Shannon Kathleen Photography

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.

Send Me My Free Tip Guide

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.

Send Me My Free Tip Guide

“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….. ”

— Shannon | Shannon Kathleen Photography

“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.”

— Maranda

“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! ”

— Sherida

“I’m so inspired! Can’t wait to get some time for more self portraits. I LOVED your book Shannon.”

— Fleur

“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 :)”

— Sherida

“Shannon, I was so inspired by your eBook I didn’t even finish reading before I started shooting!!”

— Dawn

“I’m loving your ebook!!”

— Kathy

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!

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME!

Shannon OMalley

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.

www.shannonkathleenphotography.com