Carlsbad Maternity Photographer

In 50 years, these photos will be
your most treasured possession

Because This Moment Deserves to Be Remembered

 

Pregnancy is one of those rare seasons of life where time somehow moves

both incredibly fast and impossibly slow.

 

One day, you’re seeing those first tiny kicks and imagining the moment you’ll finally meet your baby -

and before you know it, everything changes.

 

These fleeting months deserve to be captured in a way that feels natural, effortless,

and beautifully true to you.

 

Whether you envision a sunset beach session or a relaxed studio maternity shoot,

every session is thoughtfully guided to feel easy, comfortable, and meaningful from beginning to end.

 

Based in Carlsbad, I photograph maternity sessions throughout North County San Diego -

from my studio in Carlsbad Village, to Oceanside, Encinitas, San Diego, and beyond.

it was youI have always known

A Maternity Session

Designed With You in Mind

What to wear?

I provide a simple, flattering wardrobe guide to help you feel comfortable and confident for your session.

Direction in front of the camera?

Every session is thoughtfully guided with natural direction and classic retouching included.

Wondering what to do with the photos?

From framed artwork for the nursery to heirloom albums and gallery walls,

your images are designed to become meaningful pieces you’ll enjoy every day.

Many of my clients begin with a maternity session,

then continue with newborn portraits and family sessions as their story grows.

The o'harasI cried when I saw how beautiful my belly looked! I'm so grateful.

Why This Session Will Mean

More Than You Ever Expected

 

Right now, you might be thinking,

“Do I really want maternity photos?”

 

But here’s the truth: as the months pass, and your baby finally arrives, you’ll look back at this time with a kind of nostalgia that’s hard to put into words.

Your body is doing something incredible. This chapter deserves to be remembered.

 

Maternity photos aren’t just for you right now—they’re for your future self, for your baby, and for the family you’re building.

 

And the best part? You don’t have to do a thing except show up and enjoy the moment.

Celebrate this special time with a maternity session
that beautifully captures your journey to motherhood.
A Session to Celebrate

SESSION DETAILS

 

Portrait session, $290

Artwork and collections are selected after your session, with most families choosing from framed artwork, albums, or printed photographs for their home.

 

Artwork and image collections begin at $990

After your session, I'll help you narrow down your favorites and create artwork you'll enjoy long after the session is over.

A family of five stands on large rocks under a clear sky, holding hands and smiling.
EmilyI can’t rave enough about Heather! I was searching for a family photographer after recently moving to California, and found her beautiful work. She is professional, kind, responsive, organized, and talented! We are so happy with the photos she captured for us!
A family of four stands outdoors; mom holds a girl, dad holds a boy upside down. They all smile and look happy.
WhitneyHeather is absolutely fantastic! I was a little nervous that it would be difficult to capture my wiggly 9 month old, but Heather was so sweet with him and got some wonderful images that really capture his little personality. She is such a professional and from the moment we started the shoot she had such a good rhythm and direction for us. Each image is perfect, we love them all!
Two children holding hands and walking in shallow water at the beach, with waves and a sailboat in the background.
CarolynWe have used Heather as our photographer for the last 9 years, and I cannot say enough about how fabulous her photos are! She is patient and kind and so easy to work with (even my kids look forward to seeing her), and she captures the most precious moments. I highly recommend Vallentyne Photography- you will not be disappointed!
Get in touch

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Thank you for being here!

For over 20 years, I’ve been photographing growing families in Oceanside and beyond.

Many of my clients start with their maternity session and continue with me for their newborn photography, family portraits, and every milestone after.

It’s an honor to be a part of these lifelong stories, and I take that trust seriously.

With 5-star Google reviews and countless families who return year after year, you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.

My job isn’t just to take photos—it’s to create an experience that feels natural, comfortable, and completely true to you.

 

I specialize in natural studio maternity photography for expecting mamas in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Oceanside.

Whether you’re dreaming of classic black-and-white silhouettes, soft natural light portraits, or a simple and elegant indoor pregnancy photoshoot,

I’ll guide you every step of the way.

Your session includes styling support, full-service artwork, and a calm, cozy studio space where you can feel beautiful, relaxed, and celebrated.

 

Vallentyne Photography is a portrait studio in Carlsbad, CA, serving families throughout North County San Diego and surrounding coastal communities.

With 20 years of experience, we specialize in natural, timeless portraits for families, maternity, newborns, and seniors — photographed on location or in our beautiful natural light studio. Our goal is to make the experience feel relaxed, meaningful, and easy from start to finish while creating artwork you’ll love for years to come.

You keep saying you’ll book family photos when you feel more like yourself…

But the truth is—there’s always something. Life is busy. Your body changes. The timing never feels perfect.

And underneath that… it’s not really about the timing. It’s about not wanting to be happy in how you look.

But your kids don’t see any of that. They just see you. The way you hug them, laugh with them, show up for them every day.

If this has been on your heart, maybe this is your sign not to wait another year 🤍

When you work with me, you don’t just get a photographer—you get someone who plans, guides, and creates artwork you’ll love for years. If that’s what you’ve been searching for, let’s start.
For me, photography has never just been about images—it’s about people, relationships, and the stories we share. If that’s what you’d like in your portraits, let’s talk.
At the end of the day, portraits are about people—the ones you love most. If you’d like photos that reflect that love, I’d love to create them for you.
No two families are alike, and no two sessions should be either. That’s why I design each one with your unique story in mind. If you’d like that for your portraits, let’s plan something special.
Families often thank me for making the process so simple and stress-free. That’s exactly how it should feel. If you’d like that kind of experience, let’s chat.
Every stage of life deserves to be remembered—from newborn snuggles to senior year and beyond. If you’d like to capture your family’s journey, I’d love to work with you.
A large, green, uppercase letter V on a white background.

3138 Roosevelt St M

Carlsbad, CA 92008