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, 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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