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I'm Shannon — a Twin Cities photographer and former single mom who found confidence (and connection) through updating her dating photos in her 40s.
This blog is for people ready to show up differently — daters, creatives, career-changers, and anyone in a season of visibility. Whether you're stepping into a new chapter or finally ready to be seen clearly — by people and by search — this space is for you.
From dating-app photo strategy and personal branding tips to interviews, confidence-building tools, and now visibility through AI discovery, this is where your story starts showing up.
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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

Updated for 2026 by Shannon Kathleen Photography 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 people realize. What worked three […]

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 […]

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, […]

Knowing how to start dating again after a breakup—or after losing a partner—can feel overwhelming. Whether your relationship ended recently, it’s been years, or you’re grieving a spouse who has passed, stepping back into the dating world takes emotional readiness, self-discovery, and a thoughtful approach. Loss can take many forms, and no two journeys are […]

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 […]

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 […]

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How does Bumble work?”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most searched dating questions as of late — and it’s easy to see why. Bumble isn’t just another swipe app. It’s a platform built around intentional connections, where women make the first move and low-effort openers get left in 2025. […]

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 […]

In the fast-paced world of online dating, it’s easy to believe that looks are everything. But guess what? Love goes beyond looks. While a great profile picture might grab attention, it’s the non-visual cues—like humor, kindness, and good communication—that create meaningful connections and lasting impressions. Whether you’re swiping through profiles or meeting someone in real […]

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