

Charissa Soriano is a Filipina documentary photographer, visual storyteller, and artist based in Seattle, WA. Originally from Manila, she has spent the past several years navigating life between two cultures—a journey that deeply informs her work. Her personal projects often explore themes of immigration, identity, and memory, making pictures of quiet, intimate moments that aim to reveal what’s often unseen.
As her creative process continues to evolve, Charissa seeks to use photography as a trauma-informed tool for healing and resilience-building. She is passionate about expanding access to the arts and centering the voices of underrepresented communities by collaborating with care and curiosity.
Charissa holds a Master of Communication in Communities and Networks from the University of Washington, equipping her with a deep understanding of audience engagement and narrative strategy. Her expertise in visual storytelling and social media allows her to craft images that not only resonate with diverse communities but also challenge viewers to broaden their perspectives.
Awards or Grants
Northwest Journalists of Color Visual Journalism Scholarship, 2019
Education and Residencies
Shunpike Arts Artist Residence, starting in January 2026
Tacet Eye’s Core Mentorship-Based Model and Workshop, 2025
International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) Safety Training, 2025
NW Children's Foundation: Child Well-Being and the New Science of Resilience Practices to Heal Trauma and Nurture Hope, 2025
​Fotomoto Atelier: Alternative Processes Demo, 2024
Fotomoto Atelier: Intentions in Photography, 2024
NDA Workshop, 2023
Photographic Center Northwest: Intro to DIY Photography Zines, 2022
Master of Communication in Communities and Networks, University of Washington, 2020
Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Minor in Development Management, Ateneo de Manila University, 2015​
Events, Exhibitions, Zines
Belltown Art Walk, Seattle, 2025
Worlds Through Minds A to Z zine, 2025
Have You Eaten, Seattle, 2024
F-Stop Magazine, 2024
Chinatown-International District Art Walk, Seattle, 2023
Belltown Art Walk, Seattle, 2023
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Press
​Lifestyle Inquirer: Charissa Soriano explores unexamined aspects of the Filipino diaspora, 2024
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Work with her:​