Your Authentic Self and Your Personal Brand
Creating your Authentic Self and Your Personal Brand. I am a photographer and artist, who runs my own business, and as a result, I have discovered how important it is to create your own authenticity to “stand out” in such a saturated world of creatives. Most importantly, I have learned to stand by and not stray from or do anything to compromise that authenticity of mine.
No matter what industry you are in (business owner, artist, photographer, job applicant, student, stay-at-home mom), I am convinced that big opportunities happen when you build an authentic brand.
And How Do You Build/Create Your Authentic Self and Your Personal Brand?
“We already have everything we need. There is no need for self improvement”
~Pema Chodron
- You hold within everything you need. No need for self improvement or to compare yourself with others and when it comes to creating a personal brand, YOU are the content. A personal brand is how we show the world who we are and what makes us unique. It is how people recognize us, and how people will remember us.
During a recent branding portrait session, I asked my client what made her choose me out of all the others out there. She told me that it was my creativity that stood out and made her choose me. I was like, BAM! Mission accomplished!! 🙂
~Me
- My ultimate wish for you all is that you are able to spend your days doing what you love, this results in taking some time to identify your personal passions. Dig deep and lay claim to your unique strengths and abilities. If you’re not sure, think back to what you used to love as a kid, those activities you could spend hours on and you were SO in the zone that time flew by. Chances are, these types of memories will provide a hint at some of your passions; and it may be time to reconnect with them.
Not one person in the entire world is just like you, and that sets your brand apart – it’s valuable! That is what makes it so important to build a brand that truly reflects our authentic selves. Investing in your authentic self and your personal brand will make your careers fun and satisfying, as well as positions you for our greatest success.
The hard work we put in and the good decision making that we make day in and day out is what lays the foundation for how others ultimately see us. Remember to remain true to your authenticity in doing so; people connect with people.
- Create a website. If you are interested in building a personal brand, then you should have a website that communicates what makes you great. In creating your site, remember that visual elements are key. Check for consistency in fonts, colors, logo, headshots. I personally use Squarespace. I find that their templates flow beautifully and are easy to use. (Edited to add that as of now, 2021, I use Showit and love it even more!!)
- Headshots: Do they convey the message you want to send?
- Consistency: The messaging and the aesthetics should feel consistent across social platforms, resulting in eye pleasing content.
- Authenticity: Overall, does our feed feel like a reflection of you?
A personal brand evolves and grows with you, so experiment, have fun with it, and let it be a long-term process that ultimately helps you get to know yourself better 🙂
How I can Help YOU
Tell me about yourself and what you do and let’s talk about how you want people to feel when they see your images on your website or social channels. Show me your website you are working on or the color scheme you are wanting to work with because I want to create your vision for you!
Professional Branding Portraits don’t have to be stressful!. We will have fun. Yes, FUN! We’ll glide through your session naturally and have a good time doing it!
Below are the rest of the images from my recent Professional Branding Portrait Session:
NOW OFFERING DATING PROFILE PORTRAITS IN THE TWIN CITIES!
Are you looking for love here in the Twin Cities? Creating a standout collection of dating photos for those top-tier matches on dating apps can feel like a daunting task when you’re flying solo.
But fear not! When you choose me as your dating profile photographer, it’s not just about snapping a bunch of pictures. It’s a personalized journey where I guide you through every step, ensuring your online dating photos radiate authenticity and magnetism.
From curating the perfect outfit to exuding confidence on camera, and cherry-picking the créme de la créme of dating photos for your revamped profile – you won’t have to navigate this alone. Just relax, and let’s embark on this dating profile transformation together!
I met my husband on Bumble 5 1/2 years ago! So I totally get how the process works and understand how important pictures are! If you’re putting effort into your business headshots, you should also (and more importantly) be putting that same thought and care into your personal brand/headshot!
Magnetic portraits for modern dating, branding, & beyond
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.
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