Shannon Kathleen Photography

The New Normal: Navigating The Strange World of Shelter In Place

The New Normal has undoubtedly thrust us into a surreal existence, where uncertainty seems to be the only constant. In a world teetering on the edge of the bizarre, we find ourselves grappling with circumstances beyond our control. As the quote aptly puts it, we’re striving to maintain sanity in a reality that borders on the insane, all while feeling the echoes of loneliness and distance from those we hold dear.

Navigating through the uncertainties of this Global Pandemic, each of us carves our unique path of coping. From the frantic hoarders of toilet paper to those paralyzed by fear and anxiety, and then there are those resilient souls striving to stay calm and practice self-care amid the chaos. It’s a tapestry of responses woven into the fabric of our “New Normal,” a phrase that has become both a descriptor and a challenge.

Amidst this chaos, Shannon Kathleen Photography stands as a beacon, ready to capture the nuances of your journey through this uncharted territory. Our lens seeks not just to freeze moments but to crystallize the strength, resilience, and even the vulnerability that this new reality brings. Let’s navigate the uncertainties together, turning these moments into a visual chronicle of our shared experiences, reminding us that even in the face of the “New Normal,” there is still beauty, connection, and a story waiting to be told.

“All over the world, people are being quarantined and are being compelled to practice social distancing. We are trying to desperately to remain sane in a world that seems bordering on the insane. So, the time is just right for us to ponder, reflect, meditate, and discover the world within our own minds.”
– Avijeet Das

Take time to reflect on your life as it has been and as you’d like to see it going forward. Let’s ponder on how we can be and do just a little better for ourselves and our children. Let’s create some meaningful moments! This is something we can control and can do during a Pandemic.

“The storm is out there and every one of us must eventually face the storm. When the storm comes, pray that it will shake you to your roots and break you wide-open. Being broken open by the storm is your only hope. When you are broken open you get to discover for the first time what is inside you. Some people never get to see what is inside them; what beauty, what strength, what truth and love. They were never broken open by the storm. So, don’t run from your pain — run into your pain. Let life’s storm shatter you.” — Bryant McGill

In This New Normal, What Have You Discovered about yourself over the last few weeks?

What meaningful moments have you created?

“We will come out of this storm. In the coming days, we have to stay calm and confident. And for sure, we will overcome this moment of despair. How long this will last cannot be ascertained. But the one thing that we can be sure of is that we will not be the same anymore. Hopefully, we would have changed for the better. This is the way of life. This is how life teaches us its lessons.”

— Avijeet Das

During This New Normal, We can only hope that we will indeed come out better after all of this.

Below I will list a few things that have helped me through this strange and distant time.

One that has helped keep things in perspective for me is listening to a new Podcast by Brene Brown called Unlocking Us. You can find the full Podcast HERE. She has this amazing ability to say things as they are and allow you to feel and find comfort in that. Plus, it’s actually quite entertaining!

Words of Brene Brown from her latest episode: - “Three learnings that have been life-shifting for me:1. Anxiety is one of the most contagious emotions - that’s why it always takes down groups of people, not just individuals.2. Calm is also contagious, but it’s a daily intention and practice.3. We all have patterned ways of dealing with anxiety that are often set up in our first families. Understanding how and why can set us free.” — Words of Brene Brown from an earlier episode:

“Three learnings that have been life-shifting for me:

1. Anxiety is one of the most contagious emotions – that’s why it always takes down groups of people, not just individuals.

2. Calm is also contagious, but it’s a daily intention and practice.

3. We all have patterned ways of dealing with anxiety that are often set up in our first families. Understanding how and why can set us free.”

But, seriously, go listen to ALL the episodes!

List Continued:

Zoom! Talking with multiple friends and family at once and enjoying Happy Hour together!
Another fun app is Houseparty! You can find it HERE. This is similar to Zoom where you can have multiple people on at a time, but you can also play games and join in on anyone’s conversation without being invited 😉
Listening to one of my favorite music artists: Jose Gonzalez. Below is one of his videos on Youtube OR click HERE (https://youtu.be/ik_BQYbbZ5U)

Stay happy, stay safe, and stay healthy.

Find peace and joy in at least one thing a day.

Create some meaningful moments during this New Normal.

Shannon OMalley

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.

www.shannonkathleenphotography.com