Online Dating Photography in Minneapolis: CBS News Spotlights Shannon O’Malley’s Story
On June 24, 2025, something pretty incredible happened:
CBS News (WCCO) featured my work — specifically my niche in online dating photography in Minneapolis — as part of a segment helping Minnesotans feel more confident and seen in their dating lives.
Since airing, the story has gained national attention, with the feature being picked up and shared by platforms including Yahoo! News, MSN, Newsbreak, and CNN NewsSource. It’s been humbling (and wildly exciting) to watch this niche — one I built from personal experience and a big heart — resonate across the country.
If you’d told me a few years ago I’d be standing in a park, photographing a client while a full news crew rolled cameras for a national story… I’d have laughed. And yet, here we are.
📺 Read and Watch the CBS News segment here →
The Unexpected Origin of My Online Dating Photography Business
I didn’t plan to build a photography business around dating profiles.
It all started… with me.
I was a single mom for years, navigating heartbreak, reinvention, and the slow process of remembering who I was. When I finally created new photos for my own dating profile — photos that felt like me — something shifted.
I wasn’t trying to look perfect.
I was trying to look real.
And from that place of honesty, I met my now-husband on Bumble at 42. We married at 45. But more than meeting him, I finally saw myself differently. That changed everything.
That’s when I realized I could help others do the same. Not just with “good photos,” but with a gentle, supportive experience that empowers people to be seen again — often for the first time in a long time.
Behind the Scenes: Online Dating Photography Session for CBS News
When WCCO reached out about covering online dating photography, I knew I didn’t want to stage anything. I wanted the segment to reflect what really happens during a session: nerves, laughter, truth, and transformation.
Alecia, a confident, quick-witted woman from Champlin, volunteered for the segment. We met at Boom Island Park — a vibrant Minneapolis backdrop that felt perfect for her story.
The wind was wild. Her laugh was louder.
And about halfway through, I saw it — the moment she forgot the camera was there.
That moment is what I always wait for.
Why I Said Yes to Being on Camera
If I’m honest, part of me wanted to say no.
It’s vulnerable being filmed, and my work is often about what happens between the moments, not just what’s visible.
But I said yes…
✔️ For the woman who doesn’t have a single photo she loves
✔️ For the man still using an old group shot because he doesn’t know what else to upload
✔️ For the person who’s just now deciding it’s time to stop hiding
Because this work isn’t about perfection.
It’s about presence.
This segment wasn’t just a business opportunity — it was a chance to share a bigger message about visibility, worthiness, and owning your story.
👉 Want a more personal look at how self-portraiture helped me heal? Read about my empowerment photography journey after a terrible breakup
What Online Dating Photography in Minneapolis Really Looks Like
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have a session with me, here’s the truth:
👉 It’s not about stiff poses
👉 It’s not about retouching your realness away
👉 It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not
It’s about showing up with your story — your eyes, your laugh, your quirks — and letting the lens capture your humanity. Whether you’re 30, 45, or 60+, this is about feeling proud to take up space again.
👉 Wondering if working with a professional is worth it? Here’s why hiring a photographer for your dating profile makes all the difference.
I see you.
And I help you see yourself too.
📸 Explore my dating photography packages here →
Why Online Dating Photography in Minneapolis Is Growing
Minneapolis is full of amazing people who are starting over, dating later in life, or navigating modern love with deeper intentions.
More people are choosing to work with a professional photographer because they know first impressions matter — and they’re ready to match with people who value authenticity.
Especially in apps like Bumble, Hinge, or Match, your photo does more than “look good.” It tells people how you show up — with confidence, warmth, and intention.
👉 Curious which apps are best for serious dating today? Check out this guide to the top dating apps for long-term relationships.
Client Love: Why Alecia Stepped Into the Frame
Alecia said yes to being filmed for CBS, not because it was easy — but because she, too, believes in this mission.
She wanted other women to see that dating photos don’t have to feel cringe or performative. They can feel like you.
They can help you reclaim your light — and even have fun doing it.
Boom Island Park gave us wind, laughter, and light.
The photos gave her something even bigger: a way to show up again.
Ready to Be Seen?
If you’ve been thinking about updating your profile — or simply wondering what it might feel like to be photographed in a way that feels safe, grounded, and real — let’s talk.
Whether you’re dating for the first time in years, reintroducing yourself after a breakup, or simply tired of hiding behind blurry selfies…
✨ You deserve photos that feel like home.
📸 Book a session with me →
🔗 Watch the CBS News feature →
Following her CBS News feature on dating photography, Shannon’s story was shared on MSN, Yahoo!, ABC17, LocalNews8, KESQ, KEYT, KRDO, and other major news platforms — reaching readers nationwide through local and national outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Dating Photography in Minneapolis
What should I wear to a dating profile photo session?
I’ll help you style outfits that feel true to you — soft layers, flattering cuts, and confidence-boosting fits that reflect your personality.
How long is a typical session?
Sessions range from 45 minutes – 3 hours, depending on the package. We’ll choose 2–3 locations and mix candid, lifestyle, and portrait-style images.
Do you help with posing?
Yes! You’ll never be left wondering what to do. I offer natural prompts and real-time direction so your photos feel organic — not awkward.
Can I use these photos for other platforms like LinkedIn or social media?
Absolutely. Many of my clients use their portraits across personal and professional platforms.
What if I’ve never been professionally photographed before?
That’s okay — most of my clients haven’t! My sessions are intentionally low-pressure, and I’ll guide you every step of the way.
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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.
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