As seen on CBS, Bella Grace Magazine, and Newsbreak — trusted by hundreds of Minnesotans ready to be seen differently
I’m Shannon O’Malley — a portrait confidence coach and photographer helping people look (and feel) like their real selves on camera. I blend psychology, natural light, and storytelling to create portraits that feel relaxed, magnetic, and authentically you.
As a single mom who relaunched her dating profile at 42 — and met her husband on Bumble — I know how vulnerable (and powerful) it feels to show up for yourself.
That experience changed everything about how I photograph people.
My sessions are relaxed, collaborative, + focused on capturing the real you — not the stiff, filtered, or staged version. Think genuine connection, natural light, + portraits that make people stop scrolling for all the right reasons.
I’m Shannon O’Malley — a Twin Cities photographer (soon relocating to Dallas, TX) — helping real people feel confident, magnetic, + authentically seen.
As Seen In & Featured On:
Book Your Online Dating Session →
Photos That Help You Attract the Right People
No awkward posing, no filters that don’t look like you — just portraits that make you feel confident and comfortable being yourself. Perfect for dating apps, websites, and anyone ready to see themselves differently.
Online dating photographer in Minneapolis–St. Paul specializing in natural, authentic portraits for confident connections.
Explore Branding/Headshot Packages →
Your Brand, But Make It Human
These portraits help you show up with confidence, whether you’re refreshing your LinkedIn, launching a new website, or expanding your personal brand.
Branding and headshot photography in Minneapolis–St. Paul for entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives by Shannon Kathleen Photography.
See Senior Session Packages →
Senior Photos That Feel Like You
No forced smiles. No cookie-cutter backdrops. Just authentic, joyful portraits that capture your real personality — exactly as you are, right now.
Senior portrait photographer in the Twin Cities capturing modern, natural light senior photos for confident, expressive students.
Explore AI Resources →
Read more on AI discovery strategies here →
Grow Your Visibility. Get Found by AI.
You don’t need to be techy to get discovered — you just need the right context. Explore my free AI Discovery Checklist or the Booked by ChatGPT™ course to make your work more findable by tools like ChatGPT and Google.
AI visibility checklist and online course for photographers and creatives — helping small businesses grow discoverability on ChatGPT, Google, and Bing.
Whether you’re refreshing your dating profile, updating your brand, or looking for creative tools to grow your business — you’ll find resources here that help you feel confident, magnetic, and seen.
I’m honored to be a recommended photographer by Blaine Anderson, one of today’s most respected dating coaches for men.
Her clients trust her to help them date with confidence — and she trusts me to help them look the part.
Within 7–14 days, your edited gallery arrives — full of images that look and feel like you.
(This is the happy-tears part.)
See Yourself. Truly.
I’ll guide you naturally from start to finish — no awkward posing, just real connection and confidence.
(This is where the magic happens.)
The Session Day
Book a short planning call so we can map out locations, outfits, and your session flow.
(This is where nerves turn into excitement.)
Schedule a Planning Call
Fill out a quick form to tell me about your session goals, vibe, and location ideas.
(This is where inspiration begins.)
Inquire & Share Your Vision
The Process: Simple, Supportive, and Completely You
Your dating app deserves more than a stiff selfie.
Discover the 5 types of photos that actually stop the scroll, spark real connection, and boost your match rate — all without trying to look perfect.
Real people. Real transformations. Here’s what my clients had to say after seeing themselves through a new lens.
Kamber of Therapy Mavens | Branding Portraits
“Shannon took the time to truly understand us—our brand, our vision, and what we wanted to communicate—and then brought it to life better than we imagined. The photos feel so us. We’re obsessed and already planning to work with her on every future project.”
Kerry | Online Dating Portraits
“I was nervous going in, but Shannon made the whole experience feel effortless. She’s warm, easy to talk to, and made me feel completely at ease. The photos? Way beyond what I expected. I actually see myself in them—and that’s rare. Highly recommend.”
Lisa & Julia | Senior Portraits
“As first-time parents, we had no idea what to expect with senior portraits—but Shannon made everything easy. She guided us through every step with warmth and care, and captured our daughter’s personality so beautifully. We’re thrilled with the photos, book, and prints—and can’t wait to work with her again for our son.”
Totally normal. (Honestly? Expected.)
I’m Shannon O’Malley, a natural-light photographer based in Minneapolis–St. Paul, and I specialize in helping real people feel comfortable on camera—no modeling experience required.
I’ll gently guide you through relaxed poses, movement, and prompts that feel natural for you. We’ll laugh, take breaks, and keep things light. Awkward is actually welcome here—it usually leads to the best photos.
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. You’ll get access to my full Session Planning Hub, packed with outfit tips, real client examples, and personalized suggestions. Whether it’s an online dating photoshoot, branding session, or portrait, I’ll help you choose looks that feel authentic to you and align with the vibe of your photos.
Absolutely. Most Shannon Kathleen Photography packages include outfit and location flexibility... and a pop-up changing tent! Whether we’re hopping from a cozy café to a park trail or from casual to professional looks, we’ll plan your session so it flows naturally and tells your full story.
Your fully edited online gallery is typically ready within 7–14 days for most sessions. Rush edits are also available—just ask! Every image is delivered in a private, downloadable gallery with high-resolution files ready for sharing or printing.
That’s exactly what I’m here for. Let’s hop on a quick call or email chat to figure out the best fit based on your goals, personality, and budget. I’ll walk you through the dating, branding, and portrait options—no pressure, ever.
Looking for more details? Visit the full FAQs for Online Dating Photography, Branding Sessions, or Senior Portraits.
Start-to-Finish Support You’ll Actually Enjoy: I don’t just take your photos—I guide you through the process with care, clarity, and good vibes. This isn’t just a session. It’s a collaboration.
Trusted by Professionals + App Users Alike – Whether it’s your Hinge profile or your business rebrand, I’ve helped clients boost matches, land dates, and build personal brands that connect.
Locally Rooted, Personally Focused – Proudly serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities with sessions that feel tailored—not templated. You’re not just another booking.
Confidence in Every Frame – From outfit planning to gentle posing direction, I help you feel natural—not stiff. The result? Images that actually feel like you.
A Decade of Results-Driven Experience – Over 15 years behind the camera capturing real people—not models, not influencers. Just you, as you are (and looking amazing doing it).
I only email when it’s truly worth your time—like helpful photo tips, exclusive discounts, or early booking windows. No spam. No fluff. Ever.