{engagement shoots} what to wear

I love doing engagement shoots. I feel like it really allows me to get to know my clients as a couple, and also how they feel about being in front of the camera! When I have done an engagement shoot before the wedding, the big day goes so much easier because they are already comfortable having their picture taken and are ready to have a little more fun! Also, since they have already seen how great the photos come out, they understand my direction as I shoot a little better which is a big plus.

As far as clothing goes for the shoot, I am not a big fan of the matching outfits but I do like outfits that go together. For instance, if you wear a classy dress and he wears a collared shirt in a similar color or tone. Or if you both wear jeans and he wears a sweater and you wear a cute top. Here is my advice on the clothes: you will have these pictures forever so try to make it timeless. No crazy prints or really trendy cuts of clothes and no logos on shirts…stuff like that. I also think it looks good to stay in either the dark or light end of the color spectrum. It doesn’t have to be black or white (although that looks good) but dark or light colors look better than all mid-tones because they look more contrast-y and defined. And of course, I love dresses on girls, it is so fun and feminine. It is also easy to slip into if you want to change your clothes quickly!

I hope that helps, if you have any questions that are more specific, please send me an email or leave a comment here!

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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.
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.
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

 

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.

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.
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.
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

email directly:

heather@vallentynephotography.com

760-672-2416

located in oceanside, california