Christopher Noel of West Midtown on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Christopher Noel shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Christopher, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think people are secretly struggling with the fear that their “pivots” are actually just failures in disguise.

When you’re a creator or a business owner, you put on a brave face and announce a “new direction” or a “rebrand” to align with your heart. But behind the scenes, I think a lot of people are terrified that they’re just abandoning things because they didn’t work out the way they hoped. They’re struggling with the weight of leaving behind versions of themselves—like an old podcast or a blog—and wondering if they’re actually moving forward or just running away from the noise.

There’s also this hidden exhaustion from the “hustle for cash flow” vs. “creating for the soul” battle. People see the polished photography bookings or the professional services, but they don’t see the silent struggle of trying to keep the lights on without letting it kill the creative spark needed for the stories they actually want to tell. We all pretend we have the balance figured out, but I think most people are just one bad week away from feeling like they’re losing their artistic identity to the grind.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a multidisciplinary creative, storyteller, and filmmaker with a foundation in photography and visual branding. My journey started behind the camera, using photography as a way to help people and businesses feel seen, confident, and accurately represented. What began as a creative outlet grew into a professional path as I realized how powerful visuals can be when they’re rooted in story rather than aesthetics alone.

Today, my work lives in two lanes. 1154 Studios is my creative home for film production and writing projects, where I focus on narrative storytelling, interviews, and cinematic work that explores identity, resilience, and transformation. This includes original film concepts, written stories, and long-form visual projects designed to connect emotionally and leave a lasting impact. Alongside that, Capture By Christopher Noel exists as a dedicated brand for photography services, where I offer corporate headshots, lifestyle photography, creative sessions, and product photography for individuals and businesses who want polished, intentional visuals.

At the core of everything I do is problem-solving through story. For clients, I help remove the disconnect between who they are and how they’re presented to the world. Many people know they’re doing meaningful work but struggle to communicate that visually. I bridge that gap by creating imagery and stories that feel authentic, confident, and aligned with their purpose — not forced or generic.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just “create content.” I listen first. I’m deeply intentional about understanding the person, the brand, and the why behind the work. My background in storytelling allows me to approach every project with empathy, structure, and emotional awareness, which leads to work that feels human, honest, and memorable.

I’m most proud of having built a creative path rooted in courage and evolution — choosing to pivot, rebuild, and refine my vision rather than staying comfortable. I want people to know that my work is about more than visuals; it’s about representation, growth, and telling stories that matter. Whether you’re a client, collaborator, or viewer, my goal is for you to walk away feeling seen, inspired, and confident in the story you’re telling.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I would say it’s definitely my mom. She was the hardest working person I knew, and she set the foundation for everything I do today. Before she passed, she would share stories about my grandfather—how hard he worked and the sheer grit of his work ethic. That legacy of labor and dedication is something I carry with me every time I step onto a set or behind a camera.

But she didn’t just teach me how to grind; she taught me to believe in my work. She was the one who instilled in me the confidence to stand behind my vision, whether I’m rebranding a business or telling a story that’s “true to my heart.” She also pushed me to learn how to work smart, which is exactly why I’ve spent this year streamlining 1154 Studios and launching “Captured by Christopher Noel.” It’s about being intentional with my energy so I can produce the highest quality work without burning out. I’m building 2026 on the work ethic she gave me, but with the focus and strategy she taught me to value.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Trust the pivot.” I’d tell him to stop worrying about being ‘too much.’ That loudness and ‘extra’ energy people complained about? That’s exactly what’s going to make him stand out. I’d tell him to keep that theatrical spark alive because, one day, he’ll be the one building the stage.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what really matters to me is legacy and creative truth.

They see how much I value the work ethic passed down from my mom and grandfather, and they know I’m not just trying to build a business—I’m trying to honor that lineage. They’d tell you that I care deeply about authenticity; I’m the guy who will shut down a functioning website or walk away from a “safe” project if it doesn’t feel true to my heart anymore.

At the end of the day, they’d say I’m driven by the need to create something that lasts—something that proves that being “too much” was actually just having enough vision to build a world of my own.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing? 
Playing it safe. I’d hate to look back and realize I let the ‘business’ side of things drown out my original stories. My mom taught me to believe in my work, and for me, that means making sure those Southern Gothic scripts actually get shot. I don’t want to be the guy who only captured other people’s memories while mine stayed stuck in a notebook.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.capturedbychrisnoel.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thechristophernoel