Creative Self-Portraits (+ a freebie!)
The Creative Self-Portrait Experience:
A way to explore yourself in every possible situation, to stimulate the creative process, to improve self-knowledge and self-esteem, thus empowering yourself.
Along my photography journey I have discovered how passionate I am about female portraiture and creative self-portraits. For many of us, we can feel overwhelmed by orders as to who or what we should be… life gets hectic as we go about with work, maintaining a family, being a mom, wife, sister, daughter, grandmother, friend … the chance to belong to our own self can seem woefully out of reach.
We have a right to be alive in our own way, and that our relationship with our self is more intimate and more knowledgeable than anyone else’s experience of you can ever be.
Back in 2017 I wrote an eBook on all things Creative Self-Portraits! I poured my heart, soul, and brain into this project
In this eBook people learned:
* My why.
* Real working tips and advice on how to create your own self-portraits.
* About my philosophy and editing process behind 4 full breakdowns of images of my own.
* About my gear and my editing.
What they got:
* A 22 page PDF full of goodness and images.
* A bundle of 5 videos: 3 editing ones and 2 pull back image videos explaining my thought philosophy.
* A suggested list of inspiration.
* Access to a private Facebook group for continued inspiration and friendly support!
With this eBook I wanted to remind you of your real value as the creative soul that you are.
“For me, taking creative self-portraits started as a once or twice per month “must do” as a prompt for my 365 daily photo project I participated in. I loathed getting in front of the camera!!
But, like with anything in life, when I am presented with a feeling of resistance I tried to figure out why I don’t like it and how it really makes me feel.Upon examining those feelings, I discovered I felt fear, embarrassment, shy, unworthy, awkward, ugly, I felt like no one would care to see me, I wondered how I would be seen and judged.
You see, I was so preoccupied with my self-image.
When we are preoccupied with our self-image it is like being deaf and blind. It’s like standing in the middle of a vast field of wildflowers with a black hood over our heads. It’s like coming upon a tree of singing birds while wearing earplugs….. ”
“The time has come to harness the blessed power within us and to use it to transcend from our current existence into a more empowered reality.” –Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
What Others Said:
“To anyone that’s on the fence on whether to purchase Shannon’s eBook…please do yourself a favor and just do it! Shannon’s work has inspired me so much over the course of the last couple years. I won’t lie…self-portraits for me is uncomfortable and awkward, and out of my comfort zone. But I think leaning into things that are uncomfortable, awkward, and out of our comfort zones is where some of our greatest growth comes from. Self-portraits are still all of those things for me, but more than that…they have become therapeutic. It’s caused me to see myself in a new light, caused me to be vulnerable, and has allowed for a more authentic version of myself to come through.”
“Anyone who knows me, knows I’m horrible at self-portraits. Shannon’s work is incredible and as soon as I learned she had written an e-book on all things Self-Portraits —- I scooped it up!!!! It is so insightful… from setups/pullbacks, tips & tricks and editing. Shannon’s e-book has really helped me trust myself in that I CAN DO THIS!!!
OK… now I’m heading out to take some self-portraits, and YOU should check out Shannon’s e-book!!!
Wish me luck! ”
“I’m so inspired! Can’t wait to get some time for more self portraits. I LOVED your book Shannon.”
“Regarding our perceived imperfections: It is getting easier. It’s totally therapy. It has been a long time since I was deeply connected to myself and it feels great getting it back :)”
“Shannon, I was so inspired by your eBook I didn’t even finish reading before I started shooting!!”
“I’m loving your ebook!!”
Now Fast Forward to 2024: I’m venturing into the realm of education and will soon be launching a Creative Self-Portraits Course!
Not only will it include the meat and bones of my previous eBook, but more updated and relevant information diving deeper into my pre-session creation, how self-portraits actually got me to where I am currently at with my photography business, etc. In the meantime, check out the FREE Tips to Unleash your Power of Self Portraiture below!
Transform Your Self-Image: Unleash the Power of Self Portraiture w/11 Expert Tips
Elevate your photography skills w/these 11 tips. Start your journey from doubts to a confident self-portrait artist. Download Your FREE Guide Now!
- Confident Dating Tips from Carla Romo: Expert Advice for Breaking Patterns & Finding Real Connection
- Growing Your Business in Slow Season: 5 Powerful Shifts That Changed Everything
- Expert Voices on Modern Dating: Blaine from Dating by Blaine on Agency, Aha Moments, and Why “Wing It” Doesn’t Work
- America’s Favorite Couple 2025: Champlin Couple Shannon & Rene’s Story of Love, Resilience, and Deaf Inclusion
- Online Dating Photography in Minneapolis: CBS News Spotlights Shannon O’Malley’s Story
Oh hey there, nice to meet you!
I’m Shannon, a Twin Cities-based photographer specializing in online dating profile photography, personal branding photography, business headshots, and senior portraits in Minneapolis–St. Paul. Whether you need updated photos for your dating apps, LinkedIn profile, business website, or senior graduation announcements, I create natural light portraits that boost confidence and help you stand out.
With 15+ years of experience — and a personal journey from single mom to entrepreneur (and a CBS feature along the way) — I know the power of an image to tell your story. — whether it’s attracting better matches, landing new clients, or celebrating a milestone. My photography style is authentic, relaxed, and approachable, designed to help you feel like yourself on camera while making a strong first impression.
I’m also the creator of the Empowered Evolution Mentorship Program for photographers — where I teach creative entrepreneurs how to build profitable photography businesses through SEO strategies, streamlined systems, and intentional marketing.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me with my husband, my son, and our beautifully blended family, soaking up life’s everyday moments in Minneapolis–St. Paul.
📸 Looking for natural, professional photos to elevate your online presence? From online dating photos to headshots and branding portraits, I’ll help you look confident, approachable, and aligned with your next chapter. Let’s book your session today.
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