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. Based in Minneapolis–St. Paul, trusted by hundreds nationwide.
— a photographer for people stepping into their next chapter with boldness and heart
Hi, I'm Shannon
I believe photos should do more than look good — they should reflect how it feels to know yourself more deeply. That moment when you say: this is who I am now.
With 15 years of experience behind the lens, I bring calm direction, tailored styling, and a thoughtful, guided process that helps you feel seen — not just photographed.
Whether you're showing up for dating, branding, or a personal reinvention, I’m here to create images that feel aligned with where you’re headed — not just where you’ve been.
As the #1 online dating profile photographer on Google in Minneapolis–St. Paul, I’ve helped hundreds step back into the frame with clarity and confidence.
A grounded, empowering approach to modern visibility
That shift inspired the way I work today:
helping others step into the frame with purpose and pride.
I was a single mom in my 40s stepping into the world of online dating — feeling everything at once: the nerves, the hope, the vulnerability. Updating my profile photos was a turning point. I didn’t just meet my husband (on Bumble!). I began seeing myself differently — with new confidence, softness, and self-respect.
This all started with my own transformation
Today, I’m proud to be the top-ranked online dating photographer in Minneapolis–St. Paul. I’ve been featured on CBS/WCCO for my work helping singles show up with confidence, and I’ve photographed hundreds of individuals rewriting their stories.
Whether you're rediscovering yourself, reentering the world, or launching a brand — I’m here to help you show up fully.
Trusted by real people — and recognized across the Twin Cities.
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 tells you to smile bigger or pretend to laugh. I’ll coach you into confidence, yes—but it’ll be the kind that feels good in your body and shows up in your photos. My sessions are relaxed, collaborative, and built to reflect who you actually are—not a curated version of what you think people want to see. If you're after photos that feel honest, grounded, and magnetic, you're exactly where you’re meant to be.
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 find me in a quiet coffee shop with a notebook, deep into a true crime podcast, or planning my next walk through the North Loop. I’m a big fan of 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
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
Phone calls
Forced smiles
Chocolate
Listening to someone chew
Bees
Cheesy holidays
Spiders
Things I Love...
cringe-worthy...
as seen in:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
I specialize in authentic, natural, and romantic photography with a fine art touch, designed to capture the essence of who you are. Whether it’s for family portraits, maternity sessions, newborn photography, senior portraits, or online dating profile photos in the Twin Cities, my goal is to create timeless images that tell your unique story.
To suit your specific needs, I offer a range of customized photography packages that provide flexibility in session length, locations, and photo styles. These packages include options for 30 minute, one-hour sessions, full-day shoots, and everything in between, ensuring you receive exactly what you need to capture life’s special moments. All packages deliver a full gallery of high-quality images, perfect for display in your home or in a custom album (albums not included with online dating portraits).
Investing in my photography packages means you’re preserving memories that will be treasured for generations to come.
I offer a variety of photography packages designed to fit different needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a quick headshot session, a more elaborate senior portrait session, or a full family or maternity photoshoot, you’ll find a package that suits you. Each package includes the photography session, a gallery of professionally edited images, and easy digital download access.
From shorter sessions to comprehensive, all-day shoots, my packages are tailored to capture your special moments with timeless, authentic photography in the Twin Cities area. Pricing starts from 625 or 789, and a deposit is required to secure your session date.
To view detailed pricing and package options, click HERE.
Yes! With all of my photography packages, you’ll receive professionally edited high-resolution digital images via a secure download link. These images come with a print release, giving you full rights to print and share them as you wish.
Additionally, for full family, maternity, and senior sessions, I include a beautifully designed 10x8 custom photo album as a complimentary keepsake from your session—this does not apply to Dating Portrait sessions.
No; mini sessions are not conducive to my style. I am not after one great shot, but rather a collection of images for lifelong appreciation. BUT I might surprise you with one every now and then!
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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.