Journal | Dana Ashlyn Photography | Raleigh Family Photographer

“Full-body oil portrait of a red-haired boy in classic outfit, Wake Forest NC

BRUSHSTROKES OF BOYHOOD

Jul 15, 2025

FULL BODY CHILD OIL PORTRAIT IN WAKE FOREST There’s something truly special about turning a moment of childhood into a timeless piece of art. This full-body oil portrait of a three-year-old red-haired boy was created using reference photos taken in his Wake Forest home. His soft, inquisitive expression and simple outfit—a classic mandarin collar shirt paired with khaki shorts—gave the portrait a refined yet endearing feel.Printed on fine giclée canvas and enhanced ...

DEAR SANTA 2025 - The Details

Jul 11, 2025

DEAR SANTA 2025 - COMING SOON! Hello friends! We are so proud to announce the 19th consecutive year for Dear Santa! This event will begin booking soon! Investment and FAQs are below if you'd like to browse those details before requesting an appointment. PRICING: The Session fee for Dear Santa is $35 for the first subject and $25 for each additional subject. The Dear Santa Collection is $399 and includes your choice of five digital ...

Fine art portrait of a two-year-old boy with soft expressions, photographed in Raleigh, NC

A TIMELESS STUDY

Jul 08, 2025

A TIMELESS STUDY There’s something magical about capturing a child at this age—still baby-soft but full of emerging personality. This custom portrait study of a two-year-old boy was photographed right in the heart of the family’s Raleigh home, where he felt most comfortable and free to be himself.Set in the family’s cozy living room, the morning light and familiar surroundings brought out a wide range of sweet expressions—from quiet curiosity to joyful ...

Charcoal vignette portrait of a baby girl wearing a delicate white bonnet, printed on hand-torn cotton paper and framed in a sleek gold frame.

PORTRAITS, SIMPLIFIED

Jul 01, 2025

Raleigh Children's In Home Photographer As a Raleigh children’s photographer specializing in pastel, charcoal, and mixed media oil portrait paintings, my goal is to take the stress out of creating timeless heirloom portraits. Recently, I completed a charcoal vignette of a baby girl in a delicate white bonnet, printed on 100% hand-torn cotton paper and framed in a sleek gold frame. This portrait, ready to hang and beautifully crafted, is the fourth I’ve created for this ...

Family of four laughing together at the edge of the water during golden hour

A STORY BY THE SEA

Jul 01, 2025

FINE ART BEACH PORTRAITS RALEIGH NC There’s something extraordinary about photographing a family by the sea — the way light reflects off the water, the unguarded joy, the softness of salt-kissed air. Because of the unique demands of travel and equipment care, these sessions are offered only once every couple of years and are reserved exclusively for families seeking a true statement piece — a portrait that will live on your walls, not just your phone.What Makes These ...

Newborn baby cradled in mother’s arms, captured in soft light with a minimalist, fine art approach.

FIRST MOMENTS

Jul 01, 2025

Minimalist Newborn Raleigh Photography Welcoming a new baby is full of tender, fleeting moments — and my newborn sessions are designed to preserve that softness without distraction. Based in Raleigh, NC, I offer a minimalist approach to newborn photography that focuses on connection, quiet details, and timeless simplicity. No props, no poses — just your baby’s unique presence, beautifully photographed.What Minimalist Newborn Photography Looks LikeIn my sessions, your ...

A sister and her baby brother smiling happily at the camera in Raleigh.

DAY AT THE PARK

Jul 01, 2025

FAMILY MINI SESSIONS RALEIGH NC Life moves fast — and sometimes you just need a simple, meaningful way to update your family portraits without a full-length session. My Family Mini Sessions offer exactly that: a relaxed, child-friendly experience that gives you timeless portraits in a fraction of the time. Whether you're hoping for one standout image for your wall or a few cherished frames for grandparents, minis are a sweet and simple way to honor your season of life.What Is a Mini ...

A black and white outdoor portrait of three siblings: an older brother embracing his two younger sisters, capturing their natural connection and affection.

SIBLING CONNECTIONS

Jun 17, 2025

Timeless Black and White Portraits in Raleigh, NC As a fine art children’s photographer based in Raleigh, NC, I love capturing the connections between brothers and sisters. This portrait is one of those sweet moments where the connection between these three just naturally unfolded in front of the camera—no forced poses or directions, just a candid glimpse of their sweet bond. What makes this portrait even more special is that it’s in black and white, a medium that ...

Charcoal black-and-white vignette portrait of a one-year-old girl, now a pre-teen, showcasing timeless studio photography.

HEIRLOOM MOMENTS

Jun 10, 2025

Stress-Free Heirloom Portraits by a Raleigh Children’s Photographer As a Raleigh children’s photographer who specializes in heirloom portraits, I understand the stress that comes with finding the right photographer for your family. Parents often feel overwhelmed by the thought of planning a photo session, especially when they’re unsure whether the results will meet their expectations. The anxiety over logistics—coordinating outfits, getting everyone to smile, and fitting ...

Fine art portrait of a child in a timeless, classic vignette style, showcasing soft pastel tones and elegant details, captured by a Raleigh children's photographer.

WHERE CHILDHOOD BECOMES ART

Jun 03, 2025

Timeless Children's Portraits in Raleigh - Heirloom Art & Fine Photography As a Raleigh children's photographer specializing in heirloom portraits, my goal is to make the portrait experience seamless, stress-free, and ultimately rewarding for my clients. I understand that the process of scheduling, preparing, and executing a photo session can often feel overwhelming, especially when you want to create a timeless piece of art that will last for generations. That's why I offer a complete ...