Hate Being in Front of the Camera? You’re in the Right Place.

Southwest Missouri Wedding Photography

For

couples

who

want

to

look

- and

feel -

like

themselves.

For couples who want to look - and feel - like themselves.

Wedding couple seated on floral upholstered benches, smiling at each other, with a bouquet on the bench and 'Reserved' signs visible.

Not a natural in front of the camera? Many of my couples say the same.

You want beautiful wedding photos - but not the fake smiles, stiff poses, or awkward “what do I do with my hands?” moments.

I get it. I’ve been there. My job is to guide you gently, make you laugh a little, and help you forget the camera’s even there.

"5-Star Record" text in pink on black background
Black background with the word 'YEARS' written in pink uppercase letters at the center.
"WEDDINGS" text in pink on a black background
Text "YEARS" in pink on a black background
Black background with the word 'AUDIOBOOKS' in pink text.

What It’s Like to Have Me As Your Photographer

  • Rain in the forecast?

    No problem. I’ve got umbrellas in the car, backup plans in mind, and a camera that doesn’t flinch at a little drizzle. We’ll still get the magic—we just might dance in it a little.

  • Skipping the first look?

    Totally your call. I’m happy either way. I usually help set your ceremony time based on whether or not you're doing one—so we catch the best light for your portraits, no stress involved.

  • No planner?

    Still good. I keep a detailed timeline, manage the chaos, and quietly coordinate what needs to happen when so you don’t have to check the clock or chase down family members. You just get to be present.

  • Worried about the family photo circus?

    I plan for that too. We usually save those for after the ceremony (unless you request otherwise), and I pad in time in case Aunt Linda is late again. You won’t feel rushed. You will get the photos you’ll frame forever.

  • Worried you’ll look awkward?

    I hear this all the time—and it’s exactly what I’m here for. I’ll guide you every step of the way with gentle posing direction, help you look amazing in the best light, and step back when real moments unfold. It’s easier than you think.

  • Worried it will all fall apart?

    I’m the calm in the storm. If things go sideways—rain, late flowers, last-minute changes—I’ll adjust the plan without breaking a sweat. You won’t even have to ask. I’ve got you.

A bride and groom holding hands and smiling after their wedding ceremony outdoors, with guests visible inside a venue with large glass doors. The bride wears a white dress and holds a bouquet of flowers, while the groom wears a white suit jacket with
Bride in white gown holding bouquet, smiling at bridesmaid in blue dress, inside a room with a decorative mirror and wooden dresser.
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A bride and an older man, possibly her father, joyfully dancing together at a wedding reception. The venue has wooden floors, string lights, and a stone wall. Guests are seated at tables in the background, watching the dance.
Two women posing happily indoors, one older, wearing glasses, and a floral blouse, the other in a green blouse holding a boutonnière, with mirrors and another person visible in the background.
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A woman taking a photo with her smartphone at a wedding reception. The phone screen shows a bride and groom seated at a table.
Women in a dressing room with mirrors, some dressed in formal attire, preparing for an event.
Bride in white dress smiling and wiping tear, surrounded by people indoors.
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Bride in a white dress excitedly reacting at a reception, holding a bouquet, surrounded by guests in formal attire. String lights decorate the wooden room.
Two women with long hair looking into a decorative mirror, smiling and dressed in satin outfits.
A bride in a white lace dress and boots stands on a wooden deck surrounded by trees, while a man in a gray suit kneels to adjust her shoe.
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I’ve been in the wedding industry since I was nine. I’ve seen rainy days, missing flowers, wardrobe mishaps—you name it. But I thrive in that kind of wedding-day chaos.

I’m a detail-loving Enneagram 1, coffee drinker, and small-farm mama who genuinely enjoys keeping things calm and running smoothly—at least on wedding days. My own life? Well, that’s a little more “chaotic flow” than timeline perfection.

I’ll help you stay grounded, make smart pivots, and still get the photos that feel like you. I’ve worked with couples who have literally never taken a photo together—and by the end, they’re laughing, relaxed, and loving the process. I’m not just here to take pretty pictures—I’m here to make your day smoother, easier, and actually enjoyable.

Hi, I’m Shalyn—and This Is Where I Shine

Real Couples, Real Words

  • "Shalyn is one of the sweetest, most friendliest people I’ve ever met. She helped us feel comfortable around the camera to help us be ourselves for our engagement session and for our wedding at Haseltine Estate."

    -Rachel

  • “I would highly recommend her to anyone! She made us feel comfortable immediately and it was so fun to work with her! There was not one photo out of our engagement or wedding collection that we didn’t love.”

    -Mandy

  • "Thanks to the best photographer in the world! Her pictures are always amazing but I couldn’t have pulled this wedding off without her. She was always here to support me! Whatever I needed she provided!"

    -Hannah

  • “You my dear are a rockstar, one of those rare jewels in the photography world! You truly meshed & melted so beautifully right into being another one of our family members that we truly enjoyed and appreciated celebrating one of the most precious days together! ”

    -Samantha

Let’s Make This Easy

Wedding photography shouldn’t be confusing. My packages start at $2,500 and are built around your real needs—timeline help, sneak peeks, and every image delivered in a beautiful online gallery with full print rights. No surprises. Just everything you actually need.

Ready for Photos That Feel Like You?

I’d love to hear what you’re planning and help you figure out what makes the most sense for your day. No pressure—just a real conversation to see if we’re a good fit.

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Shalyn O'Neal Photography Logo - Rose Gold Hoop with Floral Accent

Creating meaningful photographs that feel natural, with helpful guidance to bring out your best moments.

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