Portfolio Archive | Page 3 of 8 | Jacqui Stokes Photography

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.

Tolaga Bay Sunrise

Tolaga Bay Sunrise captures the sun just rising over the horizon, with the foreshore featuring scattered driftwood and sand leading to the small incoming waves. Taken as a long exposure, the sea appears smooth while a single wave near the shore retains subtle motion. The clouds curve gracefully toward the golden sun, showing delicate movement and creating a dynamic, serene composition.

Tolaga Bay, located on the East Coast of Tairāwhiti, Gisborne, New Zealand, is renowned for its long white sandy beach and historic wharf. It is a significant site for both Māori and European heritage, offering scenic coastal landscapes and recreational opportunities such as fishing, swimming, and photography. The area’s natural beauty, combined with its cultural history, makes Tolaga Bay a treasured location for visitors and locals alike.

Under Tolaga Bay Wharf

Under Tolaga Bay Wharf captures the historic wharf during golden hour, with a long exposure that gives the pilings a warm golden glow and the distant sea a striking turquoise hue. The sky remains soft blue with hints of pink, reflecting the subtle light of the East Coast sunset. The composition emphasizes the textures and structure of the pilings while creating a serene and timeless scene.

Tolaga Bay Wharf, stretching 660 meters in Tairāwhiti, Gisborne, New Zealand, is believed to be the longest of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. Originally built in the early 20th century to serve shipping and trade for the local community, it has become a significant historical landmark representing the maritime heritage of the region. Today, it is a popular spot for photography, walking, and enjoying the coastal scenery.

Black and White Magnolia

Black and White Magnolia is a monochrome photograph of a white magnolia flower at the end of its stem. The petals and stem are sharply detailed, with a couple of raindrops resting delicately on the petals. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the elegant simplicity and textures of the flower in this black-and-white composition.

Burke Street Wharf

Burke St Wharf captures the remnants of the historic wharf on Burke Street in Thames, New Zealand. Using a long exposure at sunset, the photo shows the pilings and two wire sculptures, with the sea smoothed into a glassy texture, creating a serene and reflective scene.

The Burke Street Wharf was once a bustling part of Thames’ maritime history, serving as a hub for shipping and trade during the gold mining era. Today, only the wooden pilings remain, and the addition of wire sculptures pays homage to the area’s heritage, blending art with history in a striking coastal setting.