Hi, I’m Carsten.

I help people make money through headshot, brand, and corporate event photography.

I also help people make memories through portrait & event photography.

From our first phone call until your images are on your wall or website, I'll make sure photography is the most effortless part of your life.

My team and I specialize in making awkward people look and feel awesome. Don’t even worry about what to do with your hands.

We’ll give you a mix of candid posing prompts and natural direction so your photos feel like you and send the message you want to put into the world.

My husband and I have had our own portraits taken at least once a year since we got married in 2016. Why? Because memories matter. I want to remember how we looked, how we felt, and the way the light fell around us in our favorite places in the world.

I also want to constantly be reminding myself of how my clients feel when they’re being photographed. I want to put myself in their shoes. To remember that it does feel incredibly awkward being on that side of the camera! But to also remember that a great photographer makes all the difference.

These portraits of us were taken in Dana Point by our extremely talented friend Nick Falangas. When I asked him how he created images this breathtaking, he said: “Probably because I’m left handed.” So now you have a glimpse into the type of creative weirdos I’m influenced by.

Priscila Valentina Photography
Priscila Valentina Photography
Priscila Valentina Photography
Priscila Valentina Photography
Priscila Valentina Photography

  • I got my bachelor's degree in photojournalism from Biola University.

  • I’ve been a professional photographer since 2014. Since then, I’ve photographed over 350 weddings, 2000+ headshots, and hundreds of families.

  • I was a 911 dispatcher for over a decade. Let's just say photography is way more fun.

  • My husband, Chris, and I met as dispatchers. Now he’s a certified life coach.

  • I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. I don't like being cold.

  • I'm a mom to the sweetest kid in the universe.

  • I have ragdoll cats named Tala and Cosi.

  • I love playing chess, badminton, and pickleball.

  • I've traveled all over the world — bungee jumping, skydiving, zip-lining, parasailing. But nothing has thrilled me more than Jesus Christ.

Fast Facts:

Photography Services

  • Your photo is working for you or against you before you ever say a word. I specialize in headshots and personal brand photography for executives, entrepreneurs, and service professionals who are ready to elevate their image. On-location throughout Orange County.

    Click here to learn more.

  • When it comes to event photography, every detail matters—from the keynote speeches to the networking moments that drive real results. We specialize in professional, high-quality corporate event photography that preserves the essence of the event, showcases your brand, and highlights the attendees.

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  • Stand out with bright, bold, colorful, and creative photography. Celebrating graduates of all kinds: high school, masters program - whatever you’ve accomplished!

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  • Whether your family consists of you and your partner or every sibling, uncle, and cousin you have, you deserve to have quality photographs to cherish for a lifetime.

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  • Dogs, cats, guinea pigs - all pets are welcome!

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  • Celebrate the fact that you’ve decided to get married! You’ll love looking back on this special time in your life together.

  • Best done between 32-36 weeks pregnant. Book as far in advance as possible!

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  • Whether you’re after a classic and elegant look or prefer to express your bold and edgy side, let us curate an experience that encapsulates your unique personality and style. Our relaxing atmosphere and attention to detail ensure every image tells a genuine story that feels like you.

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  • Planning on proposing to your person? Let us memorialize the moment for you with photography and/or videography so you can relive the surprise and joy and share the news with family and friends!

    Click here to learn more.

  • Wedding photos that’ll give you happy tears for years. Whether you’re eloping or throwing the party of the century, we’ll take care of all your photo and video needs so you can relax and enjoy the celebration.

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  • I provide lifestyle newborn photography in-studio or on-location (whether it be your home or your favorite park… I’ve done it all!)

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  • Available both in-studio and on-location.

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Click here to inquire.

  • "I could not belive how great the photos turned out."

    ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

    Today I had the most amazing experience with Carsten! We did a headshot photo shoot and it was so much fun! I brought some different clothes to try on and change into. Carsten is so professional, so kind, so caring and so patient! The time went by way too fast. I could not believe how great the photos turned out. She made me feel so special and beautiful! It was so hard to choose which ones I liked because the majority of them were so fun! At the end of the shoot, I became emotional because I couldn’t believe that was me staring back at myself looking so pretty! 😊 Carsten, the experience with you was life-changing and I’ll never forget it. Thank you so much for sharing your gift of photography with me! ♥️ Highly recommend…

    — Keri A.

  • "The colors pop, the compositions are perfect, and every image tells a beautiful story."

    ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

    This woman changed my life! I haven’t felt this confident in pix in a longgggg time! Absolutely thrilled with the photos! Thank you for comforting me, rooting me on, and welcoming me with open arms! The attention to detail and creativity in each shot truly captured the essence of the moment. The colors pop, the compositions are perfect, and every image tells a beautiful story. Highly recommend for anyone looking to have their memories captured in the most stunning way!

    — Bianca G.

  • "10/10 would recommend."

    ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

    Wonderful experience, from the consultation to the final product. Carsten is wonderful to work with and was dedicated to helping me achieve my desired outcome. She helped me choose flattering outfits and directed me on how to pose. There were hundreds of gorgeous pictures to choose from and I got to decide which photos I wanted to keep and have her edit. I had such a blast and am pleased with the way my headshots turned out. 10/10 would recommend.

    — Hayley T.

  • "Her choices in color, styling, poses and the background were excellent."

    ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

    Carsten is amazing! I was so nervous, and I felt completely unprepared, but Carsten guided me each step of the way. She first sent me an email to make sure that I had an wide array of outfits to choose from to make me look my best. She then guided me to make sure I knew where to go and what to expect. Once there, she was so kind and welcoming. She gave me a quick outline of what we would be doing and what to expect…She took the time to get to know me, my style, my likes and dislikes to create more authenticity in the photos. truly felt taken care of and supported. She was like a friend who was there just chitchatting with me as we took some the photos. She was very encouraging, and the photoshoot felt so fun. The photos themselves turned out amazing. Her choices in color, styling, poses and the background were excellent.

    — Frances P.

  • "I've probably worked with 30 photographers in my career and she is the one I will recommend over and over again."

    ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

    I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Carsten. I reached out to her for my personal brand photos in the hopes to get photography and videography that showcased me and my business to potential clients. She knew exactly what to do to accomplish the overall look/feel that I was going for. I wanted high professionalism and high style. She suggested we use her studio in order to achieve that look and it was absolutely perfect. Not only did my photos and videos turn out great, but I had a ton of fun during the whole process. Carsten put me completely at ease and gave me clear direction to make me feel like a pro in front of the camera (which I absolutely am not!). I've probably worked with 30 photographers in my career and she is the one I will recommend over and over again.

    — Kayla N.

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