He received a BFA specializing in Photography from Arizona State University where he studied under such noted educators as Van Deren Coke, William Jenkins, Bill Jay, and Tamarra Kaida. While at ASU he began a project documenting the Pasadena Police Department during the height of the rock cocaine epidemic in the 1980’s. Valentine spent over 1,000 hours in the field photographing Officers and realized early on he enjoyed the work. After graduating Valentine decided to pursue a career in Law Enforcement for his “guaranteed” income while he still pursued his photography goals. In 1987 Valentine graduated from the Rio Hondo Police Academy and was hired by the Chino Police Department (CA) where he worked for 20 years as a Police Officer, Corporal, and Detective before having to medically retire.