our approach

At Saltyfaces, we use photography as a tool for connection and awareness — documenting people, communities, and cultures with empathy and respect. Our work blends documentary and lifestyle imagery, capturing honest moments that reflect belonging, identity, and the beauty of everyday life. We approach every project with care, creating a comfortable and collaborative environment where authenticity can unfold naturally. Guided by warmth and compassion, our goal is to celebrate real human stories and reveal the quiet strength, softness, and individuality within each person we photograph.

  • Visual storytelling for NGOs, nonprofits, and community-driven initiatives, capturing projects that create real change for youth, culture, and the planet.

  • Creative production and imagery for purpose-led brands in the surf, lifestyle, and outdoor spaces, content for campaigns, websites, and social media.

  • Photography and short films capturing surf, yoga, and creative retreats — focusing on atmosphere, emotion, and connection.

  • Long-form visual stories exploring culture, ocean life, and identity created for publications and storytelling platforms.

  • Concept development, moodboards, Digital Product Design and brand visuals for conscious projects.

clients

Soma surf / São Tomé Surf Club / Surf Ghana / Sankofa Surf Club / Ghana Surfing Federation

features

2023 - Docu Book volume 46 - Short interview and 2 pictures (online) 

2023 - Docu Magazine vol. 46 - 1 picture (print)

2023 - The Bright Continent - Feature on Social Media

2023 - Swiss Photo Club Germany - Feature one picture (Social media)

2023 - Swiss Photo Club Germany - Exhibition Picture “trough my eyes” Top 40

2022/2023 - SOMA Surf Website or somasurf_

the face behind

Hello, I'm Julia, the founder of saltyfaces studio. A Berlin-based creative and photographer passionate about capturing the human spirit around the ocean: my documentary work has taken me on an incredible journey full of growth, challenges and inspiration and lots of surf. I've had the privilege of empowering individuals through photography and supporting vital social causes. I believe in the power of photography to tell stories that inspire, connect, and make a positive impact.

  • From a young age, I was fascinated by the camera and its ability to capture unique and special moments. While studying graphic design and earning my bachelor's degree in communication design, I had the opportunity to explore photography in greater depth and engage with various aspects of the field.

    What fascinated me at that time was architecture, landscape and street photography. I have been trying to find my voice and subjects that inspired me to develop a style people could associate with me and my work. 

    Surprisingly, a break from photography altered my entire approach. It was during my transformative journey to São Tomé é Príncipe, volunteering  5 Months at SOMA Surf as a Surfbuddy and Photographer, that I rediscovered my passion for the craft and found my niche. I picked up my camera again with renewed enthusiasm and a fresh perspective.

  • My time in São Tomé was a transformative experience in various aspects. It not only reignited my passion for photography and helped me discover parts of myself living surrounded by the ocean. It showed me how important community and taking care of our nature is. This island is full of magic, the culture, the people, the energy and the land ✨

    Documenting the surfers and the vibrant community of Santana was incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing the Strength, resilience, and joy of all individuals, particularly the young women conquering the waves, was truly inspiring.

    This paradise became home, a turning point in my photography career and personal growth. I don’t know if you could experience all these photographs the same way as you can see them here now, without it.

    Grateful for the trust and opportunity to have captured the stories of the surfers and the community and share them with the world. Living, surfing and shooting together created a special bond between us, which made it possible for me to capture those special moments.