Kia Ora, I’m Jacqui Stokes
New Zealand Nature Photographer & Creative Artist
For me, photography is about the quiet art of pausing. It’s a deliberate choice to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the raw, fleeting beauty of our world—from windswept coastlines and misty river breaks to the delicate patterns carved inside a flower petal.
Rooted in the Natural World
Nature has always been my grounding space. My background is deeply tied to the land and sea:
- The Botanical Foundation: After studying for a horticulture degree, my understanding of plant life deepened into a lifelong respect for flora. I feel entirely at peace surrounded by trees, wild meadows, and quiet garden paths.
- Drawn to the Salt Air: Growing up near the sea in Auckland, fishing and sailing with my family permanently anchored the ocean into who I am. The movement of waves and coastal patterns continues to be a primary source of inspiration for my landscape pieces.
Moving Beyond the Lens: Painting with Light
While I love capturing pristine moments in the field, I firmly believe that the creative process doesn’t stop when the shutter clicks.
Nature provides the raw baseline of color and light, but I enjoy using Photoshop as my digital canvas. By subtly refining contrasts, shaping shadows, and enhancing atmospheric tones, my goal is to transform a standard frame into an intentional piece of fine art that corresponds perfectly with what I imagined in that exact moment.
Memorable Moments: When Nature Shoots Back
Photography outdoors is always a wild adventure, and things don’t always go precisely to plan!
While photographing long exposures at sunset on Muriwai Beach, a completely unpredictable rogue wave surged up the sand, sweeping me completely off my feet and submerging my camera setup. In a split-second reflex, I managed to lift my gear high enough to save the memory card. When I processed the files later on my monitor, I discovered I had captured the absolute split-second edge of the very wave that knocked me over! It was a wet, sandy lesson that turned a temporary mishap into creative growth.
Sharing the Joy of the Process
Beyond my own portfolio and entering national salon prints, my deepest fulfillment comes from teaching. As a camera society president, I give practical, bite-sized presentations every single month to break down the technical walls of the craft and help photographers of all levels build their confidence.
I don’t believe master-level photography should be a guarded secret or reserved exclusively for people with expensive gear. That is exactly why I created my step-by-step photography eBooks. They are written in plain, simple language for the general public—giving you the exact practical exercises, composition frameworks, and lighting insights you need to notice more, enjoy the process, and take photos that bring you genuine joy.