WELCOME TO THE JOURNAL ...

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

Child joyfully tossing autumn leaves in a Raleighpark surrounded by colorful trees.

COZY SEASON

Sep 30, 2025

Fall Family Portraits in Raleigh Fall in Raleigh isn’t just about colorful leaves—it’s about cool, crisp weather, cozy outfits, and playful outdoor moments that make portraits feel alive. This season is the perfect time for children’s outdoor photography, whether your child is running through the yard, exploring the park, or laughing in the fresh autumn air.Playful Moments and Natural ExpressionsOur 5-year-old subject brought so much energy and joy to their session, ...

Framed heirloom portrait of a baby with curly hair and a serious expression in Raleigh

ECHOES OF CHILDHOOD

Sep 23, 2025

Fine Art Children’s Vignette Photography Raleigh This 2-year-old girl’s pastel portrait in Raleigh captures her gentle spirit and wide-eyed curiosity. Taken in the same style as her older sister’s portrait a few years ago, it beautifully continues the family’s collection of heirloom portraits.A Soft, Natural ExpressionHer soft pink dress perfectly complemented the pastel tones, while her big hazel eyes and delicate features made her portrait glow with charm. These subtle, ...

Outdoor family portrait with parents and children surrounded by autumn foliage in Raleigh.

AUTUMN BEAUTY

Sep 16, 2025

FALL FAMILY PORTRAITS IN RALEIGH Fall is here, and we’re excited to kick off the autumn outdoor portrait season! With its stunning colors and cooler weather, fall is the perfect time to capture beautiful family portraits. It’s no surprise that this is our busiest time of year – fall is the most popular season for family photos!At Dana Ashlyn Photography, we specialize in creating timeless, heirloom-quality portraits that you’ll cherish for years. Our fall sessions ...

Framed artwork of five faces above a shelf with a teddy bear and a small plant.

WHISPERS OF JOY

Sep 09, 2025

In-Home Fine Art Children's Photography in Raleigh Every child has a story, and at 8 months old, this little boy’s personality was already shining through. We captured his unique expressions and charm in a custom composite portrait designed to celebrate this precious stage of life.A Special Moment at HomeThis session was extra meaningful because it happened in the comfort of the family’s home in Raleigh, at the same time we photographed his sister’s pastel portrait. The ...

A framed portrait of a young girl displayed on a dark shelf alongside a decorative vase and dried flowers.

DELICATE GRACE

Sep 02, 2025

RALEIGH CHILDREN'S PASTEL PORTRAITS This little one’s fourth birthday was the perfect occasion for a timeless pastel heirloom portrait in Raleigh. Dressed in a flutter-sleeved smocked dress, her gentle smile and sweet personality shine through in this head-and-shoulders painting. Working with this family is always a joy, and capturing her charm in such heirloom pastel painting for children in Raleigh was truly a pleasure.Capturing Personality in PastelPastel is a beautiful medium for ...

Framed portrait of a baby with light-colored hair in a pink outfit, displayed near a decorative vase.

LITTLE MOMENTS, LASTING

Aug 29, 2025

Pastel Baby Portraits | Raleigh, NCThis 1-year-old’s pastel portrait captures the delicate charm of early childhood. Dressed in a soft smoked pink bishop dress from Feltman Brothers, she became the centerpiece of a timeless heirloom artwork cherished by her family. Each loved one chose a frame to make their portrait uniquely special—champagne for some, gold for others—creating a personal keepsake that will be treasured for generations.Why Choose a Pastel Portrait for ...

Charcoal senior portrait of young woman in Raleigh, NC, head and shoulders.

SHADES OF ACHIEVEMENT

Aug 12, 2025

Senior Charcoal Portraits | Raleigh, NCThere is something timeless about the way charcoal captures childhood—it softens edges, deepens shadows, and allows a child’s personality to shine without distraction. This senior charcoal portrait was created for a Raleigh family who wanted to preserve this moment of transition from childhood into adulthood.Why Choose a Charcoal Portrait?Charcoal has a classic quality that feels both refined and nostalgic. Unlike color photographs, charcoal ...

HOLIDAY HEIRLOOM GIFTS

Aug 06, 2025

HEIRLOOM PORTRAITS FOR GIFTING IN RALEIGH Holiday Heirloom Portraits: A Gift With MeaningWhen it comes to gift-giving, few things are more cherished than something truly personal.An heirloom portrait isn’t just a beautiful frame on the wall — it’s a tangible expression of love, legacy, and childhood preserved. Whether you’re gifting grandparents, surprising your partner, or creating a forever-piece for your own home, now is the time to begin if you'd like it in hand ...

Side-by-side oil portraits of child in studio and garden settings, Raleigh NC

TWO WAYS TO REMEMBER

Jul 29, 2025

RALEIGH CHILDREN'S OIL PORTRAIT PAINTINGS Every child has many sides—and every family has a unique vision for how they’d like that story told. Our two styles of backdrops showcase the beauty of both studio oil and garden oil portraits throughout the Raleigh area. Displayed side by side, they highlight the subtle power of setting and how it shapes the feeling of the final piece.The studio oil portrait offers a clean, classic backdrop that draws attention to the subject’s ...

Side-by-side of charcoal and pastel children’s heirloom portraits, Raleigh N

DRAWN TO LIGHT

Jul 22, 2025

CHILDREN'S HEIRLOOM VIGNETTE PORTRAITS IN RALEIGH, NC Subtle expression. Honest gaze. Timeless detail. Head and shoulders portraits focus on the face—where personality shines most clearly—and the medium you choose brings a distinct mood and texture to the final piece.In this side-by-side comparison, we’re showcasing two of our most popular styles: charcoal and pastel. While both portraits capture the same level of detail and emotion, their overall feeling couldn’t ...

View More Posts

ARTIST'S JOURNAL