I have been asked “How do you achieve a successful couples session? How do you get them to feel comfortable and look comfortable in front of the camera?”
My answer is simple … I walk beside them. Whether it is them leading me or me leading them … I walk beside them. We walk beside each other and create this art together.
I believe that as I am leading a session, it is best for them to not notice my existence. I walk beside them and begin to follow their lead.
I remain quiet for the most part. I do not want to disturb their connection. I do not want to tell them to feel a certain way or to do something that might not feel natural to them. They might be feeling silly or giggly to start… I roll with with. They might be feeling a little nervous to start … so I roll with it. I walk beside them. Annnnnd sometimes we might stop at the liquor store to pick up some whiskey to get them to loosen up 😉
I want to document the way your hands fit together, the expression he gets when he looks at you, and the one piece of hair he’s always putting back behind your ear … This is the real stuff that makes you, you.
One of the ladies hired me to do an intimate couples session for her and her husband. When she asked me I was blown away with flattery and was completely thrilled to do it!!
We started by visiting a liquor store and purchased a bottle of whiskey on our way back to the hotel to start the session. Once we got to the hotel … the magic began.
Below is the result of this session. It will forever hold a special place in my heart. The love between these two was palpable. Britney and Chase have been together since they were teenagers and have lived through so much together. My own personal goal is to find and have a love like theirs 🙂
Thank you SO much Britney and Chase for allowing me a glimpse of the love you two have for each other.
“I told him that I would love him with everything I had in me until the very end of everything, and I meant it. ”
— Sarah Ockler
“The very first moment I beheld him, my heart was irrevocably gone.”
— Jane Austin, Love and Friendship
Oh hey there, nice to meet you!
I’m Shannon, a Twin Cities-based (soon-to-be Dallas, TX!) photographer specializing in online dating profile photography, personal branding photography, business headshots, and senior portraits. Whether you’re updating your dating apps, refreshing your LinkedIn profile, building your business brand, or celebrating a senior year milestone, I create natural light portraits that boost confidence and help you stand out — authentically.
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 a photograph to tell your story. From attracting more meaningful matches, landing dream clients, or marking life’s big moments, I create relaxed, real portraits that feel like you while making a lasting 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 intentional marketing, SEO strategies, and streamlined workflows.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me with my husband, my son, and our beautifully blended family, savoring life’s everyday moments here in Minneapolis–St. Paul (at least for now!). We’re relocating to Dallas, Texas in 2026 — and I’ll soon be offering my signature branding and dating photography experience in the DFW area.
📸 Ready for natural photos that actually feel like you? Whether you need dating photos, professional headshots, or personal branding portraits, I’ll guide you every step of the way so you feel confident and aligned with your next chapter. Let’s book your session today.
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