Mother's Day Mini Sessions
an annual tradition
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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↠ 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.
Frequently asked questions
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.]
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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.
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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.
email directly:
heather@vallentynephotography.comI would
Love
to Hear
From
You
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, 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.
Over 20 years as a photographer, I’ve learned one thing: Every family is beautifully unique.
My minimalist, timeless approach ensures your photos will feel as special as your family is.
💕 Ready to book? Link in profile!
#carlsbadphotographer #sandiegophotographer #encinitasphotographer #oceansidephotographer #lifestylefamilyphotography #southerncaliforniaphotographer #northcountysandiego #carlsbadcalifornia #oceansidecalifornia #familyphotographer #familyphotography #vallentynephotography #DocumentYourDays #TheEverydayPortrait
QuickTip ⭐️ Preparing for your photo session? Keep it simple!
I find solid neutrals (like white, cream, or gray) photograph beautifully, and avoiding patterns or logos keeps the focus on you and your family.
And as you know, well-fed, well-rested kids = happy kids.
Let’s make your session fun and easy! DM me with any questions.
#carlsbadphotographer #carlsbadfamilyphotographer #oceansidephotographer #sandiegofamilyphotographer #sandiegophotographer #encinitasphotographer #encinitasfamilyphotographer #lajollaphotographer #lajollafamilyphotographer #carlsbadbeachphotographer #carlsbadbeach #carlsbadvillage #sandiegolifestylephotographer #lifestylefamilyphotography #familyphotographer #familyphotography #familybeachphotos #carlsbadfamily #carlsbadcalifornia #oceansidecalifornia #oceansidepier #vallentynephotography #TheEverydayPortrait #DocumentYourDays #LetThemBeLittle #carlsbadphotographer #carlsbadfamilyphotographer #oceansidephotographer #sandiegofamilyphotographer #sandiegophotographer #encinitasphotographer #encinitasfamilyphotographer #lajollaphotographer #lajollafamilyphotographer #carlsbadbeachphotographer #carlsbadbeach #carlsbadvillage #sandiegolifestylephotographer #lifestylefamilyphotography #familyphotographer #familyphotography #familybeachphotos #carlsbadfamily #carlsbadcalifornia #oceansidecalifornia #oceansidepier #vallentynephotography #TheEverydayPortrait #DocumentYourDays #LetThemBeLittle is
For me, photography is all about focusing on what truly matters.
I keep the setting simple and clean so that the personalities of each family member are what truly stand out.
Whether it’s a quiet newborn stretch or siblings bursting into laughter, I want you to feel at home, free to be yourselves in a space that’s just for you.
Let’s create photos that are both timeless and filled with real moments.
Follow the link in my bio to book your session!
#carlsbadphotographer #sandiegophotographer #encinitasphotographer #oceansidephotographer #lifestylefamilyphotography #southerncaliforniaphotographer #northcountysandiego #carlsbadcalifornia #oceansidecalifornia #familyphotographer #familyphotography #vallentynephotography #DocumentYourDays #TheEverydayPortrait
As a portrait photographer, my goal is to capture the essence of who you are.
Whether it’s a personal branding, like this image, or a family, every session is an opportunity to create something timeless and meaningful.
Follow the link in my bio to book today. 💕
#carlsbadphotographer #carlsbadfamilyphotographer #oceansidephotographer #sandiegofamilyphotographer #sandiegophotographer #encinitasphotographer #encinitasfamilyphotographer #lajollaphotographer #lajollafamilyphotographer #carlsbadbeachphotographer #carlsbadbeach #carlsbadvillage #sandiegolifestylephotographer #lifestylefamilyphotography #familyphotographer #familyphotography #familybeachphotos #carlsbadfamily #carlsbadcalifornia #oceansidecalifornia #oceansidepier #vallentynephotography #TheEverydayPortrait #DocumentYourDays
Client spotlight: ‘The photos were stunning, and Heather’s attention to detail really showed.’ From consultation to delivery, I’m here to make every detail count.
#NorthCountySanDiegoPhotographer #QualityMatters
There’s a special kind of magic in relaxed, natural moments. That’s why I do everything to make you feel comfortable, so we can capture those real smiles. 🌞✨
#AuthenticPortraits #SanDiegoFamilyPhotographer #carlsbad
