We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dana Klein. Check out our conversation below.
Dana, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
My work has always been about photographing children and families, capturing their stories in a way that feels real and meaningful. But deep down, I’ve always been a fine artist at heart, and I knew there was more I wanted to create. For a long time, though, I was scared to put my own art out into the world. It felt so personal, and I wasn’t sure if anyone else would connect with it.
I also didn’t know how galleries worked, what limited edition prints were, or even where to start. But I decided to take the leap anyway. I began creating, trusting the process, and slowly I started offering both open and limited edition prints of my work.
It’s been both scary and exciting, but also really rewarding. Now, instead of keeping my art to myself, I get to see it hanging in other people’s homes, becoming part of their lives and their stories. And that has opened up a whole new chapter for me as an artist.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Dana Klein — an artist with a camera, obsessed with people’s stories. For over two decades I’ve photographed children and families, creating portraits that go beyond a picture to become storytelling works of art. My background as a fine artist lets me blend imagination and photography in a way that feels personal and meaningful. A few years ago, after our family’s move into the mountains, I found myself surrounded by new sights, sounds, and wildlife that sparked a whole new body of work — my Moose & Magpies limited-edition collection. Inspired by nature and the magic of our mountain life, these whimsical, layered pieces celebrate story, wonder, and connection in a way that feels timeless and just a little enchanting.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a quiet, shy child, I always felt different — like I didn’t quite fit into the groups around me. For a long time, I carried the belief that being different was somehow a bad thing, that it made me less capable or less accepted. I often wished I could blend in more easily or have the kind of personality that seemed to come so naturally to others.
But over time, I’ve learned that what once felt like a weakness has actually been my greatest strength. My quiet nature gave me the ability to observe deeply, to listen closely, and to notice details others might overlook. That sense of being “different” shaped the way I see the world, and it’s now what makes both me and my work stand out in meaningful ways. Instead of trying to fit into someone else’s mold, I’ve embraced the value of seeing and doing things differently.
Being different has given me a unique voice, and I’ve come to realize it’s not something to hide from but something to celebrate.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to be quiet and different — those are actually your strengths. Being quiet will teach you to listen deeply, to notice details others might miss, and to connect with people in a more meaningful way. You’ll come to see that your voice matters, and when you choose to speak, people will truly listen. And even in the moments when you don’t speak, your voice and message will still shine through — in your creativity, in the way you see the world, and ultimately in the art you create. What once made you feel out of place will one day become the very thing that makes you and your work stand out.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in my industry is that there’s only one “normal” path for photographers to follow. For a long time, I believed success meant sticking to traditional routes, but the truth is, there are so many ways to create a meaningful career in photography and art. Another lie is the idea of the “starving artist.” I’ve learned that you can create your own opportunities, carve your own lane, and charge what your work is truly worth. Believing in the value of your art — and helping others see it — changes everything.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Yes — without a doubt! When I’m in the middle of a commission or building onto one of my collections, it feels like the ideas and inspiration are just bursting out of me. I go to bed thinking about the details I want to add, and I wake up excited to get back into the studio — almost like I can’t get there fast enough. On those days, I’m literally jumping out of bed, fueled by that mix of creativity and curiosity that keeps pushing me forward. I absolutely love it, and I feel so grateful that my work gives me that kind of energy and joy. For me, that’s when I know I’m right where I’m meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danakleincreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danakleincreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danakleincreative
Image Credits
Dana Klein
