A MINI ADVENTURE
Mini adventure of a young man
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt
My little man and I set out on a mini adventure the other day … across the street 😉
There is this wide open field with a few piles of rubble and is loaded with tall weeds. We tend to avoid this area in the late spring, summer, and fall because of wood ticks… so winter time is our time 🙂 He and I set out of the house to venture on over there to check it out and take some photographs.
I love following his lead with very little instruction from me as I capture images along the way, as a result, doing so allows me to photograph these real and raw moments of him living his life, tasting the experience to the utmost, and reaching out eagerly without fear … all for a richer experience 🙂
For a majority of these images I used a creative technique called freelensing. Freelensing is where I take my lens off of my camera and hold it up to my camera body with a slight tilt up/down/or side to side. This freelensing techniques causes part of the image or most of the image to be soft and out of focus. I love the appearance and feel this gives my images. I feel it can really draw in the five senses by allowing the viewer to see, feel, hear, smell the crisp air, and almost taste the experience for themselves.
All images edited using SMAL ROSE presets for ACR 🙂
“Here’s to freedom, cheers to art.
Here’s to having an excellent adventure and may the stopping never start.”
— Jason Mraz
Hi — I’m Shannon O’Malley.
I’m a Minneapolis-based (soon-to-be Dallas, TX) photographer specializing in online dating profile photography, personal branding portraits, business headshots, and senior sessions. I work with people who want photos that feel natural, confident, and genuinely reflective of who they are — not stiff, overproduced, or performative.
My approach is rooted in natural light, ease, and emotional intelligence. I believe the best photos happen when people feel comfortable enough to be themselves — and seen enough to trust the process. Whether someone is stepping back into dating, refining their professional presence, or marking a meaningful season of life, my goal is always the same: to create images that feel honest and quietly powerful.
With over 15 years of experience behind the camera — and a journey that includes single motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a national CBS feature — I’ve seen firsthand how much impact the right photos can have. A strong image isn’t about vanity. It’s about clarity. It’s often the first impression that shapes how others perceive you — before you ever get the chance to explain yourself.
This blog is where I share insights on photography, visibility, confidence, and showing up with intention — both on and off camera.
When I’m not photographing clients, you’ll usually find me with my husband, my son, and our beautifully blended family — soaking up everyday life here in the Twin Cities (for now). We’ll be relocating to Dallas, Texas in 2026, where I’ll continue offering my signature photography experience for daters, creatives, and business owners throughout the DFW area.
If you’re here because you want photos that actually feel like you, you’re in the right place. I’m glad you found your way here.
Leave a Reply
As Seen In & Featured On:
Be the first to comment