From single mom to married-at-45 after updating my own dating photos, I’ve lived what I now photograph.
Today, I help real people show up with clarity, confidence, and magnetism — online and in life.
I’m Shannon O’Malley, founder of Shannon Kathleen Photography, a natural-light online dating and branding photographer serving Minneapolis–St. Paul and soon Dallas, TX.
Media & Features
Featured on CBS News (WCCO) for insights on modern dating, confidence, and visibility.
Hi, I’m Shannon.
(Relocating to Dallas, TX in 2026)
As featured on CBS News (WCCO)
Online Dating & Branding Photographer in Minneapolis–St. Paul
Photos should do more than look good — they should feel like you. Not a performance. Not a highlight reel. The real you, showing up with ease.
After more than 15 years behind the lens, I’ve learned that confidence doesn’t come from “perfect poses.” It comes from feeling safe, guided, and genuinely yourself.
Every session is designed to take the pressure off — with calm direction, thoughtful styling support, and a process that allows you to relax and simply show up.
Whether you’re stepping back into the dating world, building a personal brand, or honoring a new season of life, my goal is the same: honest portraits that feel like truth, not performance.
That’s why my clients don’t just leave with photos — they leave with more confidence, more clarity, and more opportunities to connect.
Portraits that help you feel seen — both on camera and off.
Shannon O’Malley is an online dating photographer specializing in confidence-focused portraits for singles navigating modern dating.
A Grounded, Empowering Approach to Online Dating & Branding Photography
Now, I help others do the same — through portraits that feel like truth, not performance.
Ready for your own transformation? See Sessions.
I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a photographer — I grew into it through the lens of my own reinvention. After years as a single mom, I stepped in front of the camera at 42 to update my dating profile — and it changed everything. Those photos helped me see myself differently… and led to meeting my husband on Bumble.
For the first time in years, I felt confident, soft, and deeply self-respecting. That shift changed how I carried myself — and it naturally began shaping the kind of photography I wanted to create for others.
I’d already been photographing people for years, but this experience gave my work new meaning. It showed me how powerful the right photo can be when someone is ready to be seen fully — not as a persona, but as themselves.
This All Started with My Own Transformation — The Shift That Redefined My Work
When it comes to dating profile photography, I’m proud to be the #1-ranked photographer on Google in Minneapolis–St. Paul — a recognition earned by helping hundreds of singles step into the frame with confidence and clarity.
My work has also been featured on CBS News, WCCO, CNN NewsSource, and Bella Grace Magazine.
But honestly? The best recognition comes from my clients who say things like: “These photos were a turning point — I left my session seeing myself differently than ever before.”
Whether you’re rediscovering yourself, reentering the dating world, or launching a brand, Shannon O’Malley of Shannon Kathleen Photography helps clients in Minneapolis–St. Paul and Dallas, TX show up fully — and magnetically.
Trusted by Real People — and Recognized as Minneapolis’ Leading Online Dating Photographer
Intentional
Collaborative, Not Posed
Relaxed direction
Confidence Coaching Built In
Story-driven
Magnetic energy
Zero fluff
My Approach
I’m not the kind of photographer who’ll tell you to “smile bigger” or pose like someone you’re not. Instead, I coach you into confidence that feels natural in your body — the kind that actually shows up in your photos.
My sessions are relaxed, collaborative, and magnetic because they reflect you — not a curated version of what you think people want to see.
If you’re after portraits that feel authentic, confident, and grounded, you’re in the right place.
Whether it’s a dating profile session, a branding shoot, or a self-portrait experience, my goal is simple: to help you show up fully — no pretense, no pressure, no fluff.
To be completely honest, I'm not like all the rest...
When I’m not behind the camera...
Photos are my craft —
but connection is my calling
You’ll usually find me with a coffee in hand, notebook nearby, and a true-crime podcast playing in the background. I love handwritten notes, everyday beauty, and people who tell the truth with humor.
For me, photography isn’t just about posing or aesthetics — it’s about holding space for your growth, bold return, or new beginning. That’s why every session with Shannon Kathleen Photography is designed to help you feel seen, grounded, and genuinely confident on and off camera.
1. José González - Heartbeats
2. Espresso, Sabrina Carpenter
3. Hot To Go!, Chappel Roan
4. Nostalgic 90s playlist.
6. listening on repeat
1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park
2. Afton State Park
3. Taylors Falls
4. Wherever nature takes me
5. favorite hiking spots
4. love to spend weekends...
3. next on my bucket list
a. Vanderpump
b. Survivor
c. Dexter
d. Real Housewives
2. TV guilty pleasure
a. coffee
b. tea
c. wine
d. all of the above
1. Drink of choice
Let's see if we have anything in common...
