It’s astonishing, and unfortunately it’s a reality more often than not, that professional men and women have a waaaaaay outdated headshot or have a hazy iPhone selfie appearing on websites. Or none at all for that matter.
Even though our iPhones take high-res images, the quality is still not good enough to satisfy the professional headshot need. What does an old iPhone snap or using a plain headshot you had taken 6 years ago say about your personal brand???
By investing in contemporary, professional images that reflect who you truly are, you are setting the tone for your personal brand from the moment your connections lay eyes on you.
What is a Professional Branding Portrait? It is a portrait of yourself that represents YOU. The most prominent business owners understand the importance of branding their business effectively. Your personal brand is individual: it’s how people think of you as a person – who you are, how you act, your own capabilities and how you are perceived in the marketplace.
Personal branding images should reflect you, your ethos, your values and your personality. After all, your headshot is your handshake in today’s digital world. People are effectively choosing you when they choose your company so personal branding is absolutely critical to effective leadership and success. They define you as a leader and gives you a chance to tell your story.
Do you, as a professional working woman or man, have a color headshot that has been taken professionally in the last 2 or 3 years? Ones in which you hold the rights to use as you see fit and have the high-resolution files to??
If you were to be selected to speak at an event, be featured in a magazine, or chosen to receive an award, would you have an image of yourself that you could provide to the organization or media? One that is up to date? The washed-out color, more than a decade old clothes or hairstyles, fewer wrinkles, or poor quality may give you away of having outdated and/or unprofessional appearing headshots 😉
When you have up to date headshots (branding portraits) of yourself you are showing those in your profession or those that are seeking your skills that YOU make yourself a PRIORITY to show yourself in the best light and will therefore in turn make those who want your services a priority as well.
Most of us are self-conscious about having our photo taken. This is NORMAL! I like to have fun with my clients. Yes, FUN! All of my on-location sessions are spontaneous and unplanned. We’ll glide through your session naturally and have a good time doing it! Self-conscious or not, we must make this (us) a priority in our busy worlds.
I never want you to have to choose your favorite images and I never want to restrict the images I edit and place in your gallery. My style of photography results in a collection of beautiful and creative images that speak to you and represent YOU.
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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