From single mom to married-at-45 after updating my dating photos, I’ve lived what I now photograph.
Today, I help real people show up with clarity, confidence, and magnetism — online and in life.
Currently serving the Twin Cities, relocating to Dallas, TX in June 2026
— Your dating & branding photographer for bold, confident portraits
Hi, I'm Shannon
see dating packages & Book a session
Explore all sessions
Photos should do more than look polished — they should feel like you. The real you. The one who laughs too loud, loves hard, or is quietly thoughtful. My goal is to capture that version of you — the version that doesn’t just look good on camera, but feels magnetic in real life.
With over 15 years behind the lens, I’ve learned that confidence comes less from “perfect poses” and more from the experience of feeling safe, guided, and genuinely seen. That’s what I bring to every session — calm direction, styling support, and a process designed to take the pressure off so you can simply show up.
Whether it’s dating photos, branding, or a season of life you want to honor, I’m here to create portraits that tell your story honestly — not just the highlight reel.
That’s why my clients don’t just leave with photos—they leave with more matches, more confidence, + more opportunities to connect.
A grounded, empowering approach to to being seen
The same shift that changed my life is why I now help others. Ready for your own transformation? See Sessions.
In my 40s, I found myself back in the dating world—nervous, hopeful, and vulnerable all at once. Updating my own profile photos was a turning point. Those images didn’t just help me meet my husband (on Bumble!)—they helped me see myself differently.
For the first time in years, I felt confident, soft, and deeply self-respecting. That shift changed how I carried myself in life—and it inspired the work I do today.
This all started with my own transformation
When it comes to dating profile photography, I’m proud to be the #1 ranked photographer on Google in Minneapolis–St. Paul—a spot I’ve earned by helping hundreds of singles step into the frame with confidence + clarity.
My work has also been featured on CBS, WCCO, CNN NewsSource, and Bella Grace Magazine, and I’m trusted by coaches like Blaine Anderson to help her clients look the part with confidence.
But honestly? The best recognition comes from my clients who say things like: “These photos were a turning point — I left my session seeing myself differently than ever before.”
Whether you’re rediscovering yourself, reentering the dating world, or launching a brand, I’m here to help you show up fully + magnetically.
Trusted by real people — and recognized across the Twin Cities
as seen in:
Intentional
Collaborative, Not Posed
Relaxed direction
Confidence Coaching Built In
Story-driven
Magnetic energy
Zero fluff
My Approach
I’m not the kind of photographer who’ll tell you to “smile bigger” or pose like someone you’re not. Instead, I coach you into confidence that feels natural in your body — the kind that actually shows up in your photos.
My sessions are relaxed, collaborative, and magnetic because they reflect you — not a curated version of what you think people want to see. If you’re after photos that feel honest, grounded, and real, you’re in the right place.
To be completely honest, I'm not like all the rest...
When I’m not behind the camera...
Photos are my craft —
but connection is my calling
You’ll usually find me with a coffee in hand, notebook nearby, and a true-crime podcast playing in the background. I love handwritten notes, everyday beauty, and people who tell the truth with humor.
Photography is my craft — but holding space for your growth, your bold return, or your new beginning? That’s my favorite part.
1. José González - Heartbeats
2. Espresso, Sabrina Carpenter
3. Hot To Go!, Chappel Roan
4. 360, Charli XCX
6. listening on repeat
1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park
2. Afton State Park
3. Taylors Falls
4. Wherever nature takes me
5. favorite hiking spots
4. love to spend weekends...
3. next on my bucket list
a. Vanderpump
b. Survivor
c. Dexter
d. Real Housewives
2. TV guilty pleasure
a. coffee
b. tea
c. wine
d. all of the above
1. Drink of choice
Let's see if we have anything in common...
Ireland
Resting + Relaxing
Ok, just a few more fun facts about me!
Hiking
Coffee
A good Old Fashioned
Peanut Butter Whiskey
Shorts + Flip Flops
Self-Help Books
Serial Killer Crime Stories
Exploring new places
Baz Luhrmann Movies
Watching Golf
Reality TV
Cold weather
Spiders
Forced smiles
Chocolate
Listening to someone chew
Bees
Cheesy holidays
Centipedes
IPA Beer
Things I Love...
cringe-worthy...
I’m honored to be a recommended photographer by Blaine Anderson, one of the most respected dating coaches for men today. Blaine’s clients trust her to help them date with confidence — and she trusts me to help them look the part.
