Michael Ho is a freelance photographer and photojournalist based in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego, California. Born in Hong Kong and raised in both mainland China and Hong Kong, he began photographing in 2018 and has covered news across Hong Kong, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and beyond.

Since beginning his career, Michael has documented a wide range of stories, including the 2019 Hong Kong protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of Hong Kong's National Security Law, abortion rights demonstrations across the United States, California wildfires, immigration enforcement operations, and other breaking news and community events. His work has been published by leading news organizations, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, NBC News, CNN, Fox News, The Guardian, The San Diego Union-Tribune, and many others.

In addition to photojournalism, Michael specializes in sports and event photography. He has served as the official photographer for the San Francisco Marathon and Berkeley Half Marathon from 2022 to 2025, while also photographing events for schools, colleges, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

Michael is passionate about visual storytelling and believes powerful images can inform, connect, and inspire people. His goal is to document meaningful moments with accuracy, authenticity, and impact.

As a person raised in Hong Kong and China, Michael is native in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

University of California, San Diego

2024–2026

Work experience

Freelance Photojournalist & Videojournalist ---- Anadolu Agency 2025 - Present

Freelance Photojournalist ---- San Diego Union-Tribune 2025 - Present

Freelance Photojournalist ---- SOPA Images 2021- Present

Photographer ---- UC San Diego 2026 - Present

Intern Photojournalist ---- San Diego Union-Tribune 2025

Staff Photojournalist ---- The UCSD Guardian 2024-2026

Official photographer ---- San Francisco Marathon 2022-2025

Official photographer ---- Berkeley Half Marathon 2022, 2025

Official photographer ---- San Francisco Pride Parade 2024

Photographer for multiple events

Contacts

Email: michaelho.wailee@gmail.com

Phone:

• +1(510)693-2765

• +852 6843-0220