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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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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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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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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)

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Why Hiring a Dating Profile Photographer Near Me Can Transform Your Online Dating Game It’s no secret—first impressions are everything in the online dating world. Whether you’re swiping through apps or updating your Match.com profile, your photo is the first thing people see. In fact, before a single word is ever read, that one image […]

Dating Profile Photographer Near Me: Elevate Your Online Presence

dating profile photographer near me

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Healing Portrait Photography for Men. There’s a quiet, compelling power in being seen—truly seen—after you’ve been through something that changed you. Divorce. Heartbreak. Doubt. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I don’t even recognize myself anymore,” then this story—and this style of portraiture—might be for you. Healing portrait photography for men isn’t […]

10 Powerful Reasons Healing Portrait Photography for Men Matters After Divorce

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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

How to Start Dating Again: A Post-Breakup Roadmap

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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