Real words from real people I’ve had the honor of photographing—
because it’s not just about the photos. It’s about how they felt.
Client Love
"Working with Shannon was easy and enjoyable from start to finish. The session felt natural (not awkward at all!) and I was surprised how quickly I got my photos back. I finally have dating photos I actually love."
— Katherine B., Dating Photos
Not awkward at all
“I was navigating a major life transition when I booked with Shannon. She held space for the messy middle and helped me see myself differently. I can’t recommend this enough.”
— Kevin T, Dating Photos
It Was Honestly Healing
She Nailed My Energy!
“I’m pretty low-key, but I didn’t want boring photos. Shannon captured my vibe so naturally. No fake smiles, no awkward posing—just real, scroll-stopping shots.”
— Xavier A, Dating Portraits
“…and I’m so glad I did. I wasn’t even sure I was photogenic. But from our first call, Shannon made me feel seen, understood, and totally at ease. Now my dating profile feels like me.”
— Brittany, Dating Portraits
I Found Her While Googling ‘Dating Photographer Near Me’…
“I honestly thought I just needed one good picture. What Shannon gave me was a whole new sense of self. I felt confident and relaxed—and the results show it.”
— Jon, Magnetic Experience Client
So Much More Than Just Photos
“I walked in unsure and left with clarity, direction, and a renewed creative spark.”
— Ginny, Photographer & Mentorship Student
RENEWED MY CREATIVE SPARK
“I finally see myself the way I always hoped to—confident, approachable, and real. Shannon put me completely at ease.”
— Lynn, Online Dating Portraits
CONFIDENCE I DIDN’T KNOW I HAD
CAPTURED HER SPIRIT, NOT JUST HER SMILE
“These photos showed who my daughter truly is. Shannon captured her spirit—not just her smile.”
— Cheryl, Senior Session (Mom)
“These headshots actually look and feel like me. They changed how I show up online.”
— David, Business Coach & Branding Client
FEELS LIKE THE REAL ME
“Shannon made me feel confident for the first time in years. My photos literally sparked a connection.”
— Ryan, Dating Portraits
SPARKED A REAL CONNECTION
“As first-time parents, we had no idea what to expect—but Shannon made it easy and truly captured our daughter’s personality. We can’t wait to book again.”
— Lisa, Senior Session (Mom)
SHE MADE IT EASY + FUN
Have a story to tell? Whether you're marking a milestone or simply capturing this chapter of life, I’d be honored to help you preserve it with honesty and heart. It all begins with a simple note.
Beautiful Stories, Photographed Across Minnesota
Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul & Surrounding Areas
To create portraits that help people see themselves differently—more fully, more tenderly, and more confidently.
I believe photography isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence.
And when someone finally feels safe enough to stop performing… that’s when the most honest, magnetic images happen.
Whether it’s for an online dating profile, a professional headshot, or just for yourself, my vision is to help you show up—and be seen—for who you really are.
At Shannon Kathleen Photography, my mission is simple:
To help real people feel seen, safe, and confident in front of the camera.
Whether you're preparing for online dating, a professional headshot, or a portrait just for you—I create a space where you can show up fully, without pressure or performance.
I use natural light, relaxed direction, and thoughtful storytelling to capture more than just a polished photo. My work is about reflection. Confidence. And helping you reconnect with the version of yourself that feels true.
This isn’t about forced poses or chasing perfection.
It’s about creating images that look and feel like you—on your best day.
My goal is to offer an experience that’s grounded, personalized, and emotionally meaningful. Every session is a collaboration built on trust, creative care, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel proud of how they show up in the world—online and off.
That’s why every session is built on trust, comfort, and collaboration.
I create space for you to show up as you are—whether you’re camera-shy, curious, or somewhere in between. You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to be “photogenic.” You just need to feel safe.
My work celebrates real people from all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life. Everyone’s story is different, and I approach each session with the curiosity and respect it deserves.
- ✨ Inclusivity is not a trend here—it’s the standard.
- ✨ Vulnerability is welcome.
- ✨ And your story, however quiet or bold, is always enough.
I believe in honest connection, creative freedom, and working with integrity. Whether we’re capturing your online dating portraits, your next professional chapter, or a personal moment just for you, I’m here to document your truth with empathy, artistry, and care.
This is a collaborative experience—not a photoshoot, but a process of being seen.
And I’m honored to walk alongside you in it.
My mission
Culture Statment
My Vision
Whether you're stepping into a new season or simply celebrating who you are today—I'm here to document the real you with warmth, ease, and artistry.