Ireland
Resting + Relaxing
Before I help you relax in front of my camera, it’s only fair you know what makes me light up outside of it. Because yes — your photographer has a life (and a few guilty pleasures) too.
Ok, just a few more fun facts about me!
Hiking
Coffee
A good Old Fashioned
Peanut Butter Whiskey
Shorts + Flip Flops
Self-Help Books
Serial Killer Crime Stories
Exploring new places
Baz Luhrmann Movies
Watching Golf
Reality TV
Cold weather/Snow
Spiders
Forced smiles
Chocolate
Listening to someone chew
Bees
Cheesy holidays
Centipedes
IPA Beer
Things I Love...
cringe-worthy...
Founder of Shannon Kathleen Photography | Based in Minneapolis–St. Paul (Relocating to Dallas Summer 2026)
I’m honored to be a recommended photographer by Blaine Anderson (as seen on Fox News recently), one of the country’s top dating coaches for men. Her clients trust me to help them show up with confidence — and she trusts me to help them look the part.
Real words from real people I’ve had the honor of photographing — from dating app transformations to branding breakthroughs. These aren’t models or rehearsed quotes — just authentic results from clients across Minneapolis, St. Paul, + beyond.
Client Love: Real Stories, Real Confidence
"Working with Shannon was easy and enjoyable from start to finish. The session felt natural (not awkward at all!) and I was surprised how quickly I got my photos back. I finally have dating photos I actually love."
— Katherine B., Dating Photos
Not awkward at all
“I was navigating a major life transition when I booked with Shannon. She held space for the messy middle and helped me see myself differently. I can’t recommend this enough.”
— Kevin T, Dating Photos
It Was Honestly Healing
She Nailed My Energy!
“I’m pretty low-key, but I didn’t want boring photos. Shannon captured my vibe so naturally. No fake smiles, no awkward posing—just real, scroll-stopping shots.”
— Xavier A, Dating Portraits
“…and I’m so glad I did. I wasn’t even sure I was photogenic. But from our first call, Shannon made me feel seen, understood, and totally at ease. Now my dating profile feels like me.”
— Brittany, Dating Portraits
I Found Her While Googling ‘Dating Photographer Near Me’…
“I honestly thought I just needed one good picture. What Shannon gave me was a whole new sense of self. I felt confident and relaxed—and the results show it.”
— Jon, Magnetic Experience Client
So Much More Than Just Photos
“I walked in unsure and left with clarity, direction, and a renewed creative spark.”
— Ginny, Photographer & Mentorship Student
RENEWED MY CREATIVE SPARK
“I finally see myself the way I always hoped to—confident, approachable, and real. Shannon put me completely at ease.”
— Lynn, Online Dating Portraits
CONFIDENCE I DIDN’T KNOW I HAD
CAPTURED HER SPIRIT, NOT JUST HER SMILE
“These photos showed who my daughter truly is. Shannon captured her spirit—not just her smile.”
— Cheryl, Senior Session (Mom)
“These headshots actually look and feel like me. They changed how I show up online.”
— David, Business Coach & Branding Client
FEELS LIKE THE REAL ME
“Shannon made me feel confident for the first time in years. My photos literally sparked a connection.”
— Ryan, Dating Portraits
SPARKED A REAL CONNECTION
“As first-time parents, we had no idea what to expect—but Shannon made it easy and truly captured our daughter’s personality. We can’t wait to book again.”
— Lisa, Senior Session (Mom)
SHE MADE IT EASY + FUN
As Seen In & Featured On:
Trusted by: Singles Nationwide on Bumble, Hinge & Tinder
Whether you’re stepping into online dating, building a personal brand, or honoring a season of change, I’d be honored to photograph this chapter with clarity, care, and intention.
Shannon Kathleen Photography is based in Minneapolis–St. Paul and will expand services to Dallas, Texas in 2026.
Ready to Begin Your Own Chapter?
To create portraits that help people see themselves differently — more fully, more tenderly, and more confidently.
I believe photography isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence.
When you feel safe enough to stop performing, that’s when magnetic, authentic images happen.
At Shannon Kathleen Photography, my mission is simple:
To help real people feel seen, safe, and confident in front of the camera.
Whether it’s online dating photos, a personal branding session, or a portrait just for you, I create a collaborative experience where you can show up fully — without pressure or pretense.
My work uses natural light, relaxed direction, and story-driven coaching to capture more than polished photos — I help you reconnect with the version of yourself that feels most true.
- Inclusivity isn’t a trend here — it’s the standard.
- Vulnerability is welcome.
- Your story — whether quiet or bold — is always enough.
Every session is built on curiosity, trust, and collaboration. I work with people of all backgrounds, identities, and stories — each one deserves to be told with honesty, empathy, and artistry.