Pregnancy is a journey full of joy and excitement—
and nausea and nervousness and moments of
“I can't see my toooeessss!"
But it's all a part of the experience, and it's a time you'll want to capture to remember forever—
enter maternity photos.
Here's where you can get my top tips for a great maternity photo shoot, enjoy!
XO, Heather
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.
Standing at the edge of the ocean feels a lot like this stage of life—limitless, a little uncertain, and wide open with possibility. Senior portraits are about more than a milestone. They’re about remembering this exact moment before everything shifts.
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There’s something unforgettable about the senior year—full of color, possibility, and change. A field of yellow feels just right. Bright, bold, and a little bit wild—just like the season ahead.
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Props aren’t really necessary when you’ve got connection—but sometimes, a VW bus just feels right. Families pile in, lean on it, laugh around it. It’s less about the bus itself and more about what it represents: slowing down, being together, and enjoying the ride.🙌🏼
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Coordinating an extended family session can feel overwhelming—schedules, outfits, toddlers, grandparents—but it’s always worth it. These are the people who shaped you, who cheer you on, and who will mean even more years from now. That’s why we take the time to make it happen.
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Almost every parent walks away from their session thinking, “There’s no way we got anything good.”
But I promise you—we did.
In between the wiggles and snack breaks, there are always moments of connection: the way your toddler grabs your hand, the way they laugh when you chase them, the way they melt into your arms when they’re done.
Those are the moments that make the best photos. And those are the memories you’ll want on your walls years from now.
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