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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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Minneapolis dating photography and coffee shop charm are intertwined. Let’s be real, nothing says “authentic and fun” like sipping a latte in cozy café lighting. Do you want to refresh your dating profile? You just want photos that feel alive? These Twin Cities cafés are perfect. They double as charming, camera-ready settings. Your best photo just […]

Minneapolis Dating Photography: Best Coffee Shops for Dating Photos

Smiling woman holding a coffee at Nina’s Café in St. Paul, showcasing a warm and approachable look for Minneapolis dating photography.

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Photogenic Dallas Date Spots aren’t just pretty backgrounds—they’re the secret ingredient to dates that don’t feel awkward and photos that make your dating profile look like you’ve got your life together (even if you ate cereal for dinner last night). Whether you’re getting ready to impress on a first date or just need fresh pics that […]

Photogenic Dallas Date Spots: 10 Stunning First Date & Photo Locations You’ll Love

Photogenic Dallas Date Spots – Dallas skyline at sunset.

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Business Branding Photography In a world where digital impressions often outpace face-to-face connections, business branding photography has become essential. It serves as a game-changer for small businesses. Business branding photography is more than just a headshot. It is how your future clients recognize your purpose, personality, and professionalism. They recognize this before they even speak […]

Business Branding Photography: 10 Creative Ways It Can Elevate Your Brand

creative branding photography for small business yoga session in St. Paul

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Confident dating tips aren’t just about striking a pose or crafting the perfect opener—they’re about owning your worth from swipe to IRL spark. Hi, I’m Shannon O’Malley, a Twin Cities-based dating photographer and founder of Shannon Kathleen Photography. I specialize in helping singles show up with confidence online—because your first impression shouldn’t be a blurry car […]

Confident Dating Tips from Carla Romo: Expert Advice for Breaking Patterns & Finding Real Connection

Confident Dating Tips from Carla Romo: Expert Advice for Breaking Patterns & Finding Real Connection

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Growing your business in slow season? Sounds like a plot twist, right? Especially when your feed is filled with posts like “Leads are ghosting,” “Bookings are flatlined,” and “Is Mercury in retrograde… again?” Trust me, I’ve seen it—and I get it. But while many are quietly panicking, slashing prices, or endlessly refreshing their inboxes, something different is happening […]

Growing Your Business in Slow Season: 5 Powerful Shifts That Changed Everything

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When it comes to dating in the digital age, let’s be real—it’s a jungle out there. Swipes, likes, ghosting, “situationships,” and a whole lot of confusion. But in my new series, Expert Voices on Modern Dating, I’m cutting through the noise by highlighting the coaches, matchmakers, and experts who are helping people date with more clarity, confidence, […]

Expert Voices on Modern Dating: Blaine from Dating by Blaine on Agency, Aha Moments, and Why “Wing It” Doesn’t Work

Blaine from Dating by Blaine, featured in Expert Voices on Modern Dating

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From Bumble to Quarterfinals: What We Learned Competing in America’s Favorite Couple 2025. Skip to: Thank-You | Our Story | Competition Timeline (Archived) | Archived Spreadsheet | Integrity | Work with Shannon | Media Post-Competition Update — Aug 22, 2025 The Quarterfinals ended at 9:00pm CT. We finished #8 in our group, and only #1 advanced […]

America’s Favorite Couple 2025: Shannon & René’s Story of Deaf-Hearing Love

Shannon and Rene, a Champlin Minnesota Deaf-hearing couple, smile together while leading America’s Favorite Couple 2025 competition, advocating for Deaf inclusion, blended families, and love after 40.

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On June 24, 2025, something pretty incredible happened:CBS News (WCCO) featured my work — specifically my niche in online dating photography in Minneapolis — as part of a segment helping Minnesotans feel more confident and seen in their dating lives. Since airing, the story has gained national attention, with the feature being picked up and shared by platforms including Yahoo! News, […]

Online Dating Photography in Minneapolis: CBS News Spotlights Shannon O’Malley’s Story

Alecia smiles during an online dating photography session in Minneapolis at Boom Island Park for CBS News feature.

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In a world that teaches women to be visible only when we’re “perfect,” I found healing through an unexpected path: my self-portrait photography journey. It wasn’t about getting the perfect shot or curating an image for the world — it was about finally seeing myself, with truth and tenderness, through my own lens. I didn’t start […]

My Self-Portrait Photography Journey: How I Came Home to Myself Through the Lens

Woman capturing self-portrait with natural light during personal healing journey

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Swipe culture moves fast. You have seconds to make someone pause long enough to think, “I’d like to meet them.” A professional online dating photographer does more than snap pictures; they translate who you are (and who you’re becoming) into scroll-stopping images that feel real. What to Expect from The Magnetic Portrait Experience with a Dating App Photographer If […]

Online Dating Photographer Near Me | Magnetic Portraits

Online Dating Photographer Near Me | Magnetic Portraits

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If you’ve been searching for a professional photographer for dating profile near me, you already know just how important your photos are on dating apps. We’ve all heard it — first impressions matter. Before anyone reads your bio or checks your prompts, they’ve already formed an impression based on your images. If your photos aren’t doing […]

Why Hire a Professional Photographer for Your Dating Profile Near Me? (2025 Guide)

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It’s one of the questions I get asked the most — especially by my dating profile photography clients here in the Twin Cities: “What are the best dating apps for long-term relationships?” And honestly? It’s a GREAT question — because the online dating world is constantly evolving. What worked five years ago may not be […]

Best Dating Apps for Long-Term Relationships (2025 Guide)