A MODEL BEAUTY
A COLLABORATIVE LIFESTYLE PHOTO SHOOT BY SHANNON KATHLEEN PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURING mary.so.contrary
3 weeks ago I received a private message on Instagram from a model beauty named Mary asking me if I was available that day for a collaborative lifestyle photo session. She just happened to be in the area visiting from Arizona. I inquired with her how she discovered me and she stated she found me through the hashtag #stpaulphotographer on Instagram 🙂 So, keep hash tagging people!! You just never know what opportunity may arise because of it 🙂
At first I didn’t know what to think because now a days you never know if someone is trying to trick you!! But, I did my research on her personal Instagram profile and she seemed legit 😉
We both took a risk meeting up … and to our delight, neither of us turned out to be a creepy man trying to catfish the other 😉
Mary wanted her session to take place in St. Paul, MN. She was looking to have images taken in a downtown setting and in a St. Paul neighborhood. I suggested Lower-town St. Paul, MN for our city shots and then the neighborhoods along Summit Avenue in St. Paul, MN
This girl was an absolute dream to work with!! We spent the golden hours of the evening walking around intertwining her beauty along with natures beauty.
Enjoy the following images!
All color images edited using SMAL Rose presets by www.svenmalojlo.de/presets
Black and White images edited using the “Glory” preset by http://pppsactionsandmore.bigcartel.com/product/whole-store-sale or the Black 06 preset by http://tribearchipelago.com/product/lxc/
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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