Photo by Kaite McTiernan
Grace is a Korean American photojournalist based in California, working between Southern California and Mexico City. She has covered topics including student activism, immigration and border issues, labor and housing concerns, and a range of social and political movements.
Grace earned a B.A. in Clothing and Textiles from California State University, Long Beach. She worked as a costume designer in Los Angeles and New York City prior to completing photography studies at Orange Coast College and transitioning into full-time photojournalism.
When she’s not working, she can usually be found riding a bike - or eating!
Awards & Recognition
First Place — Rest of World Photography Contest (2025)
Featured in NPR
Featured in NPR
Selected Photographer — Diversify Photo: Photos of the Year (April & October 2024)
https://diversify.photo/2024-photos-of-the-year/#202410
https://diversify.photo/2024-photos-of-the-year/#202410
Honorable Mention — OC FAIR LA Lights, B&W Analog (2017)
Exhibitions
Exploring Shapes and Colours, ArtDoc Photography Magazine 2023
Migrants and Shifting Borders, LoosenArt — Rome, Italy 2021
Wasted Foods, Two-Person Exhibition — Downtown Santa Ana Artwalk 2019
Wasted Foods, Group Exhibition — Newport Bay Conservancy Conference 2019
LA Lights — Orange County Fair Photography Gallery 2017
Published Work / Assignments
2025 – “2026 FIFA World Cup: How to Get Tickets” — Anadolu Agency
Photo assignment on World Cup countdown clock.
Read the Article
Photo assignment on World Cup countdown clock.
Read the Article
2024 – “USC Student Arrests During Protest” — Anadolu Agency
Coverage of pro‑Palestinian demonstration and law enforcement response.
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Coverage of pro‑Palestinian demonstration and law enforcement response.
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