About Dana

I'm Dana, the artist and photographer behind Dana Ashlyn Photography in Garner, NC. For more than two decades, I've been creating timeless portrait art for children and families throughout Raleigh and beyond.

My love of photography began when I was a teenager and my father handed me his old Pentax SLR camera. What started as a fascination with photography grew into a career in 2000, and in 2007 I founded Dana Ashlyn Photography with a simple goal: to create beautiful, meaningful portraits that are meant to become family heirlooms.

Today, my work has evolved beyond traditional family photography into a unique blend of fine-art photography, heirloom portraiture, and custom portrait paintings. I specialize in classic children's heirloom portraits, charcoal portraits, portrait studies, and custom oil paintings designed to become treasured pieces of art in your home.

I believe the best portraits are about more than simply capturing what someone looks like. They should capture something about who they are—and create a tangible connection to a particular time in your family's story.

My approach is intentionally classic and timeless, from the way I photograph my subjects to the archival-quality papers, canvas, framing, and other materials I use to create the finished artwork.

After more than 20 years and thousands of children and families in front of my camera, I've learned how to create an experience that feels relaxed and natural, even for the little ones who aren't particularly interested in having their picture taken.

My goal is to make the process as enjoyable and stress-free as the finished artwork is beautiful.

Creating Heirlooms for Raleigh Families

As a Raleigh native, creating portrait art for families in my hometown is especially meaningful to me. I serve clients throughout Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and the greater Triangle area, with portrait sessions available in my studio and on location.

Whether you're looking for a classic children's heirloom portrait, a fine-art family portrait, or a custom oil painting of your children, my goal is always the same: to create artwork that feels just as beautiful and relevant decades from now as it does the day you receive it.

Because photographs belong on your walls—not just on your phone.

I can't wait to create something meaningful for your family.