Authentic, Timeless Photography for Families Who Value Real Moments
One minute, they’re tiny and holding your hand everywhere you go.
The next, they’re borrowing your shoes and rolling their eyes at your jokes.
Time moves fast, but photography lets you hold onto the moments that matter.
I’m Heather, one of the most trusted Oceanside CA photographers,
creating natural, joyful portraits for families visiting or living in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and all of North County.
Many of my clients come to me looking for an Oceanside photographer who offers a full-service experience—from styling to wall art.
As a North County local, I know the best hidden gems from Oceanside & Carlsbad to San Diego,
the perfect lighting and backgrounds, and how to make your session feel natural and fun.
From planning to finished artwork, I make the process simple, so you can focus on what matters most—
being present with the people you love.
Planning your session? Learn more about my family portrait experience.
Expecting? Check out my natural studio maternity sessions.
Hi, I’m Heather!
I’m based in Oceanside and specialize in capturing family connections with a clean, bright, and natural style. Whether you’re drawn to studio or an outdoor location (I know all the best spots!), my goal is to create images that feel true to you.
As one of the most experienced Oceanside CA photographers, I specialize in creating timeless images for families. I make the process easy and enjoyable, so you can relax and focus on the people who matter most. Let’s create something special together!
Get in touch—I’d love to chat.
testimonials
BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS THAT TELL YOUR STORY...
THROUGH NATURAL LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Vallentyne Photography is a San Diego-based family photographer specializing in natural, joyful portraits for families in Oceanside, Encinitas, and the North County coastal communities. Whether we’re capturing beach photos in Oceanside, warm golden light in Carlsbad, or timeless portraits in our studio, my sessions are designed to create meaningful art you’ll be proud to display. I offer full-service photography experiences, including custom-designed wall art and high quality albums that celebrate the people you love most.
Full-Service Photography for Families in Oceanside, Carlsbad & Beyond
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.
Pregnancy is a special time worth capturing in all its beauty. To help you get the most out of your maternity session, here are a few tips!
• Timing: Schedule your session when you’re between 29–36 weeks along. This window lets your bump shine without risking an early arrival that could make you miss your shoot!
• Outfit Choices: Avoid wearing anything too tight on your skin beforehand—think elastic bands, waistbands, or anything that might leave a mark. Keeping your skin smooth will help us capture flawless photos!
• Show Off That Bump: Tighter clothing tends to work best in photos, highlighting that beautiful belly. Loose clothing can hide your shape, so bring your favorite fitted pieces!
• Go Bold: Embrace the studio setting and don’t be afraid to show a little skin! Tasteful nude and semi-nude shots can be stunning, and I provide soft draping fabric for a timeless look.
• Family Welcome: Yes! Partners, kids, and even pets can join in these photos to celebrate this moment with you. After all, these portraits are about celebrating family! 💕
Ready to book your maternity session? Click the link in my bio to schedule!
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When extended family portraits are finished and hanging on the wall, they become more than just pictures. They’re heirlooms—reminders of togetherness, milestones, and the bonds that carry through generations.
I love knowing that grandparents will flip through albums with their grandchildren, telling stories and pointing out how small everyone once was. These portraits aren’t just for now—they’re for decades from now, when they’ll mean even more. 💕
That’s why I treasure extended family sessions at the beach. They’re truly a legacy in the making.
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Extended family sessions are joyful, unpredictable, and full of laughter. There’s always a mix of candid chaos—kids running through the sand, cousins tackling each other—and then those quiet, tender moments where generations come together in one frame.
I guide each group so every family has their chance to shine while still keeping the energy light and natural. It’s not about stiff poses; it’s about personalities and connection.
Next up: the best part of all—seeing the finished portraits come to life. 🌅 (3/3 tomorrow!)
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There’s something so special about gathering multiple generations together on the beach. ✨ Parents, grandparents, kids, cousins—all in one place, enjoying the ocean breeze and each other.
Extended family sessions aren’t just about photos; they’re about capturing the love that spans decades. These are the kinds of moments that deserve to be preserved, not just for today but for years from now when the littles are grown.
Tomorrow I’ll share what makes extended family sessions so much fun (and why they’re one of my favorite things to photograph). 🌊 (2/3 coming next!)
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There’s something about that first time your baby wraps their fingers around yours.
It’s instinct, sure—but it’s also connection.
A silent little promise: I know you. I trust you. I’m safe here.
They won’t remember this moment, but you will.
And years from now, you’ll look at this photo and remember exactly how it felt.
That’s the power of something so small.
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First father-son moments. My newborn style is simple, no props, just beautiful portraits to capture the tininess of your new baby.
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