(HEART)FULL
Some days are meant to be lived fully and remembered forever. We’re drawn to events with personality and couples who embrace what makes them unique.
From pre-wedding sessions and City Hall ceremonies to elopements and intimate celebrations, every glance, every laugh, every quiet moment, I’m here to document it all.
lets creat art
( For the Nostalgia loving Humans )
I am glad that you found your way here
Hi! I'm Helena :) a Bay Area photographer. I capture motherhood, document newborns, photograph growing families, and cover life's most intimate celebrations, creating images that feel real, timeless, and true to who you are.
Photos carry more than what we see. They hold feelings, stories, and the small details that often go unnoticed. I want your photos to feel like home: warm, real, and deeply yours.
slow down and see the beauty in your story
01./
Contact
Choose the package that fits your day, and reach out to share what you're dreaming of and what you have in mind. From there, a $200 retainer secures your date and gets you officially on the calendar, the magic begins.
02./
DETAILS
Once you're booked, we'll set up a pre-session call to connect and plan. I'll help you map out your timeline, key moments you want captured, and the overall feeling you're envisioning, so you feel fully prepared and excited.
03./
YOUR SESSION
04./
YOUR GALLEry
This is the easy, laid-back part. I do gentle direction and leave space for the real moments to happen. We'll move naturally, follow the light, and document you two just as you are.
Within 20 business days, you'll receive your curated online gallery filled with high-resolution images in both color and black & white.
how it works
weddings & elopments
You'll get two hours of coverage, plenty of time to capture your ceremony and a handful of portraits right after, at one location. It's perfect for couples celebrating with a small group, up to about 20 guests.
You'll receive your full edited gallery, every photo from our time together, delivered through Pixieset so you can download, share, and print as you like.
$750
I'd love to hear more about your plans for the big day. Reach out and tell me a bit about your guest count, venue, rough timeline, and any key moments you want captured, I'll put together a quote that fits your needs perfectly.
Ceremony + reception packages start at $1,350 for a minimum of 4 hours
Starting at $1350
Couples & Proposals
Ideal for capturing this chapter together in a relaxed, meaningful session
30-Minute Session
One Location of Your Choice
35 Edited Digital Images (additional images available at $15 each)
Online Gallery Delivery
$350
Ideal for couples who want more time to explore different spots and really settle into the moment together.
60-Minute Session
One or Two Nearby Locations of Your Choice & Outfit Changes Welcome
Full Gallery Download Included: all your edited images delivered, download as many as you want, no limits.
$550
(KIND WORDS)
"Helena is quite literally a magician with the camera! She’s such an amazing, talented photographer and you can tell that she does everything with so much love, grace and makes the photoshoot seem so effortless and comfortable for the person getting pictures taken of! In my case, me for a magazine article!m extremely camera shy but she made it so effortless and let me feel like myself which is what I was looking for in a photographer! (...) "
TILLANA P.
Helena took pictures of my wedding last June and I absolutely love all my pictures. We had a few meetings to discuss what type of pictures i wanted and she captured all the moments I asked for and more. She is very sweet, attentive and professional.
victoria v.
We were looking for a photographer who could shoot in our home and include our cat in the session, it was a very personal vision, and we’re so glad we found Helena! She brought our idea to life perfectly. (...) Helena didn’t hesitate, she came to our house, made us feel comfortable, and the results are absolutely stunning. The photos look like something straight out of a Pinterest board! She’s not only incredibly talented but also sweet and professional. We’ll definitely be booking with her again!
MELISSSA L.
Helena captured our maternity photoshoot, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the experience and the results. From the very beginning, she was warm, friendly, and incredibly professional. She went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable throughout the entire session, something that truly made a difference during such a special and emotional time for us. She also carried a tent with her so we could do an outfit change.
melita d.
02. Deposit
The deposit secures your date on my calendar and is non-refundable, and you're welcome to send it via Zelle or Venmo. Your first reschedule is free, and additional reschedules may come with a small fee. The remaining balance is due on the day of the session and can be paid by check, cash, Venmo, or Zelle.
03. Rescheduling and Cancellations
Life happens, and Bay Area weather can be unpredictable, so I keep an eye on it closely. If strong wind, heavy fog, rain, or very dark skies could affect your photos, I’ll reach out so we can decide together whether to continue or reschedule. Weather-related rescheduling is always free.
If you need to reschedule for personal reasons, the first change is complimentary; additional rescheduling may include a small fee.
04. Location
If you already have a location in mind, perfect, I love photographing in places that are meaningful to your family. If not, I’m happy to suggest spots, like beaches, parks, your neighborhood, or even your home. For families with little ones, choosing a familiar place often works best. The goal is to pick a spot where everyone can relax, be themselves, and enjoy the moment.
05. Your Gallery
I deliver your full gallery within 10–15 days, and if you ever need your photos sooner, I offer a 36-hour rush delivery for an additional $100. Your images are delivered in a private Pixieset gallery, accessible only through your link. It stays online for 3 months, and I keep a personal backup for longer. You can download everything in high resolution or web size for easy sharing. Inside the gallery, you’ll also find a store where you can order prints, albums, and framed pieces, all shipped directly to you.
helena valverde photography
