local Carlsbad photographer, you’re in the right place. As a Carlsbad native, I know all the best locations for photography and the perfect times of year to shoot there. Carlsbad offers stunning backdrops and a variety of settings, and I would love to work with you to capture your family's special moments. Let's connect!
If you're looking for a local Carlsbad photographer, get in touch!
Celebrating Love, Joy, and Chaos:
We celebrate the love, joy, and chaos of family life, capturing the beauty
found in everyday moments and turning them into stunning family portraits.
Expertise with a Personal Touch:
With years of experience and a personal touch, we know how to capture the
unique personality and dynamic of your family, creating beautiful portraits that you'll treasure forever.
Your Family, Your Story:
Your family is unique, and your portraits should reflect that.
We work closely with you to capture the essence of your family and tell your unique story
through beautiful, heartfelt portraits.
Relax, Enjoy, and Let Us Handle the Rest:
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the chaos of family life.
We'll handle the rest, capturing beautiful memories that you'll cherish for years to come.
Extended Families are welcome.
We love big groups and do not charge extra.
Carlsbad photography locations
Carlsbad State Beach
Carlsbad State Beach is one of my top choices for family portraits in Carlsbad. The beach offers a beautiful setting with its ocean views and natural charm. As a local photographer, I know several other great beach spots and can show you photo examples from all the top beaches in the Carlsbad area. I can help you understand the pros and cons of each location and the best time of day to shoot there.
Let's create some amazing portraits together!
Batiquitos Lagoon
Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad is one of my favorite natural trail settings for photo shoots. This location is perfect in the morning or at sunset, depending on where you start on the trail. I love shooting here and know all the best spots! The trails and beautiful greenery provide diverse backgrounds as we walk, creating a variety of lovely photos. Kids have a great time exploring this trail, and a morning session can be ideal for little ones who are often in a better mood first thing in the morning rather than in the evening.
Leo Carrillo Ranch
Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad is a historic working ranch and a significant part of Carlsbad's history. This location is like Disneyland for photos, offering gorgeous backdrops everywhere you look. With so many beautiful options to choose from—ranging from greenery to adobe structures to bright turquoise barn doors—you'll love the variety of images we can capture. This spot is perfect for sessions all year round and works well for both morning and afternoon shoots. While permits are required, my business is registered and licensed with the location, so with a little advanced notice, it’s no problem at all.
Carlsbad, California, offers so many stunning locations for family portrait sessions.
Here are some of the best spots, along with their benefits and the ideal times of year to shoot there:
1. Terramar Beach
- Benefits: Terramar Beach is a quieter, less crowded spot with rocky tide pools and coastal views. It’s an ideal choice for families looking for a more private beach setting.
- Best Times: Sunset is the optimal time to shoot here, particularly in late summer and early fall, when the lighting is warm and the weather is comfortable.
- ** please note that this location will only work on a very low tide and the lowest tides are usually in the late fall through winter. **
2. Carlsbad Flower Fields
- Benefits: The Carlsbad Flower Fields offer rows of blooming flowers, creating a colorful and seasonal backdrop. This location is perfect for families wanting a vibrant, floral setting.
- Best Times: The fields are open from March to May, making spring the only time to shoot here. Early mornings/late afternoons are best to avoid crowds and harsh light.
- ** please note that the Carlsbad flower fields charge a $500 photography fee. Pricey but stunning if you are creating a once-in-a-lifetime piece of wall art. **
3. Agua Hedionda Lagoon
- Benefits: Agua Hedionda Lagoon offers a mix of water views, marshlands, and trails. It’s a suitable location for families looking for a nature-oriented setting with a variety of landscapes.
- Best Times: Late afternoon to early evening provides the best light for capturing the water and surrounding nature. Fall and winter offer softer light and cooler temperatures.
4. Hosp Grove Park
- Benefits: Hosp Grove Park features eucalyptus trees and shaded trails, making it a great option for families who prefer a wooded environment. This can be the perfect setting for your fall family portrait look.
