Hi I’m Jacqui Stokes
Capturing New Zealand Nature and Sharing Photography Insights
Kia ora! I’m Jacqui Stokes, a nature photographer living in beautiful Aotearoa / New Zealand. I love wandering coastlines, forests, rivers, and gardens with my camera, noticing the light, shapes, and details that make each scene unique.
Photography for me is about pausing, looking closely, and appreciating the quiet beauty of our world — from windswept beaches and misty mountains to the delicate feathers of native birds and the intricate colours of flowers.
I’m a fellow photographer who’s always learning. I make mistakes, experiment, and share what works for me. That’s why I also create guides, exercises, and small tips to help other photographers notice more and enjoy the process.
Explore the Work of Jacqui Stokes
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.
