Portfolio Archive | Jacqui Stokes Photography

Rocks and the Sea

Rocks and the Sea is a long-exposure photograph taken at Whale Bay near Raglan. The technique gives the sea a ghostly, misty effect as it washes over the smaller rocks in the foreground and swirls around the larger rock formations. The composition captures the interplay between solid rock structures and the flowing, ethereal water, creating a dramatic coastal scene.

Whale Bay, located on the west coast of the North Island, is known for its rugged coastline and popular surf beaches. The combination of rocky outcrops and tidal movement makes it a sought-after location for photographers looking to capture dynamic seascapes.

Rushing River

Rushing River captures a long-exposure view of water flowing energetically around rocks protruding from the riverbed. The rocks are covered in light green moss and algae, adding texture and contrast to the smooth, painterly motion of the water. This composition emphasises the dynamic movement of the river while highlighting the natural details of the rocky foreground.

Rivers like this are common in New Zealand’s forested and mountainous regions, where clear, fast-flowing waters create picturesque scenes for photographers. The combination of moss-covered rocks and flowing water offers a timeless, tranquil, and visually captivating natural landscape.

Seagull Flying into the Shore

Seagull Flying into the Shore captures a black-billed gull in mid-flight, gliding across the frame while two other black-billed gulls rest in the shallow water at the sand’s edge. The composition highlights the movement of the flying gull against the calm, serene backdrop of the shoreline, emphasising both the grace of the birds and the peaceful coastal environment.

Black-billed gulls are native to New Zealand and are known for their striking black bills and white plumage. Often found near coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries, these gulls are a distinctive feature of New Zealand’s avian landscape and a favourite subject for wildlife photographers.

St Arnaud – Jetty at Kerr Bay

St Arnaud captures the view straight down the jetty at Kerr Bay, Lake Rotoiti, looking into the valley between two mountains. The sun sits just behind the peaks, casting a soft pink glow, while the sky and lake take on subtle purplish tones. A long exposure flattens the lake surface, enhancing the serene, painterly atmosphere of this alpine scene. The photo was taken while braving the famously persistent sandflies, adding a touch of adventure to the capture.

Lake Rotoiti, in the Nelson Lakes National Park, is renowned for its clear waters, alpine surroundings, and peaceful walking tracks. The jetty at Kerr Bay provides a perfect vantage point for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset, when the light accentuates the mountains and reflections, making it a favourite spot for landscape enthusiasts.

Sunset Beach Port of Waikato

Sunset Beach Port of Waikato captures the sun low on the horizon, casting a warm orange trail across the sea that leads into a reflective pool in the foreground. The long, golden light highlights the gentle textures of the water, creating a serene and visually striking composition. The scene emphasises the peaceful atmosphere of a coastal sunset at the Port of Waikato.

The Port of Waikato, located on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, offers expansive beaches and beautiful sunsets over the Tasman Sea. This area is popular for photography, beach walks, and observing the ever-changing coastal light, making it an ideal location to capture dramatic and tranquil seascapes.

Sunset in Kaikoura

Sunset in Kaikoura captures a serene view from the rocks at Jimmy Armers Bay, looking back across the water toward Fyfe Quay and the Southern Alps, dusted with a sprinkling of snow. The scene is bathed in a soft purple glow, with the last light of the sun just dipping below the mountains. The composition emphasises the textures of the rocks in the foreground and the gentle, atmospheric colours of the evening sky.

Kaikoura, on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is famous for its dramatic coastal landscapes, marine life, and mountain backdrop. Jimmy Armers Bay provides a tranquil vantage point to capture both the rugged coastline and distant alpine scenery, making it a popular location for photographers seeking unique sunset compositions.

Sunset in Westport

Sunset in Westport captures the sun caught in the branches of a washed-up tree lying on Kawatiri Beach, Westport, New Zealand. Taken at low tide, the beach stretches into the distance with little to no water visible, and the warm glow of the setting sun casts gentle shadows across the sand. The composition highlights the natural textures of the driftwood and the serene coastal atmosphere.

Kawatiri Beach, located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its rugged beauty, expansive sands, and dramatic sunsets. The area provides a natural haven for photographers and nature lovers, offering striking compositions where driftwood, tidal patterns, and coastal light combine to create memorable images.

Thames Harbour – Long Exposure Sunset over Firth of Thames with Silhouette Beacon

Thames Harbour Sunset

Thames Harbour captures a long exposure sunset over the Firth of Thames, viewed from Thames, New Zealand. The pale, ethereal tones of the image highlight the calm waters and distant hills, while a silhouetted structure, likely a wooden beacon tower, stands in the channel, adding a point of interest and sense of scale. The soft, serene atmosphere emphasizes the peaceful coastal environment at golden hour.

The Firth of Thames, located on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula, has long been an important site for both Māori and European settlement, with its rich estuarine ecosystem and scenic landscapes. Today, Thames Harbour offers panoramic views and recreational opportunities, making it a favoured location for photographers capturing the interplay of water, light, and heritage structures.

Tolaga Bay Long Exposure Sunrise

Tolaga Bay Long Exposure Sunrise captures the sun just on the horizon, casting warm orange tones across the sky while the sea appears a calm, deep blue. The foreshore sand looks darker in contrast to the bright sky, and the long exposure smooths the motion of the water, creating a serene and painterly effect. The composition emphasizes the natural colours and peaceful atmosphere of this East Coast sunrise.

Tolaga Bay, located in Tairāwhiti, Gisborne, New Zealand, is known for its extensive sandy beaches and iconic wharf. The area is celebrated for its coastal beauty and is a popular destination for both photography and recreation, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and a connection to the region’s rich cultural and maritime history.