- Best Times: Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for a session here. Mornings are ideal for capturing soft, filtered light through the trees.
5. Calavera Lake
- Benefits: Calavera Lake provides a mix of lake views, rolling hills, and unique volcanic rock formations. It’s a good choice for families interested in a more diverse, outdoor setting. A little bit of hiking is involved here.
- Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon in spring or fall offers the best lighting conditions. The cooler weather and natural light enhance the location’s character.
These locations in Carlsbad offer a variety of natural backdrops, from coastal beaches to wooded parks and floral fields, each providing a unique setting for family portraits.
Not quite ready yet? No problem!
Carlsbad Family Photographer
Beautiful family photography of the best years of your life.
I know how fast these moments fly by and how important it is to capture them to remember these days.
You don't want to miss the chance to freeze these precious stages in time! I truly get how challenging it can be to get the family ready for a photo session, but trust me, it's going to be a blast!
Together, we'll create stunning photos that you'll proudly display on the walls of your home, preserving these priceless memories forever. As time goes by, you'll cherish these photos even more, and they'll only grow in value in your heart. Plus, I promise, even your husband will have a surprisingly good time!
After dreaming about it for so long, now is the perfect moment to fill your home with cherished portraits of your loved ones, transforming your walls into a gallery of beautiful memories.
Carlsbad MATERNITY Photographer
These are your baby’s first portraits!
These images will show these images will show them how much you loved them even before you met!
These photos are for you to treasure this memory, and they’re also for your baby.
Maternity photos capture, the unique beauty and power of the female form and the creation of a whole new life. Pregnancy photos are more than just pictures. They are a reflection of your identity, values, and the deep love you have for your family. I strive to capture the essence of your family dynamics, the joy, and sometimes chaos, of parenthood, and the unique bond you share.
I want you to feel the warmth of your families love every time you look at your photos on the walls in the years to come reminding you of the precious moments you've shared as a family.
Carlsbad Newborn Photographer
Today's fleeting moments are tomorrow's priceless treasures.
Having a new baby is such an incredible experience to be celebrated and documented. Every day will be in adventure with them. This new life will be your world.
If your dreams revolve around your families happiness and your children are your greatest inspiration, let me help you capture
this truest love to decorate your walls and warm your heart forever. You're not just a parent now, you're a superhero in disguise! Your family is a reflection of your love and dedication, and your hopes and dreams will be woven into every family portrait we create together.
Carlsbad Senior Photographer
Because every picture tells a story, let me help tell yours.
It's your senior year and this is a big deal. It's the start of a new chapter in your life and that deserves a photoshoot to celebrate and commemorate all that you have worked so hard for. You can feel confident and comfortable that we will understand your unique style and not try to force anything unnatural.
No stiff poses, just natural relaxed portraits that show your best self. From location scouting to outfit coordination, we've got you covered. Just relax and enjoy the process and we will take care of everything. If you feel like you don't love photos, challenge accepted.
I can promise that this will be much easier than you think and also a great memory that you and your parents will treasure forever.
What To Expect
> An easy, fun, and relaxed experience (direction & guidance the whole way)
> Joyful portraits that celebrate your relationships
> Guidance on style, locations, & outfits
> Beautiful & natural locations around North County, San Diego
> The best portraits of your life (no exaggeration)
> Museum quality Artwork for your home (shipped to you worldwide)
Full Service Sessions
Here at Vallentyne photography, we are a little bit different. We offer full-service portrait photography. This means that after your session, your images will not only be edited, but we also will print & deliver for you. Full retouching is included on everything you order and our lab partners are the highest quality available, so you'll never have to worry about the final product. And not to worry, you will get the digitals too! Everything will be taken care of for you through an easy, guided process.
The first step is to get in touch by filling out the contact form below.
If you're not quite ready for that, no problem!
Just click here and I'll send you a little more info + session pricing.
