Shannon Kathleen, Author at Tiny Buddha

Posts by Shannon Kathleen

Shannon Kathleen is a Minneapolis-based photographer who specializes in self-worth and online dating portraits. After navigating years of single motherhood and quiet reinvention, she began a self-portrait practice that helped her reconnect with her identity — not as a parent, partner, or professional, but as herself. She now helps others rediscover their confidence through the lens. Find her reflections, gentle resources, and photography at shannonkathleenphotography.com

Shannon Kathleen's Website

How Self-Portraits Brought My Messy, Honest, Beautiful Self into Focus

By Shannon Kathleen

“And then I realized that to be seen by others, I first had to be willing to see myself.” ~Anonymous

In a world that teaches us to be visible only when we’re polished, productive, or pleasing, I found something unexpected on the other side of my camera: myself.

But not the filtered version. Not the composed one or the “smiling because I’m fine” version.

I found the person I’d forgotten—the one who had spent years loving, giving, showing up for everyone else but rarely turning any of that tenderness inward.

I didn’t pick up the camera to take pretty pictures. …