When Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck the Philippines in November 2013, the world barely understood the scale of the horror. But Gloriann did. She packed her bags full of charitable items and her camera gear, carrying with her not just food and clothing, but hope, dignity, and witness.

She stayed at my wife’s family home, the only house left standing in the entire neighborhood—a simple cinderblock home, windows blown out, walls trembling in the relentless wind. Yet in that wreckage, Gloriann’s presence was a lantern in the darkness. The love and support she gave my wife’s family was priceless, a reminder that even in the worst storms, humanity could still be stronger than the wind.

There is, as of now, no official “Category 6” storm, but Haiyan would have earned it with the ferocity that ripped families apart and erased entire coastlines overnight. Gloriann’s photos captured that devastation with unflinching honesty: children’s toys half-buried in the sand, homes flattened to sticks, bones of the dead washing ashore with the tide as if the sea itself could no longer bear to hold them.

She was there not for glory, but to serve. She was there not to take pictures, but to tell the truth. In those days, she became the Greta Thunberg of the United States, refusing to look away, refusing to let us look away. She transformed grief into a call to action, demanding we see the price of our warming world not in statistics, but in the faces of those left behind.

Gloriann is gone now, but the love she left in the Philippines, the stories she captured, and the courage she lived will remain, like a quiet promise that even after the fiercest storm, there are hearts that will still walk into the rubble to help, to witness, and to love. May her memory be a blessing—and may we honor her by living with the same compassion, courage, and unyielding hope.

I wish Norman all the joy and happiness. He’s a really good man and I always loved seeing him go through all the flowers at Trader Joe’s on FaceTime with Gloriann. I really did love it! It was entertaining to see which ones they would decide on. Always the best bunch in the water buckets! A very sharp couple from the moment I first met them. Sending you love Norman and I hope many joy filled snow trips in the future! -Chantal 

I love having Gloriann be a part of my life. I was fortunate to have deep and grand life conversations with her monthly. I looked forward to our visits always. It is rare to meet folks with such awesome energy, no filter and open to any and all conversations. We met and immediately got into all life stories! Honest and fully open!  We are kindred spirits and I feel blessed to have her in my life. I think of her often and miss her a lot. Last time I saw her I got to hold her hand and really appreciate her! Her fun, energetic and often helpful words. Her strong spirit shines bright in my heart. We laughed, yelled, I cried many times and I received so much from our friendship. I love her dearly! Her voice and words will stay in my heart and mind forever. 

What did you learn from Gloriann Liu?
Gloriann and I shared a deep love for international travel, adventure, and photography—passions that bonded us from the start. We were both endlessly curious about the world and committed to seeing it with open minds and open hearts. What truly set our connection apart, though, was our shared belief in the Golden Rule. That simple principle—treating others as you wish to be treated—was something we both lived by and respected in each other.

What I learned from Gloriann was the power of fearless honesty paired with genuine compassion. There was no subject too personal, no feeling too complex, that we couldn't talk about openly. Her courage to speak the truth, even in difficult moments, inspired me to be more transparent and empathetic in my own life. That has stayed with me, and always will.

I was asked to share what I learned from my friendship and experiences with GLoriann. I would say that pretty  much everything I know I of the people, the landscape, the harships and the beauty of the people and  land of Afghanistan I learned from Gloriann. It's too much to pinpoint in this short  space! But she opened an amazing new world through her photos, her words , the artifacts she brought back, and her profound passion for the country and its people. Some of my most precious times were the hours and days I was in her company, talking, listening, learning, laughing and planning events for our non-profit organization  ReachOutAfghanistan. I will be forever grateful. 

I was saddened to learn of Gloriann’s death. I first met Gloriann when she booked a stay at the A4T Guesthouse while I was serving as the acting director there. As fellow photojournalists, we had much to discuss…especially on the topic of Afghanistan, a place that we both loved fiercely. Her images spoke to a deep understanding of Afghan life, and her compositions treated her subjects with compassion and tenderness. Perhaps what impressed me most about Gloriann was her commitment to tackling photo stories that others were not keen to touch. She was able to give a voice to the voiceless.

Gloriann was a good friend to Afghanistan and a very talented photographer. She will be missed and the world will be a less enlightened place without her.

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Gloriann Liu. Our thoughts and sympathies are with her family, friends, and all those who were touched by her kindness and contributions. May her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration.

Very sorry to hear this news. I met Gloriann at a digital photography show where we spoke of her travels and love ofphotography. We stayed in touch and shared photographs entails of travelover the years. Her images of Afghanistan were powerful and touching . I’m grateful to have known her.

     I first met Gloriann during a cold winter day in a guesthouse in Kabul where we talked about Afghanistan. After a few conversations, I realized she was a very determined woman, well-organized, and ready for adventures. Her free spirit along with her photography skills very quickly resulted in great pictures of the Afghan people and Afghanistan’s sceneries. Throughout the years, I found out how dedicated she was to help the poorest in Afghanistan and women in particular. Thanks to her photos she gave a voice to voiceless people such as drug addicts, handicapped, and battered women. Gloriann was more than a photographer. She was a very decent human being, a friend, and a compassionate person. My interest in storytelling and her photography skills connected and resulted in a field trip in the high mountains of the Wakhan Valley, in 2009. Not only did she help to record storytellers, but she also took incredible pictures of men and women on our journey. I never forget when she brought a bag of aspirins for the people of Wakhan who suffered from frequent migraines due to the scorching sun, high altitude, and the use of drugs. Another memorable moment was when she asked us to stop the car while we were driving on a high-altitude dirt road. She saw three little kids on a donkey struggling their way up the mountain. She got out of the car and with her eternal generous smile, she grabbed a bag of candy and offered it to the children. Gloriann loved the people of Afghanistan and supported many women. In 2023, she generously donated many of her photographs of Afghanistan to be part of several art exhibits benefiting Afghan women and organized by Afghan 4Tomorrow. She will be missed by many, but her spirit will remain with us forever. My condolences to Norman and all her family.

Wahid Omar

Gloriann Liu was an excellent photographer/story teller. She was very patient, polite, and respectful to all cultures and religions. She had a very high personality. She was very generous and very honest human. 

We made many trips to several provinces in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2016.  She earned awards from the  photographs she took in Afghanistan.

Her photography expressed the story itself of the people she photographed, after we asked about the situation of the person and their family.

I wish her soul to be calm, at peace and in Paradise! And my deepest condolences to her very kind husband Mr. Norman and her family!

By Najibullah Sediqi          

Afghans4Tomorrow, Inc. President    Organizer/producer for Gloriann Liu in Afghanistan

Gloriann was someone who I wish I had been able to know better, as she was someone who was talented, empathetic, and seemingly fearless, all traits I really admire. 

I met her through  Afghans4Tomorrow where she was so generous to let us use her amazing photos for fundraising.  Her photos of the Afghan people touched my  heart like no others.  She was able to show the joy and humanity in people so many in the world wrote off as lost. I hope her memory is a blessing to all who knew her well.

🤍🤍🤍

I’m heartbroken to hear of your passing. You brought so much light and joy into the lives of those around you., you were a strong voice for all the oppressed in Iraq and Afghanistan through your camera.  Your kindness and laughter will always be remembered. Rest in peace, dear friend.