Person wearing a gray crewneck sweater poses against neutral background in a casual portrait.

Minnesota Artist


Katherina Vang (Kat), also known as "Maivab" (pronounced My-ah, means baby in Hmong), is a versatile visual artist specializing as a Wedding Photographer and Videographer, Portrait Artist, Photo Restoration Artist, and Photo Retoucher in the Twin Cities (Mpls, St. Paul, MN). Since 2010, Kat has excelled in professional photography, expanding her expertise to videography in 2023. Balancing her artistic career with family life, she is a dedicated mom to three children, two dogs and a gecko. Katherina’s educational background includes an A.A.S. in Visual Communications Technologies with a focus in Professional Photography and a B.S. in Information Systems, providing her with a unique blend of creative and technical skills. In her leisure time, she cherishes moments spent with her family.


Katherina's work has garnered international recognition through publications and exhibitions. Her experience extends to curating art and contributing to film productions. Further details regarding her exhibitions and published works are provided below.


Photography display booth setup with multiple portrait prints and computer monitor at an exhibition.
Exhibition promotional collage showing venue photos and event details for Story of the Creative art show.
Art gallery wall displaying portrait photographs with viewer gesturing between framed works.
Gallery installation showing black and white portrait photographs arranged in vertical strips on white wall.

EXHIBITIONS

2019

  • GEN / H Exhibition, Hmong American New Year, St. Paul

2018

2017

  • Hmong Chinese, Honorable Mention, Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibit
  • Hmoob Hmong Duo Sister Exhibit Presented by In Progress, St. Paul
  • Solo Exhibition presented by M&MXEL Project Planning Group, 514 Studios, Minneapolis

2016

  • Visual Communications Technologies Portfolio Show, Century College.

2014

  • Qhia Dab Neeg Film Festival Photo Exhibit, Metropolitan State University, St. Paul.
  • Self Portraits, Little Mekong, St. Paul
  • Love Time & Diaspora, Nexus Photography, Mother Series, In Progress, St. Paul.

2013

  • the Creative Risings, See.Me, NYC.
  • Story of the Creatives, See.Me, NYC.

2011

  • CHAT 10th Annual Arts & Music Festival, St. Paul.

2010

  • Scholastics Arts, Received Gold & Silver for artworks, MCAD, Minneapolis.
  • Best 100, St. Paul.
  • SooFuze, St. Paul.
  • Portfolio Award, Woodbury High School Portfolio Show, Woodbury.


PUBLICATIONS

2024

2023

2019

2018

2017

2016


Magazine article layout with text columns and photographer interview.
Fashion editorial photo of model posing against willow tree branches titled Summer Dosage.
The Knot Best of Weddings 2023 award badge in coral red with white text.
Circular turquoise badge with text 'Best of Zola 2025' featuring interlocked heart icons in the center.

Features

2024

2023

  • Meet KaChia Lee | BOLD Journey, featuring photo taken by Maivab Photography of Kachia Lee's Designs

2019

2018

2017

2016

  • Pretty Rock Girl Collection, Featuring Self Portrait.
  • 15 Under 15 Feature #36 by Ashley Holloway on Deviant Art, Featuring Model Joylin Baranick
  • FAERIE Magazine Feature, Featuring Model Joylin Baranick.
  • SELFIE-TURE Feature by Dan Heffer on Deviant Art, Featuring Self Portrait.
  • 15 Under 15 Feature #29 by Ashley Holloway on Deviant Art, Featuring Model Gao Xiong.


PRODUCTIONS

2018 | “Rhaub”, by Melissa Vang, Hair & Make Up

2018 | “Hmong Organization”, May Lee Yang and Peter Yang, Set Photographer

2017 | “NICE”, Naomie Ko, Set Photographer

2017 | “The Oath”, Dan Yang, PA for Art Department

2016 | “The Stranger”, Bryan Vue, Set Photographer


Awards

  • Best of Zola 2025 Wedding Photographer
  • Best of Zola 2024 Wedding Photographer
  • The Knot, Best of 2023 Wedding Photographer


VOLUNTEERING


Follow me on Instagram
@maivabllc