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I’m Shannon — a Twin Cities photographer and former single mom who discovered confidence (and connection) through updating her dating photos in her 40s.
This space is for the people ready to show up differently: daters, career-changers, seniors, and anyone stepping into a new chapter—or just finally seeing themselves clearly in photos.
From blogging about dating-app photo strategy and creative self-images to interviews, client features, and behind-the-scenes moments—this is where it all lives.

Help for modern daters, creatives, and career pivots


Welcome to the blog

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What If You’re Not “Photogenic”… Yet? Let’s get this out of the way first: being photogenic isn’t a trait you either have or you don’t. It’s not like curly hair or left-handedness. It’s a skill, a perspective, and often, a story we’ve been telling ourselves for years — one that needs a serious rewrite. For people dipping their toes into online dating, […]

Not Photogenic? 7 Empowering Truths That Will Change Your Perspective

Not Photogenic? 7 Empowering Truths That Will Change Your Perspective

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Knowing how to start dating again after a breakup can feel overwhelming. Whether your relationship ended recently or some time ago, stepping back into the dating world requires emotional readiness, self-discovery, and a clear approach. This guide will help you navigate the journey, regain confidence, and build meaningful connections without rushing the process. If you’re […]

How to Start Dating Again: A Post-Breakup Roadmap

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Thinking about switching website platforms? Want a website that truly reflects your brand identity—without the coding headaches? Let me introduce you to Showit, the website builder for photographers that completely transformed my business. And the best part? You can try it FREE for a whole month! 🎉 What You’ll Learn in This Post ✔️ Why I switched to Showit and never […]

Why I Love Showit: The Best Website Builder for Photographers (+ Get 1 Month Free!)

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Arizona Mini Sessions May Be Over — But the Results Still Speak Volumes Back in March 2025, I packed up my gear, hopped on a flight to Arizona, and offered something special: limited-time mini sessions for dating profiles and professional headshots in the heart of the desert. I met incredible people — some just entering the dating […]

Arizona Mini Sessions Recap: Dating Headshot Photos That Sparked Real Connections in 2025

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When it comes to online dating apps, choosing the best dating photos is crucial because your photos do most of the talking. In fact, they’re your first impression, conversation starter, and virtual handshake rolled into one. So, how do you make your photos stand out? Christian Rudder’s book Dataclysm reveals intriguing insights into human behavior, including the […]

How to Choose the Best Dating Photos: Science-Backed Tips

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First date anxiety can feel like a fire-breathing dragon guarding the door to romance, but the good news? You can slay it. Overcoming first date anxiety is easier when you know what to focus on. Whether it’s your first date in years or your hundredth, those pre-date jitters are perfectly normal. But fear not—we’re here […]

How to Overcome First Date Anxiety: 5 Game-Changing Tips

How to Overcome First Date Anxiety: 5 Game-Changing Tips

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If you’ve ever wondered, “How does Bumble work?” you’re in the right place. Bumble isn’t just another dating app; it’s the ultimate matchmaker with a feminist twist. Ladies take the lead, and fellas? You get to enjoy the ride without awkward icebreakers or cheesy pickup lines. Whether you’re swiping for love, friendship, or even business […]

How Does Bumble Work? Your Guide to Modern Dating Success (2025)

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Ready to embrace self-expression through self-portrait photography? This is your LAST chance to access The Self-Portrait Masterclass before it’s gone forever on January 15, 2025—and it’s now available at an exclusive price of $47(originally $297)! Whether you’re an experienced photographer or a creative soul looking to capture your story, this course empowers you to create stunning self-portraits that celebrate your unique style, confidence, […]

Self-Expression Through Self-Portrait Photography – Final Sale Ends Jan 15, 2025!

How to Take Better Self-Portraits

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LinkedIn has evolved into the ultimate platform for professional networking, thought leadership, and career advancement. With 2025 introducing exciting trends and tools, professionals have unparalleled opportunities to thrive in their careers. This blog explores the most impactful LinkedIn trends of 2025 and offers actionable strategies for leveraging them. Plus, don’t miss out on my Free […]

LinkedIn Trends 2025: Strategies for Professional Success

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When it comes to meaningful relationships, self-love is the foundation. Why self-love is the key to building fulfilling relationships is simple: without it, we can’t show up authentically, set boundaries, or attract the connections we truly deserve. Whether you’re navigating the dating world, building a partnership, or reigniting a long-term relationship, prioritizing self-love is essential to creating […]

Why Self-Love is the Key to Building Fulfilling Relationships

Why Self-Love is the Key to Building Fulfilling Relationships

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Life can be messy, unpredictable, and downright challenging. During these moments, breaking the stigma of self-help can feel like the last thing on your mind, especially when these books are often misunderstood. However, self-help books aren’t just for “crisis mode.” They can empower you to create clarity, grow, and thrive—even when life feels overwhelming. Let’s […]

Breaking the Stigma of Self-Help: Why These Books Aren’t Just for “Crisis Mode”

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First impressions matter, especially in the world of online dating. Your opening message isn’t just the start of a conversation—it’s your golden opportunity to stand out from a sea of “Hey” and “What’s up?” But don’t stress! Your First Message Blueprint is here to save you from message mediocrity and help you craft first messages that are […]

Your First Message Blueprint: Crafting Engaging First Messages That Work

A Real-Life Love Story That’s Making National Headlines

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