| Story |
| My name's Charissa Soriano. I'm a Filipina documentary photographer and visual storyteller. I work with nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and local publications in telling important stories about diverse communities or events in Seattle under "Charissa Soriano Photography". Apart from my editorial and commercial work, I recently founded Purple Butterfly on July 26, 2025. It is a family photography practice that is rooted in legacy, joy, and intimacy. I decided to pursue family photography because I have always done it for my own family back in the Philippines. When my dad brought home a Casio digital camera in 2006—I was 11 years old—I immediately became enthralled by the act of making pictures. I began to express myself in ways I hadn’t before, but I also began to connect more deeply with my surroundings, including my family. Since then, I have created thousands of images of my family. More importantly, I have created pathways to memories for us. That’s what I believe photography is: a bridge to who we were (and who we can be). As a family photographer, I won’t only make beautiful portraits of families; I will also document mundane and special moments at their home that speak to who they are, what they value, and what they want to pass on to the next generation. I envision working with families to make archives of their personal and collective history. This is Purple Butterfly. Asian Owned, Minority Owned, Woman Owned |
| Business Owner |
| Charissa Soriano |