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.
I’m Shannon O’Malley, founder of Shannon Kathleen Photography, a natural-light online dating and branding photography studio serving Minneapolis–St. Paul and soon Dallas, TX.
Hi, I’m Shannon.
Your Dating & Branding Photographer for Bold, Confident Portraits
Online Dating & Branding Photographer in Minneapolis–St. Paul (Relocating to Dallas TX in 2026)
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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 yrs behind the lens, I’ve learned that confidence comes less from “perfect poses” and more from the experience of feeling safe, guided, + genuinely seen. That’s what I bring to every session — calm direction, styling support, + 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.
Shannon O’Malley is a natural-light photographer helping Twin Cities and Dallas clients feel confident, relaxed, and authentically seen—both on and off camera.
A Grounded, Empowering Approach to Online Dating & Branding Photography
Now, I help others do the same — through portraits that feel like truth, not performance.
Ready for your own transformation? See Sessions.
I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a photographer — I grew into it through the lens of my own reinvention. After years as a single mom, I stepped in front of the camera at 42 to update my dating profile — and it changed everything. Those photos helped me see myself differently… and led to meeting my husband on Bumble.
For the first time in years, I felt confident, soft, and deeply self-respecting. That shift changed how I carried myself — and it naturally began shaping the kind of photography I wanted to create for others.
I’d already been photographing people for years, but this experience gave my work new meaning. It showed me how powerful the right photo can be when someone is ready to be seen fully — not as a persona, but as themselves.
This All Started with My Own Transformation — The Shift That Redefined My Work
When it comes to dating profile photography, I’m proud to be the #1-ranked photographer on Google in Minneapolis–St. Paul — a recognition earned by helping hundreds of singles step into the frame with confidence and clarity.
My work has also been featured on CBS, WCCO, CNN NewsSource, and Bella Grace Magazine. 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, orlaunching a brand, Shannon O’Malley of Shannon Kathleen Photography helps clients in Minneapolis–St. Paul and Dallas, TX show up fully — and magnetically.
Trusted by Real People — and Recognized as Minneapolis’ Leading Online Dating Photographer
as seen in:
Shannon O’Malley and Shannon Kathleen Photography have been featured in Bella Grace Magazine, Tiny Buddha, Canvas Rebel, MSN, and Newsbreak for her confidence-building approach to portrait photography and storytelling.
→ See All Features & Press Mentions
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 portraits that feel authentic, confident, and grounded, you’re in the right place.
Whether it’s a dating profile session, a branding shoot, or a self-portrait experience, my goal is simple: to help you show up fully — no pretense, no pressure, no fluff.
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.
For me, photography isn’t just about posing or aesthetics — it’s about holding space for your growth, bold return, or new beginning. That’s why every session with Shannon Kathleen Photography is designed to help you feel seen, grounded, and genuinely confident on and off camera.
1. José González - Heartbeats
2. Espresso, Sabrina Carpenter
3. Hot To Go!, Chappel Roan
4. Nostalgic 90s playlist.
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
Before I help you relax in front of my camera, it’s only fair you know what makes me light up outside of it. Because yes — your photographer has a life (and a few guilty pleasures) too.
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...
Founder of Shannon Kathleen Photography | Based in Minneapolis–St. Paul (Relocating to Dallas Summer 2026)
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 — from dating app transformations to branding breakthroughs. These aren’t models or rehearsed quotes — just authentic results from clients across Minneapolis, St. Paul, + beyond.
Client Love: Real Stories, Real Confidence
"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
Shannon Kathleen Photography | Minneapolis–St. Paul Online Dating & Portrait Photographer
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.
When you feel safe enough to stop performing, that’s when magnetic, authentic images happen.
At Shannon Kathleen Photography, my mission is simple:
To help real people feel seen, safe, and confident in front of the camera.
Whether it’s online dating photos, a personal branding session, or a portrait just for you, I create a collaborative experience where you can show up fully — without pressure or pretense.
My work uses natural light, relaxed direction, and story-driven coaching to capture more than polished photos — I help you reconnect with the version of yourself that feels most true.
- Inclusivity isn’t a trend here — it’s the standard.
- Vulnerability is welcome.
- Your story — whether quiet or bold — is always enough.
Every session is built on curiosity, trust, and collaboration. I work with people of all backgrounds, identities, and stories — each one deserves to be told with honesty, empathy, and artistry.
My mission
Culture Statment
My Vision
Whether you’re preparing for new beginnings, reentering the dating world, or celebrating who you are today — I’m here to document your truth with warmth, ease, and artistry.