About Us
Where Ocean Dreams Meet Real-World Impact
Salt + Noelle is a coastal wildlife photography and storytelling studio founded by Alexis Noelle in Santa Monica, California, and now based dockside in Channel Islands Harbor.
Our mission is simple: connect people with the ocean through authentic stories and images that inspire care, action, and a sense of belonging.
The Heart of the Story
The Heart of the Story
I’m Alexis Noelle - a wildlife photographer, storyteller, and conservation advocate. My journey to the ocean wasn’t straightforward. Growing up in a Pennsylvania steel town, I dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, but my parents were practical: even if I earned the degree, the ocean might always feel out of reach.
So I adapted. My early career was rooted in live music in Pittsburgh, where I supported local venues with marketing, promotions, and on-the-ground operations like ticketing and VIP services. That hands-on work taught me the value of real-world connection and grassroots engagement, and those lessons continue to inform every story and partnership I pursue.
Ready for a new chapter, I relocated solo to Santa Monica to join Apple Music. There, I deepened my skills in marketing and digital strategy - creating social content, tracking audience sentiment, and supporting record labels and emerging artists through programs like Apple Music: Up Next.
This move marked the start of my life in California, opened the door to new opportunities, and was the first time I could live near the ocean.
After Apple Music, I joined Universal Music Group on the commerce marketing team. I managed the digital release process for hundreds of campaigns, collaborating with artists and their teams to translate creative vision into platform-ready campaigns. This included releases for legendary acts like The Beatles, breakthrough metal artists like Sleep Token, and many others across UMG-distributed labels.
I also collaborated closely with streaming platforms to support editorial pitching and boost campaign visibility. What mattered most was making the release process feel seamless, so artists and teams could celebrate the moment instead of stressing over the details.
Around this time, I learned about the sea otter population in Morro Bay and rented my first telephoto lens. Photographing a mother and pup sparked my passion for conservation and fueled my dedication to protecting these animals and their habitats, along with studying the complex ways people and wildlife interact. While I’m not a scientist, my hands-on experience and storytelling skills allow me to contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts on the ground.
That passion for conservation became the driving force behind Salt + Noelle, a media studio based dockside in Channel Islands Harbor, California. Over 100,000 readers from more than 135 countries engage with Salt + Noelle’s storytelling and photography, reflecting a diverse and growing global community passionate about coastal wildlife and conservation.
Our flagship projects include collaborations with marine mammal organizations and field documentation that supports conservation campaigns and raises public awareness.
What We Offer: Our Three Pillars
Our Ethics
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and public responsibility. Every choice we make, both in the field and behind the scenes, reflects our commitment to protecting nature and honoring the communities we document.
Admire from Afar
We use professional telephoto lenses, teleconverters, and careful cropping to capture detailed images while maintaining a considerate distance from wildlife. By combining this approach with strict adherence to all wildlife viewing guidelines, we ensure animals remain undisturbed and unaware of our presence.
No Baiting or Staging
We never bait, call, or manipulate wildlife. Instead, every image is created through patience, concealment, and observing from a careful distance. We also carefully time our work to align with natural behaviors and seasonal patterns. This commitment to ethical practices ensures animals behave naturally and remain unaffected by our presence.
Conscious Sharing
We recognize that sharing wildlife locations is a sensitive issue, but believe that responsible guidance helps protect both animals and habitats. By offering clear viewing recommendations, we encourage thoughtful, low-impact experiences that benefit wildlife and their environments.
Conservation First
We prioritize the well-being of native species and the protection of their habitats in all that we do. By following leave no trace principles and carefully planning our activities, we help ensure that these natural places and their living communities remain safeguarded for generations to come.
Genuine Storytelling
We believe in sharing honest narratives. Our photo essays capture real moments as they happened outdoors, preserving the true colors, textures, and atmosphere of the landscapes and ecosystems we experience in the field. We do not create images or videos with AI; every visual is a genuine record of the natural world.
Mindfully Present
We remain attentive to the needs of animals, coastal species, and the areas they call home during every outing. If we encounter sick, injured, or stranded creatures, we promptly notify the proper authorities and encourage others to do the same, supporting the broader conservation community.