SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Search
Dana Ashlyn Photography Logo
  • Home
  • Heirloom Portraits
    • Oil Paintings
    • Head & Shoulders
    • Composite Portraits
  • Family Portraits
  • Dear Santa
  • Journal
  • Meet Dana
  • Say Hello
MENU

ARTIST'S JOURNAL

WELCOME TO THE JOURNAL ...

HERE YOU'LL FIND SNEAK PEEKS OF RECENT PORTRAIT SESSIONS, STUDIO NEWS & UPCOMING PORTRAIT EVENTS, AND THOUGHTS FROM THE ARTIST

Toddler with curly blonde hair in a light blue dress, standing against a soft painted backdrop

LITTLE SISTER

November 10, 2026

A 20-Inch Oil Portrait of a Toddler - Raleigh, NC There is something especially meaningful about creating portraits for more than one child in a family. This 20-inch oil portrait of a toddler girl captures her at a particularly sweet stage of childhood, with her soft curly hair and beautiful blue Feltman Brothers dress. Her portrait will now join the oil portrait I created of her sister two years ago, creating the beginning of a meaningful collection of artwork celebrating both girls.A ...

Read More
Framed composite portrait with five black and white images on a wall

THESE LITTLE FACES

November 3, 2026

Composite Portraits Preserve the Expressions of Early Childhood There are certain expressions a baby makes that parents know by heart. The little scrunch of the nose, the curious look, the almost-smile, the serious face they make when they're concentrating. When you see those expressions every day, it is easy to believe you will always remember exactly how they looked. But childhood changes quickly, and those tiny faces eventually become memories.A portrait study of a baby is a beautiful ...

Read More
Family of five walking on a leaf covered path with wooden fences in autumn

ALONG THE WAY

October 27, 2026

An Autumn Family Portrait Session in Raleigh Family portraits don't have to revolve around little ones. In fact, some of the most meaningful family photographs happen when children are old enough to have distinct personalities, strong relationships, and a real sense of who they are. This autumn family portrait session brought together two parents and their three children, ages 10 through 17, for an afternoon spent together on a quiet path surrounded by the colors and textures of ...

Read More
Framed portrait of a child beside a vase with dried branches on a dark shelf

THE WONDER OF FOUR

October 20, 2026

A Fine Art Pastel Portrait of a Four-Year-Old Girl Four is such a wonderful age to photograph. There is still so much of the softness and innocence of early childhood, but now it is accompanied by a growing sense of personality, independence, and imagination. This fine art pastel portrait of a four-year-old girl captures that beautiful moment in childhood—when she is still little, but already becoming completely herself.Why Four Is Such a Beautiful Age for PortraitsBy four, children ...

Read More
Portrait of a young girl in a white dress with a large bow in her hair against a soft studio backdrop

THE SWEETEST CHERUB

October 13, 2026

A 30” Oil Portrait of a Two-Year-Old Girl in a Custom Portrait Dress This 30” oil portrait of a two-year-old girl in Raleigh captures the sweetest cherub expression, bright eyes, and the softest little demeanor. Her custom portrait dress, designed by Elizabeth Layne, made her portrait truly special and highlighted her unique personality.Stress-Free, Child-Led SessionsDuring the session, we took our time to ensure she felt comfortable and happy. She enjoyed little breaks and snacked ...

Read More
Teddy bear beside framed baby compostied portrait on a gray shelf with books

A COLLECTION OF EXPRESSIONS

October 6, 2026

A Five Image Composite Baby Portrait: A Classic Heirloom Milestone Artwork This five image composite baby portrait is a timeless nod to classic childhood artwork—an heirloom-style milestone portrait designed to capture the fleeting expressions that define babyhood. Often referred to as a five face baby portrait or baby composite portrait, this style has been cherished for generations and remains just as meaningful today.What Is a Five Image Composite Baby Portrait?A five image ...

Read More
Framed black and white portrait sketch on a shelf beside a small vase with dried stems

STILL LITTLE

September 29, 2026

Why Portraits of Older Children Matter Just as Much as Baby Milestones Many parents instinctively prioritize portraits during babyhood and the early toddler years. Those milestones feel obvious. But somewhere around ages eight, ten, or twelve, families often begin to wonder if their children are “past the point” of needing portraits.The truth is, they couldn’t be further from it.Older Childhood Is Still ChildhoodAt ten years old, children are still wonderfully ...

Read More
Framed pencil portrait of a tween boy in a gold frame hanging on a wall

SOULFUL GAZE

September 22, 2026

A Charcoal Heirloom Portrait of an Eight-Year-Old Boy in Raleigh This charcoal heirloom portrait of an eight-year-old boy in Raleigh captures a wide-eyed, soulful expression that immediately draws you in. His eyes carry a quiet depth—thoughtful, curious, and full of presence—creating a portrait that feels both powerful and gentle at the same time.An Expression That SpeaksAt eight years old, children begin to show layers of personality that feel wonderfully complex. In this ...

Read More
Photographer in a home setting work with a young child during a photo shoot.

BEHIND THE SCENES

September 15, 2026

What Actually Happens During a Child's Heirloom Portrait Session If you’ve never experienced a child's heirloom portrait session before, it’s completely normal to wonder how it actually works. Do they sit still? What if they don’t smile? What if they refuse everything?Let me walk you through what truly happens — because it may be much simpler than you imagine.The Session Is Designed for Little OnesA child's portrait session is not structured like a session for ...

Read More
Portrait painting of a child in a white dress in a gold frame on a light wall.

HER GENTLE COMPANION

September 8, 2026

A 30” Oil Portrait of a Little Girl and Her Beloved Bunny This 30” oil portrait of a little girl in Raleigh captures a truly personal moment between her and her beloved stuffed bunny, Bun Bun. Her parents chose to include Bun Bun in the painting, creating a portrait that feels intimate and meaningful, highlighting the special friendship they share.A Personal Touch: Bun Bun, the Beloved LovieIncorporating her well-loved stuffed bunny added a layer of warmth and personality to the ...

Read More

Dana Ashlyn serves the entire greater Raleigh area and can be commissioned for family portrait sessions, classic children studio photography, and baby & children heirloom portraits throughout the Triangle including Raleigh, Cary, Holly Springs, Durham, Wake Forest & surrounding areas.

Privacy Policy
© Dana Ashlyn Photography, Inc
Terms of Use
919.359.0019
Crafted by PhotoBiz
Dana Ashlyn Photography Logo
CLOSE
  • Home
  • Heirloom Portraits
    • Oil Paintings
    • Head & Shoulders
    • Composite Portraits
  • Family Portraits
  • Dear Santa
  • Journal
  • Meet Dana
  • Say Hello
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Search