The
blog

Best dating apps for long-term relationships in Dallas—if you’ve tried a few, you already know the truth: not all of them work the same here. In a city where the dating pool is both huge and fast-moving, standing out isn’t just about being single. It’s about being intentional. Whether you’re navigating Uptown meetups, Deep Ellum […]

Expert Voices on Modern Dating — A Conversation with Dr. Lida Far. Ever stared at your phone mid-swipe and thought, “There has to be a better way to meet people”? You’re absolutely right — and that better way is called the modern matchmaking process. Spoiler alert: it’s got nothing to do with fairy-tale magic, dating algorithms, or […]

Online dating profile photography isn’t just about finding a match — it’s about feeling seen. As someone who stepped into the dating world in her 40s — camera in one hand, vulnerability in the other — I learned quickly that the real connection starts before the first message is ever sent. That experience didn’t just change my […]

Online Dating Photos: You’ve Invested—Now Use Them Strategically You’ve invested in professional dating profile pictures—and trust me, that already sets you apart from 90% of people swiping. But what you do with those online dating photos next is what turns casual swipes into real dates. Let’s talk about how to deploy them, integrate them into your brand, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

Updated for 2026 by Shannon Kathleen Photography | Dating Photos That Work™ It’s one of the questions I get asked the most — especially by 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 evolves faster than most […]