About Shannon K. Culpepper

I’m Shannon K. Culpepper—photographer, marketing leader, writer, and coach. Originally from Iowa, I called Boston home for over 30 years but recently relocated to Nashville. I picked up a book about a photojournalist on an archeological dig at the age of 12 and while I was reading about her developing her photos in her desert darkroom tent, I knew I was going to become a photographer and I was going to go on an archeological dig. I started shooting that year and photography has shaped how I see the world ever since.

As a teenager, I spent every spare dollar on film and processing, learning through trial and error. At seventeen, I traveled outside the U.S. for the first time, spending the summer on an archaeological dig in Jordan—an experience that cemented my love of exploration, storytelling, and seeing places differently. Since then, I’ve been addicted to maps, passport stamps, and collecting images as a way of fully experiencing the world.

I studied commercial advertising photography and built a diverse portfolio across fine art, portrait, and commercial work. Photography eventually led me into web design and then marketing, where I spent more than a decade leading strategy and storytelling in technical and defense-adjacent industries.

Today, I focus on people, not brands. I coach photographers who want to see more clearly and build confidence, and I help professionals in manufacturing and defense develop credible personal brands—especially on LinkedIn—without the pressure to self-promote.

At the core of everything I do is exploration: of places, ideas, and identity. Photography taught me how to notice. Marketing taught me how to communicate. I now help others do both.

If you’re looking to grow creatively, communicate more clearly, or build a professional presence that reflects who you really are—this is the right place to start.

What I Offer

Photography Coaching

One-on-one and small-group coaching for photographers at any stage—focused on vision, confidence, storytelling, and seeing differently (not just camera settings). I’ve been teaching photography professionally for over 30+ years.

LinkedIn Personal Branding for Manufacturing & Defense

Practical, no-fluff guidance designed specifically for engineers, technicians, operators, and professionals who don’t want to be “influencers” but do want visibility, credibility, and career mobility.

This includes a downloadable LinkedIn PDF guide created from real-world marketing experience inside the industry.

Writing & Messaging Support

You’ll find your voice, learn how to tell your story, and communicate your work clearly—especially if self-promotion feels uncomfortable.

If you’re reaching out about the LinkedIn Personal Branding Coaching, please mention:

• Your role (engineer, technician, manager, etc.)

• Whether this is for individual use or a team

For LinkedIn Coaching Inquiries, tell me what you’re working toward:

Are you looking to grow creatively, build confidence, or strengthen your professional presence?

(You don’t need the right words yet—that’s part of the work.)

What Happens Next

1. I review every message personally.

2. You’ll hear back within 1–3 business days.

3. If it’s a fit, I’ll suggest next steps—coaching, resources, or the LinkedIn guide.

No sales pressure. Just clarity.

I work best with curious, thoughtful people who care about growth, craftsmanship, and showing up authentically. If that sounds like you, we’ll get along well.

You don’t need to be louder.

You just need to be clearer.