QUERENCIA – BE YOUR MOST AUTHENTIC SELF
You might be asking yourself, “What on Earth does QUERENCIA mean???”
“QUERENCIA defined means:
(n) a place from which one’s strength is drawn, where one feels at home; the place where you are your most authentic self.”
pronunciation /ke rensia
What’s with this word?? Well, this year a group of photography friends and I each decided to pick one word to focus on for 2018, whether it had to do with life in general or photography or both.
Picking one word for the year is designed to move us beyond the cycle of the litany of imperfections to be perfected in the “New Year”. This experiment is to challenge us to lose the long list of changes we want to make and to instead make this the year we pick ONE WORD to focus on.
When I stumbled upon the word Querencia, it truly resonated with me! I had been telling myself for a few months that I really need to continue to work on remaining true and authentic to myself in my personal life and especially in my photography business life … as weird, wacky, and out of the box that may be 😉
I literally woke up on New Years Day with this vision in mind … I crawled right out of bed, set up my camera next to my bedroom window, put a dark sheet on my wall, then got loose, wacky, and weird! I even did a “I’m a little tea pot” motion … hahaha! (See the images below)
Cheers to a New Year!! A year filled with you being YOU!
“So you’re a little weird? WORK it! A little different? OWN it! Better to be a nerd than one of the herd!” -Mandy Hale
OTHER NEWS:
I have joined up with a few of the most amazingly talented women to start a 10 on 10 Blog — We will each be writing and posting a blog showcasing 10 images on the 10th of every month. This is designed this so you can loop through all the group members to see their AWESOME work too!! NOW if you would like to see what these marvelous women have been up to, start by heading over to the incredible Emilee of Emilee Rose Films!!! OHMYGOODNESS her lifestyle work is outstanding!! And maybe you should also follow her on Facebook 😉
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I am a photographer and dating strategist specializing in natural-light portraits that feel confident, approachable, and genuinely reflective of who you are. Whether I’m shooting a Dating Photos That Work™ session or a high-level personal branding project, my goal is to create images that are honest, not performative.
My Approach
Rooted in emotional intelligence and over 16 years of experience, my process is designed for the “unphotogenic.” I believe the best photos happen when you feel comfortable enough to be yourself and seen enough to trust the process. A strong image isn’t about vanity—it’s about clarity. It is the first impression that shapes how the world perceives you before you ever say a word.
The Personal Side
My journey includes a decade of single motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a national CBS News feature on the psychology of first impressions. But perhaps my favorite “proof of concept” is my own: I met my husband on Bumble at age 42. I’ve seen firsthand how a strategic, authentic online presence can transform your life and lead to real, aligned connection.
The Relocation (Dallas & Minneapolis)
End of April 2026, my family and I officially relocated to Dallas, Texas. While I am now locally serving the DFW Metroplex, the Twin Cities will always be a part of my story. I continue to offer my signature photography experience in Minneapolis–St. Paul through exclusive quarterly residency sessions.
When I’m not behind the lens, you’ll find me with my husband, my son, and our beautifully blended family, soaking up our new Texas life (and probably hunting for the best patio in Dallas).
If you’re here because you’re ready for photos that actually feel like you, you’re in the right place. I’m so glad you found your way here.
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Your weird is fabulous Shannon!! So excited to be part of this circle with you and see more of your amazing creativity! Thank you for sharing your art. <3
Oh my goodness shannon! You are crazy talented!! I love these!
These are so cool!
SO incredibly stunning my dear amazing friend!! You are such an inspiration and I just love you to the moon and back!
I’m in awe! Love your work, love your words and I have already learned so much about things I need to work on just from scrolling through your site. Excited to get to know you more!