Portfolio Archive | Page 2 of 8 | Jacqui Stokes Photography

Makorori Beach Sunrise

Makorori Beach Sunrise shows waves rolling onto the shoreline as the sun begins to peek over the horizon. The orange tones in the sky are reflected in the wet sand, creating a strong connection between the sky and the beach. The timing captures the moment just before full sunrise, with light building across the scene.

Makorori Beach is located near Gisborne on New Zealand’s East Coast and is well known as one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise. Its open coastline and expansive sands make it a popular location for early-morning photography.

Sunset at Muriwai Gannet Colony

Sunset at Muriwai Gannet Colony is photographed from the clifftop, looking over the gannet colony and out across the Tasman Sea as the sun drops toward the horizon. Below, large waves crash against the rocks, adding scale and energy to the scene. The elevated viewpoint brings together land, wildlife habitat, and ocean in a single frame.

Muriwai Gannet Colony, located on Auckland’s west coast, is one of the most accessible mainland gannet colonies in New Zealand. The dramatic cliffs, powerful surf, and sweeping coastal views make it a striking location for photography, particularly during the evening light.

Peace Lily

Peace Lily is a graphic photograph featuring two white peace lily flowers set against a soft cream background. One flower is turned to the side, showing only the back of the spathe, while the other faces forward, revealing a bright reddish-pink stamen. The simple composition and limited colour palette highlight the elegant forms and contrasting details of the flowers.

Rarangi Beach Sunrise

Rarangi Beach Sunrise is a long-exposure photograph taken at dawn, with the pebbly shoreline in the foreground and a cluster of rocks positioned to the left of the frame. The long exposure smooths the movement of the sea, while the rising sun lights both the sky and water in warm orange tones, creating a strong contrast with the darker textures of the beach.

Rarangi Beach is located just north of Blenheim in Marlborough and is known for its distinctive pebble shoreline and open coastal views. Facing east, it is a popular spot for sunrise photography, offering changing light, colour, and atmosphere as the day begins.

Red Rose

Red Rose is a close-up photograph focused on the centre swirl of the flower, with the surrounding petals filling the frame. The tight composition draws attention to the natural spiral and layered texture of the rose, highlighting its rich red tones and intricate detail.

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.