Xanna Ortiz was born in Oakland, California, where music was her first art form and language, growing up immersed in the Bay Area’s Latin jazz community. Raised by musicians and storytellers, music was a consistent passion in her life—until she got her hands on a camera.

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From an early age, Xanna had a natural talent for portrait photography, always drawn to capturing people and their stories. However, her craft truly evolved when she joined the United States Marine Corps at just 19 years old. Enlisting as a Combat Photographer, she was assigned to 1st Marine Division, where she spent five years documenting ground operations and field missions. This experience honed her skills in photojournalism, visual storytelling, and high-pressure documentary work.

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After completing her military service, Xanna transitioned into broadcast journalism, becoming one of the youngest photojournalists at KOMO 4 in Seattle. Working alongside notable anchors such as Holly Menino, Kelly Koopmans, and Tyrah Majors, she helped shape impactful visual narratives, covering breaking news and current events. Her exceptional work earned her two Emmy Awards, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier visual storyteller.

Today, Xanna specializes in music, art, and fashion photography, with a focus on Black and Brown creatives in Seattle’s cultural scene. She has collaborated with Mediums Collective, Hey Black Seattle, and La Paisa, and her work has been published in Forbes, Marine Times, and the Smithsonian.

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Whether capturing the energy of a live performance, the raw emotion of street photography, or the bold expression of fashion editorials, Xanna’s work continues to bridge the gap between journalism and art, amplifying the stories of underrepresented communities.