You’re Going to Want to Remember This.
One day, these messy, love-filled, chaotic moments will be the ones you miss most.
Let’s capture them before they slip away.
Hey, I’m Heather- Nice to meet you!
Like you, I know what it’s like to schedule a family session, only to end up with cranky kids and a snack emergency five minutes in.
Don’t worry—I’ve got you.
For over 20 years, I’ve been helping families, seniors, and new parents capture real, heartfelt moments.
—whether in my clean & modern studio or a beautiful outdoor location of your choice.
I don’t do stiff, awkward poses—
Instead, I guide you naturally,
so your photos feel like you.
Think your kids won’t sit still?
No Problem.
Some of the best photos come from the giggles, wobbly toddler runs, and those little hands reaching for yours.
My job is to make the process easy, relaxed, and even fun—so you can actually enjoy the moment.
What You Can Expect:
• An easy, full-service experience
From planning to final artwork, I handle it all.
• Studio or location sessions
Choose between a studio setting or a beautiful outdoor location.
• Guided posing (but not too much)
No idea what to do with your hands? I’ve got you.
• A photographer for all stages
Many of my clients come back year after year, and I love watching their families grow.
Your story is unfolding every day—
let’s capture it beautifully.
I work with families all over North County San Diego and love being a family photographer in Encinitas, Carl sbad, and Oceanside.
Reach out today, and let’s make it happen!
families
Colorful, Sweet & Organic
I'm honored to help you create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. These sessions are so much fun! Your only job is to be yourself, laugh a lot and let me create photos you’ll love forever. I am a big director so I will be guiding you every step of the way. Portraits are all about relationships and I love to show that in my images. As a mom of two boys myself, I use my motherly intuition and it has been called "infinite patience" ;) to work with your family on creating images that represent the deep connection you have together. My job isn't done until your portraits are beautifully displayed in your home. I will help you from start to finish choosing your favorites to print after our session.
maternity
Empowered, Beautiful & Limitless
Nothing can let you relive your pregnancy like pictures. A maternity photo shoot will give you the chance to capture this priceless moment and look back on it time and time again. Not only does a maternity photo shoot provide you with precious memories, but one day your baby will love getting the chance to catch a glimpse of their life on the other side. A maternity photo shoot is a great way for you to feel beautiful and own that baby bump. In the meantime, you will also be capturing precious memories that will last a lifetime. You should look back on these photos with pride and a sense of accomplishment. You grew a human, Mama! Not everyone has the honor of such an experience!
newborns
Innocence, Sweetness, & Connection
My newborn sessions focus on the family interaction and connection in your family when you bring your baby home. My sessions are in your home, relaxed, time efficient, and they result in a gallery full of beautiful moments captured that tell the story of this time. I practice what I call natural "Baby Led Posing." This means that I don't ever put a baby in a flower pot. :) I think babies are beautiful as they are. The natural unfolding of a newborn's limbs when the stretch, the way they curl up when placed on their belly for a moment, the way they look when cozily swaddled, all of that is so simple and beautiful to me. This is how I remember my babies, and that is how I photograph them.
weddings
Romantic, Elegant & Authentic
I love weddings because each one is unique! There are so many important elements, and I transition between portraits, photojournalism, and details throughout the day to create well balanced coverage that tells the whole story. I always incorporate natural and organic elements into my photography that will reflect your wedding. I am primarily a natural light photographer, but I also have years of studio experience that allows me to find beautiful light in any situation.
couples
Joyful, Fresh & Natural
I love capturing couples in all stages of their journey—whether you're engaged, celebrating an anniversary, planning a surprise proposal, or simply wanting to document your love as it is right now.You’ll spend a lifetime together, but this season—right now—is something special.
A couples session isn’t just about photos; it’s about creating something meaningful, and artwork that brings you back to this chapter of your love story every single day.
branding
Personal Branding Photography
Not only do I love doing photography, I love doing business. Systems and marketing plans are one of my favorite topics! I know how important it is to communicate your worth at a glance. This is why my service will take your business to the next level. The images we create together will launch your brand to the next level while making your life easier by attracting the right clients to your company. I can't think of anything more fundamentally important to a business than that. This is a wise investment with a brilliant return.
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.
I get it—being pregnant can feel overwhelming. You’re tired, you’ve got a million things on your list, and the thought of planning a photo session might feel like one more thing to manage.
That’s where I come in.
From helping you choose what to wear, to finding the perfect location, to guiding you through every pose—I’ve done this hundreds of times. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to show up, and I’ll take care of the rest.
Because these months go by faster than you think. And when they’re gone, you’ll want to remember the way it felt to be here, waiting.
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I know the questions already circling in your mind.
Will your toddler melt down?
Will you have time to pull outfits together?
Will your partner run out of steam?
I’ve thought of all of it—and planned for it, too.
Whether you’re preparing for maternity portraits or welcoming a newborn, every detail is handled. From wardrobe styling to location planning to gentle direction during your session, I’ll meet your family right where you are.
You don’t need to arrive perfectly polished—you only need to arrive. I’ll take care of the rest.
✨ Ready to turn these fleeting moments into timeless art for your home? Send me a DM or click the link in bio to reserve your session today.
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Just two people and a whole new chapter rolling in with the tide.
No shoes. No stress.
Just soaking it in before everything changes.
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Still so new to the world, and yet already so full of soul.
It’s these tiny, unexpected moments that take my breath away.
Simple. Honest. Powerful.
No props. No posing. Just your baby—exactly as they are.
#newbornphotographer #newbornphotography #carlsbadnewbornphotographer #oceansidenewbornphotographer #sandiegonewbornphotographer #encinitasnewbornphotographer #newbornportraits #newbornsession #newbornphotos #newbornlove #babyphotography #carlsbadphotographer #sandiegophotographer #encinitasphotographer #oceansidephotographer #lifestylefamilyphotography #southerncaliforniaphotographer #northcountysandiego #carlsbadcalifornia #oceansidecalifornia #familyphotographer #familyphotography #vallentynephotography #DocumentYourDays #TheEverydayPortrait
There’s nothing quite like those first days of motherhood.
The way she holds her baby close, still learning each other’s rhythms.
The quiet strength in her arms. The softness in her eyes.
It’s raw, overwhelming, beautiful.
And it passes faster than anyone warns you.
That’s why I keep things simple in the studio—so all the focus stays right here:
On the connection. The love. The beginning of it all.
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Is there anything better than the first real smiles you get from you baby?!!
I don`t think so!
Baby`s start smiling at people they recognized between six and twelve weeks of age!
Want to capture some of those sweet smiles? Schedule your appointment today! Link in bio!
#newbornphotographer #newbornphotography #carlsbadnewbornphotographer #oceansidenewbornphotographer #sandiegonewbornphotographer #encinitasnewbornphotographer #newbornportraits #newbornsession #newbornphotos #newbornlove #babyphotography #carlsbadphotographer #sandiegophotographer #encinitasphotographer #oceansidephotographer #lifestylefamilyphotography #southerncaliforniaphotographer #northcountysandiego #carlsbadcalifornia #oceansidecalifornia #familyphotographer #familyphotography #vallentynephotography #DocumentYourDays #TheEverydayPortrait
