I am a Midwest-based photographer, who lives in Michigan.
I am Hmong-American and was born in 1995! I've been a photographer for over 6 years now, and I'm not sure how many shoots I've done, but I'm grateful for every single one! lol. I would say the best way to describe my style of photography is editorial, dreamy, candid, and FUN!
But I like to keep an open mind for creativity, so many shoots can look different too!
HOW I GOT INTO THIS...
Growing up in a large family, there were always moments being documented. I remember all my grandparents with their cameras out; capturing the most mundane moments. As a child, I yearned for the moment I could get my hands on a camera of my own. My first camera was a wittle Canon Powershot, it was blue and it was perfect. I used it to take photos of my cats, family, and of course... pictures of myself for my MySpace. Growing up I had tons of creative outlets. However, I always found joy in taking pictures. Even as I went through college, or worked stupid part-time jobs, I still had my camera. Eventually, I grew tired of wasting my youth in a job that drained me--
so I QUIT! There were many hurdles I needed to jump to be where I am today, but I am so grateful for fighting for this dream.
WHEN I'M NOT SHOOTING...
I fill my days with long talks with friends, and family; making new friends; cooking food for people; eating BOMB food with people; making inappropriate jokes with my husband to make our friends uncomfortable; watching tons of movies; forcing my friends to watch a ton of movies with me; traveling anywhere (never alone though, DUH!); playing board games; going to cafes to escape my living room floor (yes, I have a couch); doing karaoke to Korean music and Broadway hits, and taking LONG NAPS.
Uh...Westerbur? Yeah... Westerbur.
My last name is no longer, Cheng. It's Westerbur!
BUT KATIE.. your website still says, "Katelyn Cheng!"
Yes, it does and I'm keeping it that way!
It may be a bit silly, but keeping Cheng will remind me of my beginning. I have the opportunity to do what I do because of the name I used to have. I will always be Hmong and I will always be thankful for the bridge they built for me.
WE GOT MARRIED ON APRIL 16TH, 2021
Alec is one of the greatest parts of my life. He is my best friend and my biggest supporter. We have been together since 2012! Not only is he the most dedicated and ambitious person I know, but he is also the kindest. He makes me a better person. I could write pages and pages about my love for him, but this is not the place to do it. If you want to know more I would not mind sitting down with some yummy food and telling you all about it.
Wedding Photos by Lutz Family Tree Photography