Born in 1960 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Melissa O’Shaughnessy pursued her education at Georgetown University and the University of St. Thomas, earning a journalism degree. Currently based in New York City, she has transitioned into a successful career as a photographer.
Her photographic endeavors have garnered international acclaim, with her work showcased in various exhibitions and publications worldwide. Noteworthy among these are Bystander: A History of Street Photography, Women Street Photographers, and Reclaim the Street: Street Photography’s Moment.
Additionally, O’Shaughnessy is a valued member of UP Photographers, a collective comprising 26 global street photographers. Her debut monograph, Perfect Strangers: New York City Street Photographs, was launched by Aperture in October 2020, marking a significant milestone in her artistic journey.
