+1 (415) 889-9031
chriscckao99@gmail.com

Hello! This is Christine Kao, a Central New York-based photojournalist whose work amplifies community-driven narratives and stories of resilience. I was most recently a photo editor assistant at STAT News, where I designed and developed visuals for health reporting. This summer, I will join The Washington Post as a photo intern.

Born and raised in suburban Taiwan, my small-town upbringing, cross-cultural background and queer identity shape the unique lens through which I approach visual storytelling. My passion for photojournalism blossomed at UCLA’s student newspaper, Daily Bruin, where I served as a staff photographer for four years. Combining this dive into reporting with my background in bookmaking, I created four photo books on cultural preservation and community building.

I bring an intersectional perspective, deep empathy and playful curiosity to my sphere, with the ultimate goal of galvanizing hope and inspiring a more compassionate world.

Outside of my creative endeavors, I find the most joy in writing postcards, learning queer theory, talking to strangers and sharing ice cream with friends.

Selected Awards

2025 International Photography Awards — Jury Top 5 Selection
2024 Diversify Photo’s Photos of the Year — Selectee
2024 American Photographic Artists Awards — Third Place, Sports/Adventure
2024 California College Media Association Awards — Second Place, Best Magazine Photo Series
2023 Associated Collegiate Press Best of Show Awards — Fourth Place, News/Feature Photo
2023 Associated Collegiate Press Individual Awards — Second Place, Magazine Cover; Honorable Mention, Sports Game/Action Photo; Honorable Mention, Environmental Portrait
2022 California College Media Association Awards — First Place, Best Photo Illustration
2021 DMA Undergraduate Exhibition Awards — Winner

Workshops

2025 Eddie Adams Workshop XXXVIII
2025 Tacet Eye Workshop

Education

UCLA B.A. in Design Media Arts, Chancellor’s Marshal of the Class of 2023
Syracuse University M.S. in Multimedia, Photography and Design, Class of 2026

Photos Used by

LA Times, STAT News, Nature Journal, Vogue Hong Kong, TaiwanPlus News, Knock LA, LA Public Press, LA LGBT Center, EdSource, Fruitslice

Affiliations

AAJA, NPPA, NLGJA, Diversify Photo (Up Next Member)

Press

UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture, Central News Agency, China Times

Languages

English, Taiwanese, Mandarin