How Your Story Becomes Art
A Dana Klein portrait isn't something you sit for. It's something you co-create. From our first conversation to the moment your art hangs on your wall, every step is designed to honor your family's unique story.
We Talk
We start with a conversation about your family. Who are you? What moments define you? What objects, places, and memories hold meaning? From there, I create a hand-sketched concept showing how your story becomes art. You'll see how photographs, personal objects, and symbolic elements weave together into something that's never existed before.
We Gather
The portrait session is a collaborative experience. We'll work together in studio or on location, capturing the raw material that becomes your composite. Bring your treasured objects. The vintage guitar, the grandmother's locket, the dog-eared book. Everything has a place in your story.
We Create
This is where art happens. Over several weeks, I layer dozens, sometimes hundreds, of individual elements into a single, seamless composition. Every shadow, every light ray, every detail is placed with intention. This isn't editing. It's compositing at the highest level.
We Reveal
You'll see your finished portrait for the first time in a private viewing experience. Bring tissues. Your portrait is then printed on museum-quality media, professionally framed, and delivered ready to hang. This is art made to last generations.
Watch the Process
Art Made to Last Generations
A Dana Klein composite portrait is not a photograph. It's a one-of-a-kind work of art created over weeks of meticulous craftsmanship. Your investment reflects the depth of that process and the significance of what it becomes.
The Session
The $1,200 creative fee is for an individual storyteller session and covers every step leading up to the finished artwork — consultation, concept development, and your portrait session. Family sessions are quoted separately based on the number of people involved.
✓ $600 credit towards your artwork
The Complete Experience
- ✓In-home or Zoom design consultation to plan your wall and your vision
- ✓Deep-dive discovery interview — your child's story, personality, and passions
- ✓Wardrobe styling guidance to complement your composite and your space
- ✓Professional hair and makeup for women; hair styling for girls
- ✓Extensive pre-planning: location scouting, handmade props, and concept sketching
- ✓Professional portrait session (2–3 hours, studio or on location)
- ✓Meticulous composite creation over several weeks
- ✓Private reveal experience — the first time you see your finished art
- ✓Museum-quality printing and professional framing
- ✓White-glove installation in your home (local clients)
Your Finished Art
Most clients invest between $5,000 and $15,000+, depending on the scale of the artwork they choose and what feels right for their home.
Single Storyteller
One signature composite portrait for a single subject. Perfect for milestone celebrations, legacy portraits, or a gift that will be treasured for generations.
Multiple Storytellers
Individual composite portraits for more than one family member, each telling their own unique story as part of a larger collection.
Family Series
A composite portrait weaving together your whole family's story — multiple subjects, shared objects, and the landscape of your life together.
You Might Be Wondering
What do most clients invest?
Most families invest between $5,000 and $15,000+ in their finished artwork, depending on the scale of the pieces they choose and how they want to live with the art in their home.
How does the creative fee work?
The $1,200 creative fee is for an individual storyteller session. It reserves your date and covers the consultation, concept development, and portrait session. Family sessions are quoted separately based on the number of people involved. A $600 credit is then applied toward your finished artwork order.
How long does the process take from session to finished art?
Typically 4–6 weeks from your portrait session to the finished composite. Rush delivery is available for an additional fee.
Do I need to know what I want before our consultation?
Not at all. That's what our conversation is for. I'll guide you through discovering the story, objects, and vision that make your portrait yours.
Do you offer digital files only?
The experience is built around finished artwork, not a gallery of loose files. Digital files are included with purchased artwork, but the heart of the process is creating something tangible for your walls.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. If it is helpful, we can discuss a payment structure that makes it easier to move forward with the artwork you love.
Let's talk about your vision
Every family's story is different, and so is every portrait. Reach out and let's discuss what your art could look like.
Begin Your Story