I’m Maxine Noel — photographer, writer, traveler.
Born in South Africa, I’ve always been drawn to stories: in people, in history, in light.
Photography is how I make sense of the world. I work mostly in 35mm film and digital, documenting scenes that are often overlooked — quiet streets, fleeting glances, stories stitched into landscapes. With roots in psychology and criminology, I’m deeply curious about human experiences and cultural identity.
Through my lens, I aim to build bridges between people and places. To offer a window into moments that might otherwise go unseen. Whether I’m wandering the alleyways of Delhi, standing in the ruins of Whitby Abbey, or hiking the Sahara, I carry a camera and a deep respect for the world I’m lucky to witness.
In 2025, I was honored to be named a finalist in the internationally recognized Shoot the Frame Photography Awards across three distinct categories: Wildlife, Portrait, and Landscape. These images — captured in South Africa and Algeria — reflect the heart of my photographic vision: to document the natural world and the stories of those who inhabit it with honesty, depth, and reverence.
Each photograph is a moment of connection — with a creature, a landscape, or a culture — and being recognized for this work affirms my commitment to storytelling through the lens.
Two of my black-and-white mobile images were ranked in the top 15% of entries in the Black & White Mobile Photography category at the prestigious 35AWARDS. With over 124,000 submissions globally, this recognition places my work among the most compelling in mobile visual storytelling. I was also honoured to be ranked among the top 23% of participating photographers worldwide.
