Once upon a time, the sun was my photographic nemesis. Its harsh rays, unpredictable shadows, & the daunting challenge of capturing the essence of a moment without squinting eyes or washed-out colors made me dodge it like a vampire avoiding daylight🌞. But every hiccup is a potential harmony, right? So, I decided to confront my sun-induced fears head-on. It became a journey of discovery, a metamorphosis from sun-phobic to sun-whisperer, mastering natural light photography. Instead of avoiding the golden glow, I embraced it, lens flares and all!✨

Admittedly, my first attempts were comical. People squinting, overexposed shots, and shadows playing tricks on my subjects – it was a comedy of errors. But I didn’t give up. You know what I did? Studied the sun’s patterns, experimented with different times of the day, and gradually decoded its language 🕰️.
I use the Posica app ALL the time when getting ready for a photo session. I schedule my clients for a time that is going to be around sunset/golden hour. But I refer to THIS APP to get the most accurate times this will occur in my area and stay in contact with my clients about an adjusted start time based on golden hour. The Sun Calculator is at the bottom of the app.
Practice, they say, makes perfect. And boy, did I practice! I became a sun-chasing aficionado, mastering the delicate dance between light and shadow. The sun ceased to be an obstacle; instead, it became a collaborator, painting portraits with warm hues and casting enchanting silhouettes. 🌅
What fascinated me most was the dance between the sun and shadows. The interplay created a canvas of contrasts, turning a simple portrait into a symphony of tones. Learning to navigate this dynamic relationship became an art form that I now cherish. The sun, once my adversary, now adds depth, drama, and a touch of magic to my frames. 🎭


Fast forward to today, and the sun is my new favorite obsession. Its warmth, its glow, and the stories it weaves into my photography have become my signature. I’m not just capturing images; I’m capturing moments bathed in the golden glow of trust and expertise. ☀️

So here’s to embracing challenges, conquering fears, and evolving into a sun-whisperer. Trust me to frame your moments, basking in the radiant embrace of the sun’s artistry. Let’s chase sunsets together and turn your portraits into sun-kissed masterpieces! 📸✨
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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.
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