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)
Self-portrait gear essentials are more than just tools—in fact, they’re creative companions that support your journey toward visual storytelling and self-discovery. Whether you’re just beginning your self-portrait journey or working to refine your craft further, the right self-portrait accessories and thoughtful techniques can completely transform your results. Ultimately, it’s not just what you shoot with—it’s how you use your tools to express your inner world and bring your creative vision to life. From my Nikon D750 to my dreamy Lensbaby collection, here’s a breakdown of the gear and self-portrait tips that empower my most inspired shots.
✨ Plus, scroll down to grab a FREE GUIDE with 11 Expert Self-Portrait Tips!
This blog contains affiliate links – As an Amazon Associate , I earn from qualifying purchases
So, who is this guide really for? If any of the following sound like you, then you’re exactly where you need to be:
Now that we’ve covered the why, let’s dive into the gear that supports both technical excellence and artistic magic.

Nikon D5100
My journey began here (2012 – Late 2017). Its swiveling screen made it a gem for self-portraits—and one of my top early self-portrait accessories. This crop sensor camera served me faithfully for five years, capturing countless moments and laying the foundation for my passion. One function on this camera that was my favorite was the swiveling view screen; it was perfect for self-portraits!
Nikon D750
(2017 – Present) While it lacks a flip screen, I use the Nikon “Wireless Mobile Utility” app (WMU), transforming my phone into a remote with a live view.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry about having the fanciest camera—your vision matters more than the gear.
You can visit and purchase most of the below here on my Amazon Storefront.
Crop Sensor: One notable difference lies in the field of view. Crop sensors have a narrower perspective, effectively multiplying the focal length of the lens. This means that a 50mm lens on a crop sensor might behave more like an 80mm lens.
Full-frame cameras, by contrast, offer a significantly wider field of view. As a result, the focal length of the lens remains true, delivering a broader perspective—making these cameras especially ideal for landscape and wide-angle shots.

1. Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art (Until 2022):
2. Tamron 35mm 1.4



3. Lensbaby Velvet 56:







4. The Lensbaby Composer Pro II w/ Edge 80 Optic and 35mm Sweet Optic are Another Must in My Self-Portrait Gear Essentials:



5. Vintage Helios (A Lens From Russia!):


Learning the art of self-portraiture serves as a powerful catalyst for developing & sharpening photography skills while fostering a deeper sense of authenticity. Start today! Do NOT miss this authenticity-boosting challenge!

6. Nikkor 28mm f/2.0 AI-S Manual Lens:
🎯 Each lens offers its own creative voice—pair them with your intention for every shoot.

My fondness for Lensbaby lenses stems from my appreciation for perfectly imperfect images, helping me to creatively embrace imperfections in my self-portraits. The Velvet 56 lens by Lensbaby, in particular, has become my trusted companion, bringing a dreamy and artistic quality to my self-portraits. Use my referral code: WOmalley to save 10%! (The code is not eligible on sale items or new releases unless specified otherwise.)
Natural light is my preferred companion in the self-portrait journey. Its ability to sculpt scenes and cast enchanting shadows adds a layer of authenticity to my images.
Self-portrait photography is about more than gear—it’s about self-expression and confidence. If you’re ready to explore tools that nourish your mind as well as your art, sign up for my Self-Help Book Newsletter.
✨ When you join, you’ll receive:
Yes, really. Wrap a clear sandwich bag around your lens for glowing light leaks and dreamy haze. This is one of my favorite secret self-portrait accessories!


Add flare and reflections that look like visual poetry. A top pick for bold, artistic vibes. You can find the ones I own HERE.

In this video, you’ll see how the LensFX Toolset by Archipelago transforms simple self-portraits into extraordinary works of art. With dreamy light leaks, cinematic flares, and vintage-inspired effects, LensFX takes your creative vision to the next level—effortlessly.
The best part? These tools are so intuitive, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Watch as I use LensFX to add that extra wowto my shots!
✨ Pro Tip: Get your free Archipelago membership with my ambassador link and save big on LensFX. Membership unlocks exclusive discounts, so don’t miss out!
Press play, and let’s make magic with every shot!
Tripods provide a stable foundation for those longer exposure shots and intricate compositions. Any kind works! I have a cheap one off Amazon!
The early days saw me utilizing the 10-second timer; later, I added a wireless remote for more flexibility – I purchased it off amazon and made sure it was specifically for Nikon. Now I rely on the Nikon “Wireless Mobile Utility” app (WMU), transforming my phone into a remote with a live view.
If you are NOT a Nikon user, I’d encourage you to research your brand and which wireless remote can be used with your exact camera body. Canon users – I have heard there is a Canon Camera Connect App. Many camera brands have apps that do a similar thing!
Utilizing a self-timer demands a bit of patience, requiring you to navigate back and forth to the camera to activate it for each shot. A helpful tip is to fixate your attention on an object, whether it’s a stool, tripod, light stand, a plant, stuffed animal, pillow, or even a cooperative family member. To streamline the process, consider replacing yourself with the chosen object just before the timer initiates. This tactic minimizes the need for constant adjustments and ensures a smoother self-portrait capture!
Struggling with posing or building confidence in front of the lens? These 3 tools have helped me—and many others—build momentum and magic in their self-portrait routines.
Mindset matters. This toolkit is packed with confidence-building rituals and prep practices to get you in the zone for your next self-portrait session.
One creative prompt per day to keep your inspiration flowing. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure what to shoot next, this challenge is for you.
Full of simple poses, facial expressions, and framing ideas—designed to remove the guesswork and boost natural self-expression.
Here are a few simple but powerful self-portrait tips that have transformed my process:
Still looking for direction? Don’t miss my free PDF download:
“Unleash the Power of Self-Portraiture with 11 Expert Tips”—a roadmap from self-doubt to soulful imagery.
✨ Download it here and take your first (or next) creative leap.

The best self-portrait gear essentials are the ones that support your story. Whether it’s a cheap tripod, a dreamy Lensbaby, or a sandwich bag taped to your lens—each tool adds to your artistic voice.
But ultimately, you are the magic. Your story, your expression, your presence in the frame.
Want to deepen that journey? Join my Self-Help Book Newsletter for creative and personal growth inspiration. Sign up here and let’s keep growing—inside and out.

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.
Creative Portraiture, Photography Tips and Tutorials, Self Portrait Education, Self Portraits, Self-Worth
February 28, 2024

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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