Mother's Day Mini Sessions

an annual tradition

These portraits aren’t about perfection—they’re about presence.

About quiet snuggles, belly laughs, and the feeling of being seen in the middle of it all.

Whether you're expecting, holding a brand-new baby or chasing your wild preschooler,

these mini sessions are a gentle way to step into the frame with your little loves.

Held in our North County studio

 

 

MOTHERHOOD MINI SESSIONS

 

the perfect Mother's Day Gift

 


VISTA, CA

 

 

OFFERED ONLY ONCE A YEAR!

 

Join the interest list to get first dibs on this popular event!

Located in North County, San Diego

These studio mini sessions take place in Coastal North County, North of San Diego.

Perfect for families looking for a Carlsbad motherhood photographer or a local alternative to busy beach sessions.

 

Celebrate Motherhood


Beautiful memories

of you,

your children,

and your mother.


This is your story... Your legacy.

 

A Meaningful Mother’s Day Gift

Looking for a heartfelt Mother’s Day gift idea?

These studio portrait sessions make a beautiful gift for new moms, seasoned mothers, or even grandma. Gift cards available.

 

Timeless Motherhood Portraits

Documenting beautiful memories of you and your children—

because your presence matters.

 

These mini sessions are a beautiful gift—

for yourself or the mom in your life.

Perfect for a Mother’s Day celebration that lasts far longer than flowers.

Whether you're in the thick of toddler chaos

or watching your kids grow taller than you,

this is your story.

 

Grandmothers are warmly welcomed.

These portraits are about connection across generations, the quiet moments, and the legacy you’re creating every single day.

 

The Look

Clean. Timeless. Honest.
These images center on what matters most: the people you love, just as they are, beautifully lit in a quiet studio space.

 

How It Works

↠ Book your mini session once booking opens

↠ Come in to the beautiful studio

(bring your kids and your heart)

↠ We’ll review your images the week after

+ select the best

↠ Choose only what you love—

whether that’s one photo or a whole album

No stress. No pressure.
Just timeless portraits and honest connection.

 

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!
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!
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!

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear?

Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully in our natural light studio. Think cream, beige, muted pastels, or earth tones.
Simple textures like cotton, linen, or knits work best. I’m happy to help with styling!

Can I bring multiple children?

Yes, absolutely.

These sessions are about capturing your bond with your children—whether you have one, three, or more.

I’ll guide you gently throughout so everyone feels comfortable.

What if my baby or child doesn’t cooperate?

That’s totally okay. I have kids too—I get it.

Our sessions are short and sweet, with lots of grace and flexibility.

You’d be amazed at the magic we can create in just a few minutes, even with wiggles and snack breaks.

Do you offer longer or full-length sessions?

Yes! If you'd like more time, outfit changes, or to include your partner or extended family,

I offer full-length motherhood and family portrait sessions.
[Click here to learn more about full sessions.]

Can I use this session as a gift?

Definitely.

Motherhood mini sessions make an incredibly meaningful gift for Mother’s Day, baby showers, or birthdays.

You can book on someone’s behalf or request a printable gift card.

Where is your studio located?

The studio is in Vista, CA, just off East Broadway & Main Street in the historic downtown area of Vista, California.
We're easy to get to from Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos, and Encinitas.

There’s easy parking and a peaceful vibe from the moment you arrive.

 

Contact me

Send

Message sent successfully, thank you!Error submitting form, please try again or email heather@vallentynephotography.com directly.
Fill out the form to send a message.
email directly:
heather@vallentynephotography.com
I would
Love
to Hear
From
You

motherhood

FULL FAMILY SESSIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE

Want more time or a custom experience?
Learn about our family portrait sessions for more time, the whole family, & printed artwork.

 

Vallentyne Photography is a portrait studio in Oceanside, 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.

Photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about holding onto memories.⁣
⁣
I want you to look back at these photos and remember the way it felt to hold your kids, the sound of their little laugh, and all those tiny moments that make this time so special.⁣
⁣
Because they’re only this little once. 💕⁣
⁣
Book your session today! Link in bio.
As a portrait photographer, my goal is to capture people just as they are in this moment—real, unfiltered, and full of personality.⁣
⁣
I work hard to see the real because that’s where the beauty is.⁣
⁣
As a mom, I want to remember my kids exactly as they were—messy, joyful, and completely themselves. And no one embodies that better than toddlers. They don’t pose, they don’t fake a smile—they just are. Whether they’re flashing a toothy grin or wobbling their way through those first few steps, every expression is 100% real.⁣
⁣
And that’s exactly why I love photographing them so much!
Preparing for your photo session? Keep it simple! ⁣
⁠⁣
I find solid colors (like white, cream, tan, or gray) or classic patterns like a soft floral photograph beautifully, and avoiding logos keeps the focus on you and your family. ⁠⁣
⁣
Let’s make your session fun and easy! DM me with any questions.⁠⁣
⁣
⁣
#vallentynephotography #carlsbadcalifornia⁣⁣
⁣
I’ve been photographing families in North County since 2005—bringing over 20 years of experience to every session! ✨⁣
⁣
With a timeless, minimalist approach, my goal is to create images that feel true to your family—beautiful, natural, and meant to be cherished for generations.⁣
⁣
💕 Ready to book? Link in bio!
Newborns don’t need anything extra to be beautiful. Their soft skin, sleepy smiles, and little movements are perfect just as they are, and I’m here to help you remember them exactly this way.
I'm often asked, "When is the best age to do photos?"⁠⁣
⁠⁣
My answer? ⁠⁣
⁠⁣
"All of them"⁠

email directly:

heather@vallentynephotography.com

760-672-2416

located in oceanside, california