"WE WERE TOGETHER; I FORGET THE REST."

[WALT WHITMAN]

FAMILY PORTRAITS

I offer family, newborn, and children’s photography highlighting your family’s unique story throughout Raleigh, Cary, Holly Springs, Durham, Wake Forest, and beyond. These portrait sessions are designed to feel relaxed and personal—highlighting natural connection, quiet moments, and the season of life you're in. These are the moments you’ll want to return to—now and for years to come.

INQUIRE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY SESSION

SIMPLE, HONEST PORTRAITS FOR EVERY SEASON OF LIFE

Whether you're celebrating a new baby or gathering your whole crew for updated family portraits, this collection of sessions will help you highlight the everyday beauty of family, childhood, and new beginnings. Below you'll find the core family photography sessions I offer—each one tailored to a different season of life. Here’s how they’re designed to reflect yours:

A STORY BY THE SEA

Timeless family beach portraits framed by coastal skies, gentle tides, and the quiet magic of the North Carolina shore.

A STORY AT SUNSET

Outdoor portraits with soft sunset light, simple styling, and meaningful connection, for timeless family photography in Raleigh.

FIRST MOMENTS

Minimalist and simple newborn photography in Raleigh that honors the quiet wonder of your baby’s first days.

STUDIO MILESTONES

Classic studio photography sessions celebrating your child’s milestones with timeless portraiture, captured in Raleigh.

DAY AT THE PARK

Offered on a limited basis, these short and sweet mini sessions are perfect for quickly updating your family’s portraits in Raleigh.

DEAR SANTA & FIRST SNOWFALL

Celebrate the season with two festive ways to capture holiday magic in Raleigh.

START YOUR PORTRAIT JOURNEY

THESE ARE YOUR STORIES...

... A collection of moments, weaved together, writing the chapters of your lives. In every family and children's photography session, our focus is the connection, the heart & soul, of those in front of our lens. We know, years from now, you won't just want to remember what this moment looked like, you'll want to remember what it felt like. These are your stories, and we are honored to be your storyteller. Whether you're writing the chapter of footie pajamas & bedtime stories, or the pages are quickly turning towards high school graduation, these illustrations of their childhood will be cherished long after those chapters close forever.

Dana Ashlyn works with families throughout the greater Raleigh area, and can also be commissioned for beach photography sessions on Topsail Island as well as other North Carolina beaches.

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FROM THE ARTIST...

"I believe portraits of our loved ones make the most beautiful art for the walls of our homes. I believe, when given the chance, little hands will frequently turn the pages of albums of family photographs. I believe in black and white gallery walls that little ones tiptoe past at bedtime, and painted portraits over the mantel that quietly whisper "you belong here". I believe that portrait art steadfastly communicates they are deeply loved and cherished.

I believe your portraits have far greater value than pixels on a screen, or digital clutter on a server. I believe that portrait art should live on for generations. And I promise to help guide you towards a photographic legacy that will live on for your children and their children."

-Dana Ashlyn

READY TO START YOUR FAMILY LEGACY?

GREATER RALEIGH AREA FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER DANA ASHLYN

RALEIGH FAMILY PORTRAITS