We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannon O’Malley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shannon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on has undoubtedly been my journey into self-portraiture and now teaching others this art form. It started during a 365-day photography project where each day carried a different theme. I found myself creatively engaged with most themes, except when it came time to the self-portrait ones. Eventually, the self-portrait theme that was once monthly became a deeply personal endeavor to capture and express my own emotions, stories, and experiences through photography. The real breakthrough came when I decided to use an old wedding dress for a self portrait session – a dress tied to a painful part of my past. Back in 2009, we lived in a tiny town in the mountains of CO on a buffalo ranch. I was engaged then but found myself in an emotionally and verbally abusive relationship. It escalated quickly after our engagement, and eventually, I had to make the tough decision to leave, to ensure the safety and well-being of myself and my son. The wedding never happened, and the dress, filled with so much negativity and unfulfilled promises, hung untouched in my closet.

Years later, I still had the dress. Unable to sell it, one day I decided to confront this artifact of my past. Wearing it was initially daunting – I felt hesitant and slightly disgusted. But once I put it on and began experimenting in self-portraits with it, I experienced a powerful shift. It was like I was giving the dress, and more importantly myself, a second chance. Photographing myself in it felt like a cathartic release of reclaiming my narrative. It was as though I was a phoenix rising from the ashes. I was making lemonade out of a very sour lemon, transforming a symbol of pain into one of empowerment and beauty.

The act of self-portraiture allowed me to truly see myself for the first time. It was more than just capturing an image; it was about recognizing and honoring the little girl inside me who always longed for understanding and acknowledgment.

Over time, I realized the transformative power it held—not just for me, but for others too. I began sharing my techniques and insights, helping people see themselves in new, empowering ways. Becoming a self-portrait educator allowed me to guide others on their own journeys of self-discovery and artistic expression. This project is meaningful to me because it combines my passion for photography with my desire to inspire and uplift others.

Through self-portraits, I’ve been able to connect with people on a profound level, helping them embrace their unique beauty and stories. Seeing my students grow, gain confidence, and find their creative voices has been incredibly rewarding. This project is not just about taking photos; it’s about fostering self-love, resilience, and artistic growth.

I’m also thrilled to announce that I am rolling out a course that starts in July 2024 and will be launching a few times per year. This will allow me to reach even more individuals and help them on their journey to self-discovery through self-portraiture.

Shannon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello! My name is Shannon O’Malley, and I’m a passionate emotive Minnesota photographer and Self-Portrait Artist and Educator. My journey into the world of photography began as a way to capture all the little details and milestones of my son after he was born. As a single mom, I raised my now almost 20-year-old son all by myself. After going through the toughest year of my life back in 2009-2010, I dove headfirst into this creative outlet and joined a 365-day photography project. Each day had a different theme, and while I enjoyed most, I initially struggled with the self-portrait themes. Over time, these self-portraits evolved from an occasional challenge to a deeply personal and transformative practice. They allowed me to capture and express my own emotions, stories, and experiences, and to honor the little girl inside me who always longed for understanding and acknowledgment.

As I delved deeper into self-portraiture, I realized its incredible power—not just for self-expression, but also for self-discovery and healing. This realization inspired me to share my journey and techniques with others, helping them see themselves in new, empowering ways. Today, I offer a Self-Portrait Masterclass that guides individuals on their own journeys of self-discovery through photography. My course covers a range of topics, from technical skills like lighting and posing to emotional and creative exercises that help students connect with their true selves.

One of the key problems I help my students solve is overcoming the common struggles in self-portrait photography, such as feeling awkward in front of the camera, technical challenges, and battling self-judgment. My approach is unique because it combines practical guidance with emotional and creative support, fostering both technical skills and personal growth.

What sets me apart is my focus on the therapeutic potential of self-portraiture. I believe that self-portraits are not just about capturing images; they are about telling your story, embracing your unique beauty, and fostering resilience. I’m most proud of the impact my work has on my students. Seeing them gain confidence, find their creative voices, and connect with their inner selves is incredibly rewarding.
My Self-Portrait Masterclass, which starts in July 2024, will further extend my reach and allow me to help even more individuals discover the transformative power of self-portraiture.

I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is deeply rooted in a passion for photography and a desire to inspire and uplift others. Through my course, I aim to create a supportive community where everyone can explore their creativity, tell their stories, and find empowerment through self-portraiture.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey and my work with you.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One aspect that non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey is the deep, personal connection and vulnerability involved in self-portraiture. Unlike other forms of photography, self-portraits require the artist to turn the lens inward, confronting and capturing their own emotions, fears, and stories. This process is not just about creating visually appealing images; it’s about self-discovery and healing. For me, it has been a transformative journey of embracing imperfections, overcoming self-judgment, and finding empowerment through creative expression. This intimate exploration can be challenging to grasp without experiencing it firsthand, but it highlights the therapeutic and reflective power of art in fostering resilience and personal growth.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most profound moments of resilience in my journey came during the toughest year of my life in 2009-2010. I was a single mom raising my son alone, navigating through personal and financial hardships. To cope, I dove into a 365-day photography project. Initially, self-portrait days were the hardest. I felt vulnerable and exposed, but I persisted. Over time, these self-portraits became a source of strength. They helped me confront and express my emotions, heal from past wounds, and rediscover my inner resilience. This experience not only transformed my photography but also profoundly impacted my personal growth, proving that creativity can be a powerful tool for overcoming adversity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shannonkathleenphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannon_kathleenphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonkathleenphotography
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/shannonkathleenphotography