Rising Stars: Meet Lindsey Westfield of Grand Rapids

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Westfield

Lindsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I really wanted to do something that brought me joy. Thinking about the feeling I get when I take pictures that I love and am proud of, the feedback I get from clients after they receive their images and how I can make my own hours made it more of an appealing desire to have my own business. I love that I can (now) be home with my kids and still work and meet people through photography. When I first started it was just a hobby that I loved and I hadn’t put much thought into making it a business, but as I kept going and assisted successful photographers and saw how they ran their businesses, I knew it was something I could do!

A good friend I had taught me a lot when I first got started and she pushed me to take my creativity to the next level. We often would practice taking portraits of eachother or even just nature and city pictures, and then go through the process of editing those photos and turning them into what would be delivered to a client. She really showed me that it was possible to learn something new all the time in this industry and to push myself to strive for more.

At this point in my business, my fiance has been my biggest supporter. He has encouraged me every step of the way, especially when I doubt myself, let fear and anxiety take over, or struggle with where to go next. He has given me photo challenges to push my creativity to new levels, he has helped with learning new skills by sharing educational information with me and he has made sure my business can come first when it comes to having time for shoots, editing, emailing and all the things necessary to run it.

I cant believe its been so long since I started but I love it and it’s been such a blessing in my life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I strive for consistency in my work, ensuring that clients understand exactly what they can expect when they hire me. That said, my photography journey has taken many twists and turns, and I’ve embraced each phase. Through conversations with fellow photographers, I’ve learned that it’s normal to feel both confident and anxious about your work at different times. Every moment is worth navigating as you find your artistic voice and share your vision with the world.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Photography is an incredibly vast and colorful field, offering endless possibilities that can often feel overwhelming at first. Figuring out the type of photographer you want to be—while staying true to yourself and the vision you have for your clients—takes time and exploration. It’s common for photographers to experiment with various styles and genres to discover their niche.

For me, the areas that resonate most are capturing children and high school seniors. When I photograph children, I feel completely in my element. My background—spanning years of experience with kids through church, babysitting, nannying, and now motherhood—allows me to connect with their unique personalities. I love letting kids run around, feel free, and embrace their silliness, resulting in natural and joyful images.

When it comes to high school seniors, I’ve noticed that many start off feeling unsure about the process and a bit awkward in front of the camera. However, once they relax and embrace the spotlight, their true selves shine through and they end up loving the experience.

I also have a deep passion for capturing motherhood, from pregnancy to birth and beyond, alongside the complexities of grief. It may seem unusual to pair these themes, but I believe that the ebb and flow of life is beautifully expressed through photography. Documenting the miracle of becoming a mother is something truly special, while capturing grief allows for raw vulnerability. If an image can convey that deep emotion, it may resonate with others who are experiencing similar feelings, offering comfort and solidarity.

Black and white photography holds a special place in my heart because it evokes strong emotional responses and has a timeless quality. While I always offer both color and black-and-white options to my clients, I often find myself gravitating toward the latter. That said, color photography has its own charm—especially in Michigan, where the fall and spring seasons provide breathtaking palettes that are perfect for capturing stunning images.

What’s next?
I plan to take this business full time and to stretch my creativity along with deepen relationships through it! I love trying new things and learning new techniques and this year I have signed up for some new photographer taught educational classes to keep me growing. I have made so many friends in the last year through photography, including other photographers, and have really embraced the “community over competition” outlook! It can only go up from here and I thank God for my talent and these blessings in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lindseykayimages.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindseykay_images
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindseykayimages