Meet Kiri, Spring 2025 LCRW Media Intern

We are excited to partner with a photography and videography intern for 2025 Spring Lancaster City Restaurant Week to help promote the big culinary celebration!

Meet Kiri Chhun – he is a senior at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design who has wonderful enthusiasm, talent, and community focus. We’re looking forward to his skills helping to elevate the incredible local dining we have in the City of Lancaster.

Check out the Q&A with Kiri below then get ready to support the many restaurants participating in Lancaster City Restaurant Week happening Monday, March 31 – Sunday, April 6!

We’re excited to have you partnering with us! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a first-generation Cambodian American, and my favorite type of photography is portraiture. Capturing smiles and important moments is where I truly shine. I fell in love with photography in the darkroom—watching an image come alive in the chemistry felt magical, something I can’t quite explain. That experience sparked my passion for storytelling through visuals, whether it’s through portraits, events, or food photography.

Over the years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to shoot New York Fashion Week, weddings, engagements, birthdays, and more. Lately, I’ve been really busy with bookings, and I feel so humbled by these wonderful opportunities. Each project teaches me something new, and I’m always looking forward to what’s next!

What are you looking to do after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to continue growing my photography business, KChhun Photography LLC, and eventually open my own creative studio. My goal is to build a space that fosters collaboration among artists and small businesses while providing high-quality photography and video services. I also hope to travel back to Cambodia and reconnect with my family. Doing an overseas photoshoot is a dream of mine! Cambodia, Japan, and Paris Fashion Week in France are some of the places I would love to visit and photograph.

What made you excited to capture images and video for Lancaster City Restaurant Week?

I love how food brings people together, and Lancaster has such a vibrant culinary scene. Being able to document the passion that chefs and restaurant owners put into their craft was really inspiring. It’s exciting to help tell their stories visually and encourage the community to support local dining spots. I’m also amazed by the sense of community here—how the city truly supports one another. I love seeing customers walk through the door and greet the owner like they’re family or close friends. It warms my heart, and moments like that are what I love capturing.

You’ve already taken some photos and videos of local restaurants to help promote Restaurant Week. What was it about the restaurants that you enjoyed?

Everyone was incredibly welcoming and passionate about what they do. I could see the pride they take in their food and how much they enjoy sharing their creations with others. It made the experience feel more personal and authentic, which is exactly what I aim to capture in my photography and video work. The owners and chefs greeted me with such warmth, and I could feel the love they poured into their food. There is a strong sense of community here, and Lancaster and its restaurants like these help you feel that. Every dish had so much detail, from the flavors to the plating. It felt like I had traveled to so many different countries, yet it was all right here in the heart of Lancaster. I didn’t realize what I had been missing out on—these small-town restaurants are truly hidden gems that more people need to come out and try.

Do you have any favorite types of food that you enjoy?

I love exploring different cuisines, but Cambodian food holds a special place in my heart—nothing beats my mom’s home cooking! Cambodian spring rolls, samlar machu kreung, and Cambodian hot pot are some unique dishes people should try. I also enjoy bold flavors—spicy pad thai, street tacos, and grilled steak are some of my go-to favorites!

Learn more about Kiri by exploring his website www.kchhun.com and following him on Instagram at @kchhunphotography.

Don’t forget to make your 2025 Spring Lancaster City Restaurant Week plans! Explore the restaurants here. Restaurant Week is Monday, March 31 – Sunday, April 6!