I help people who feel awkward on camera show up confidently in dating photos — without forced poses or pretending to be someone they’re not. Dating insights featured on CBS News (WCCO). About Me →
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I help people who feel awkward on camera show up confidently in dating photos — without forced poses or pretending to be someone they’re not. Dating insights featured on CBS News (WCCO)
In a world where we often mask our struggles behind smiles and filtered photos, it’s crucial to highlight stories that matter. Enter the story of Gabby (Gabriella) Welsch, a tale of resilience, bravery, and a relentless fight against the shadows of mental health. Today, I invite you to join me on a journey to shed light on mental health awareness and support Gabby in her quest for a magazine cover and scholarship. Every vote counts; together, we can make a significant impact.

Gabby is not just a name; it’s a symbol of courage. Indeed, she has faced the darkest corners of her mind, battling suicidal thoughts and confronting the challenges of borderline personality disorder. Through it all, she has emerged as a beacon of hope and an advocate for open conversations about this relentless fight against the shadows of mental health.



In her pursuit of purpose, Gabby turned to poetry. Furthermore, she found solace in words, using them to inspire others to express themselves authentically, judgment-free. Her poetry is a testament to her belief that beauty can be found in the transformation of pain. As a result, she’s a living example of how art can heal and help remove the stigma surrounding mental health.

In Gabby’s interview with Inspiring Teens Magazine she said, “I first started writing poetry in 7th grade. What prompted my first poem was the heartache I felt toward a boy, and writing about it helped me through it. One of my favorite poems happens to be one of my darkest poems, it was a poem about a trauma of mine. During the process of writing that poem, I felt I was able to articulate feelings I wasn’t even aware of and turn them into dancing metaphors. The poem is so special to me because I turned something that tore me apart into something beautiful. READ MORE HERE
Our collaboration brought Gabby’s unique vision to life during her senior photo shoot. This was a journey of creativity and self-expression, and the resulting photos reflect her individuality beautifully. These images are not just photographs; they are windows into a soul that refuses to be defined by its struggles.
However, Gabby’s journey doesn’t end here. She’s now a part of the Inspiring Teens Magazine Contest, where she has a chance to secure the cover spread and a scholarship. This recognition is not just a personal triumph; it’s a platform to amplify the message she carries – a message of hope, resilience, and the power of art to heal.



Curious about my Custom Senior Portrait Experience? Check out my blog posts on Unleashing Individuality: Unique Senior Portraits with Creative Flair and Embracing Your Senior Year with Confidence: A Unique Senior Portrait Experience. Other helpful links: ABOUT ME | PORTFOLIO | INVESTMENT
I invite you to stand with me in support of Gabby’s journey. If you’re able, consider casting your vote in the Inspiring Teens Magazine Contest. Your vote not only boosts Gabby’s chances of winning but also brings attention to the critical issue of mental health awareness and the relentless fight against against the shadows surrounding it.
Voting is simple and impactful. Each vote is $5, and the proceeds contribute to a scholarship that could significantly impact Gabby’s future. By voting, you become a part of Gabby’s story, her art, and her message of hope.
If you can vote, that’s fantastic, and your support is invaluable. Please find the voting link HERE.
A) VOTE as many times as you’d like but spreading them out works too since the teens need a certain amount of votes per day to move on to the next daily round.
B) Post her voting link using any information in this post to go along with it.
C) Think of people you know in the following circles and send them an email or direct message:

If voting isn’t an option for you, that’s perfectly fine. I still encourage you to read and share Gabby’s inspiring interview with Inspiring Teens Magazine, which you can also find RIGHT HERE. Her words have the power to touch hearts, and sharing her story can create ripples of awareness about mental health.
Inspiring Teens is an organization that runs teen leadership programs for teens across the globe out of our Warrington, PA, USA studio. The magazine is one of our “by teens for teens”. They also host many teen events and use the magazine as well as other fundraisers to keep our leadership programs running as well as their annual awards show so they can continue to provide these opportunities to so many well deserving teens across the world!
Gabby’s story deserves recognition, and her voice needs to be heard. By voting for her in the Inspiring Teens Magazine contest, you’re not just supporting one individual; you’re contributing to a larger movement of breaking the silence around mental health. Your vote can help her secure a scholarship that will open doors to new opportunities and education.
If Gabby were to place in the Inspiring Teen Contest – or even win! – this contest would launch her poetry book’s success to incredible levels. The visibility would be astounding – but more important is the idea that her poetry would shed light on what it is like to live with BPD and other diagnoses which will have a beautiful ripple effect.

In a world that often shies away from discussing mental health, Gabby’s bravery shines as a guiding light. Her journey is a testament to the power of art, resilience, and the human spirit. By voting for Gabby in Inspiring Teens Magazine’s contest, you’re not just supporting her; you’re promoting mental health awareness and giving a voice to countless others who may be struggling in silence.
Let’s come together, VOTE, and make a positive change. Gabby’s story deserves to be told on the cover of a magazine, and your vote can make it happen. Join me in this important mission, and together, we can inspire and empower. #VoteForGabby #MentalHealthMatters #InspiringTeens


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.
October 7, 2023

Twin Cities Online Dating & Branding Photographer
Helping singles feel confident, seen, and chosen.
Serving Minneapolis–St. Paul through Spring 2026
Travel sessions available nationwide • Dallas launching Summer 2026
Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN
Edina • Eagan • Maple Grove
Woodbury • White Bear Lake & beyond
Dallas–Fort Worth (Launching Summer 2026)
Trusted by Twin Cities singles using Bumble, Hinge & OurTime
hello@shannonkathleenphotography.com
Twin Cities online dating photographer helping Minneapolis–St. Paul singles create dating photos that work.
As seen on CBS News / WCCO, Bella Grace & Newsbreak
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