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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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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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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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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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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, […]

Not Photogenic? 7 Empowering Truths That Will Change Your Perspective

Not Photogenic? 7 Empowering Truths That Will Change Your Perspective

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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 […]

How to Choose the Best Dating Photos: Science-Backed Tips

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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 […]

How to Overcome First Date Anxiety: 5 Game-Changing Tips

How to Overcome First Date Anxiety: 5 Game-Changing Tips

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If you’ve ever wondered, “How does Bumble work?” you’re in the right place. Bumble isn’t just another dating app; it’s the ultimate matchmaker with a feminist twist. Ladies take the lead, and fellas? You get to enjoy the ride without awkward icebreakers or cheesy pickup lines. Whether you’re swiping for love, friendship, or even business […]

How Does Bumble Work? Your Guide to Modern Dating Success (2025)

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Life can be messy, unpredictable, and downright challenging. During these moments, breaking the stigma of self-help can feel like the last thing on your mind, especially when these books are often misunderstood. However, self-help books aren’t just for “crisis mode.” They can empower you to create clarity, grow, and thrive—even when life feels overwhelming. Let’s […]

Breaking the Stigma of Self-Help: Why These Books Aren’t Just for “Crisis Mode”

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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 […]

Your First Message Blueprint: Crafting Engaging First Messages That Work