I’m Joseph Huerta — a visual storyteller and Emmy-winning photojournalist based in Seattle.

I got my start filming skate videos with my friends — long before I ever stepped into a newsroom. Skateboarding taught me how to see the world differently: to look for angles, timing, rhythm, and to keep going when things don’t land the first time. That mindset still shapes how I tell stories today.

For over 20 years, I’ve been chasing stories with a camera in hand. From wildfires and unsolved crimes to death with dignity and branded content, I’ve followed my curiosity across every kind of story. My work has aired on major networks including NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, and MSNBC — but no matter the platform, I care most about making stories that connect.

I play a major role in the true crime series Unsolved Northwest, where I serve as cinematographer, editor, and producer. It’s a project I’m deeply invested in — blending investigative journalism with cinematic storytelling to shine a light on cases that still haunt communities.

I’m also a contributor to KING 5’s DEI initiative, “Identity”, where I created a storytelling franchise called Identity — an open and honest conversation series focused on race, gender, mental health, and the LGBTQ+ community. The goal is simple: to create space for people to be seen, heard, and understood.

At the core of it all is empathy. I believe the best storytelling starts with listening, and my goal is always to get to the soul of a story — to capture not just what happened, but why it matters.

I also spend time mentoring the next generation of visual storytellers through workshops, conferences, and one-on-one coaching. It’s one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.