QUERENCIA – BE YOUR MOST AUTHENTIC SELF
You might be asking yourself, “What on Earth does QUERENCIA mean???”
“QUERENCIA defined means:
(n) a place from which one’s strength is drawn, where one feels at home; the place where you are your most authentic self.”
pronunciation /ke rensia
What’s with this word?? Well, this year a group of photography friends and I each decided to pick one word to focus on for 2018, whether it had to do with life in general or photography or both.
Picking one word for the year is designed to move us beyond the cycle of the litany of imperfections to be perfected in the “New Year”. This experiment is to challenge us to lose the long list of changes we want to make and to instead make this the year we pick ONE WORD to focus on.
When I stumbled upon the word Querencia, it truly resonated with me! I had been telling myself for a few months that I really need to continue to work on remaining true and authentic to myself in my personal life and especially in my photography business life … as weird, wacky, and out of the box that may be 😉
I literally woke up on New Years Day with this vision in mind … I crawled right out of bed, set up my camera next to my bedroom window, put a dark sheet on my wall, then got loose, wacky, and weird! I even did a “I’m a little tea pot” motion … hahaha! (See the images below)
Cheers to a New Year!! A year filled with you being YOU!
“So you’re a little weird? WORK it! A little different? OWN it! Better to be a nerd than one of the herd!” -Mandy Hale
OTHER NEWS:
I have joined up with a few of the most amazingly talented women to start a 10 on 10 Blog — We will each be writing and posting a blog showcasing 10 images on the 10th of every month. This is designed this so you can loop through all the group members to see their AWESOME work too!! NOW if you would like to see what these marvelous women have been up to, start by heading over to the incredible Emilee of Emilee Rose Films!!! OHMYGOODNESS her lifestyle work is outstanding!! And maybe you should also follow her on Facebook 😉
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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.
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Your weird is fabulous Shannon!! So excited to be part of this circle with you and see more of your amazing creativity! Thank you for sharing your art. <3
Oh my goodness shannon! You are crazy talented!! I love these!
These are so cool!
SO incredibly stunning my dear amazing friend!! You are such an inspiration and I just love you to the moon and back!
I’m in awe! Love your work, love your words and I have already learned so much about things I need to work on just from scrolling through your site. Excited to get to know you more!