Hi I’m Jacqui Stokes
New Zealand Nature Photographer
I’m a passionate photographer based in New Zealand with a deep love for the natural world. My journey with photography began when I was ten years old. My first camera shot black and white film with just 12 exposures per roll. Each frame was precious. I learned patience. I learned to compose carefully. I learned to wait.
Those early experiences shaped the way I still approach photography today — intentionally and thoughtfully.
During high school, I joined a photography club to explore my growing interest. When I was 21, my parents gifted me my first DSLR camera. That gift marked a turning point. With a camera I could truly grow into, my passion deepened, and I began exploring the world more intentionally through my lens.
Over time, photography evolved from a hobby into something far more meaningful. It became a way to connect with nature and to express how I see the world.
A Love of Nature
Nature has always been my happy place. After school, I completed a horticultural degree, deepening my understanding of plants and the natural environment. I have always felt most at peace surrounded by flowers, trees, and open landscapes.
I grew up near the sea in Auckland, fishing and sailing with my family. The movement of waves, the call of seabirds, and the salt air became part of who I am. Although I now live further inland, I return to the coast as often as I can. The sea continues to inspire me — especially when capturing the interaction of water and light through long exposure photography.
How My Photography Has Evolved
Over the years, my work has moved through different phases as I’ve refined my style and techniques.
Landscapes remain a favourite, particularly using long exposures to soften movement in waves or clouds. There is something magical about transforming motion into something calm and dreamlike.
Close-up photography is another enduring love. I enjoy discovering the details often overlooked — the veins of a leaf, the texture of a feather, or the play of light across a flower petal. These small moments reveal extraordinary beauty.
While I attend workshops and study photographers I admire, I always strive to bring my own perspective into every image.
My Creative Process
Editing, for me, is an extension of the creative process. Nature often provides stunning colour and contrast, so many images require only subtle adjustments. However, there are times when I carefully shape a photograph to better reflect the vision I had in the moment.
Planning is essential. I check tide times, sunrise and sunset angles, weather conditions, and moon phases. If I’m visiting gardens, I may carry only a camera, macro lens, and reflector. For landscapes, a tripod and filters are essential companions.
Each year, I plan a longer photography trip within New Zealand, mapping out sunrise and sunset locations in detail. Preparation allows me to make the most of fleeting light and changing conditions.
Inspired by Aotearoa
Living in New Zealand is a gift for a nature photographer. Within a few hours’ drive, I can reach mountains, lakes, beaches, or forests. The diversity of landscapes and wildlife is extraordinary.
I’m particularly drawn to our native birdlife. Their character and uniqueness reflect the spirit of this country.
The connection I feel to land and sea shapes every photograph I create — whether it’s the rugged drama of a West Coast beach, the stillness of an inland lake, or the vibrant bloom of a pōhutukawa in summer.
Memorable Moments Behind the Lens
Photography doesn’t always go to plan.
At Muriwai Beach, while photographing waves at sunset, a rogue wave surged up the beach and swept me off my feet — along with my camera. Thankfully, I saved the memory card. Later, I discovered I had captured the very wave that knocked me over. That experience led me to transition to mirrorless cameras — turning a mishap into growth.
Another unforgettable morning unfolded along the Kaikōura Coast. The sky glowed orange, seals rested on the rocks, and waves crashed rhythmically below. Moments like these remind me why I continue to chase early starts and shifting light.
Community and Learning
Photography has given me more than images — it has connected me with community.
As a member of PSNZ and my local camera club, I value constructive feedback and the opportunity to learn from others. I also enjoy sharing knowledge through workshops and speaking engagements, helping others grow in confidence and skill.
What Photography Means to Me
Photography is about seeing differently. It’s about slowing down, observing carefully, and finding beauty in places others might overlook.
Through Jacqui Stokes Photography, I hope to inspire others to pause and look more closely — whether at the soft light of dawn, the intricate design of a flower, or the raw power of the ocean.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I invite you to explore my galleries and experience Aotearoa through my lens.
