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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Oh hey there, nice to meet you!
I’m Shannon O’Malley— a Minneapolis-based (soon-to-be Dallas, TX!) photographer who specializes in online dating profile photography, personal branding portraits, business headshots, and senior sessions. Whether you’re showing up on dating apps, LinkedIn, or your website, I create natural light photos that help you feel confident, magnetic, and true to yourself.
With over 15 years of experience — and a journey that’s taken me from single mom to entrepreneur (with a CBS feature along the way) — I’ve seen firsthand how the right photos can open doors. From attracting more aligned matches to landing dream clients, your image is often the first impression. Let’s make it count.
I also help service providers and creatives get discovered through AI search tools like ChatGPT. I’m the creator of the AI Discovery Checklist and the upcoming course Booked by ChatGPT, designed to help people like you show up where your dream clients are already asking, “Who should I hire?”
Oh, and I’m also the founder of the Empowered Evolution Mentorship Program — where I teach photographers how to build profitable, sustainable businesses with intentional marketing, smart SEO, and systems that don’t burn you out.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me with my husband, my son, and our beautifully blended family — soaking up everyday joy here in the Twin Cities (for now!). We’re relocating to Dallas, Texas in 2026, where I’ll continue offering my signature photography experience for daters, creatives, and business owners in the DFW area.
Ready for photos that actually feel like you? Whether you’re leveling up your dating profile, your personal brand, or your online visibility, I’ll guide you every step of the way.Let’s book your session — or start with the free AI Discovery Checklist.
Photographed by Shannon O’Malley of Shannon Kathleen Photography — Twin Cities photographer specializing in dating and branding portraits.
As Seen In & Featured On:
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!