Bonnie is a soulful storyteller with a deep-rooted love for nature, art, and capturing life’s fleeting, heartfelt moments.
With a photography career spanning over two decades, her work blends fine art, emotion, and authenticity—shaped by personal experience and a profound appreciation for the natural world. Based on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Bonnie’s images are as grounding as they are poetic. We caught up with her to talk inspiration, dream destinations, and why photography is such a powerful, personal art form.
You’ve been immersed in photography since the days of film and darkrooms—how has that early experience shaped your approach to weddings and storytelling today?
The process of working on individual images in the darkroom helps you focus on what makes an image impactful & understanding the quality of light. While I love to capture all the elements of a wedding day as a lovely series of images, I think I still seek that image that will sit on your wall, the one worth printing. I think print still holds so much impact.
Your work is deeply inspired by nature. How does your connection to the natural world influence the way you frame and capture moments on a wedding day?
Location scouting is one of my favourite parts of my job; I love exploring new landscapes & then seeing how they appear in camera. Most couples choose to marry in stunning locations, whether it’s a natural or urban environment, so I think celebrating & making the most of this landscape is important.
You speak beautifully about photography’s power to preserve memory—especially after the loss of your sister. How has this shaped the emotional depth of your work?
When I look at photos of loved ones past & present, it’s the authentic unposed images that capture ‘them’ that I cherish the most, so I always endeavour to make people comfortable & to be themselves in front of the camera, in an effort to capture their essence.
You’ve lived and studied in some breathtaking places—Falmouth, Cornwall, the Sunshine Coast, Edinburgh. Do these landscapes continue to influence your creative vision and style?
I have had the travel bug for as long as I can remember. Since a child, I’ve always been drawn to the kind of landscapes found in Scotland, England & Ireland. Perhaps it stems from many of my favourite childhood stories being based in these settings? I did a shoot in the Scottish highlands a few years ago & it filled my creative cup to the brim in its ethereal, ruggedness, misty & old world feel.
What do you think makes your approach to wedding photography unique, and what kind of experience do you aim to create for the couples you work with?
Couples spend a large part of their day with their photographer, so I think it’s important they choose someone they feel comfortable with. I have many people say they don’t like being in front of the camera, which I can definitely sympathise with, so I strive to make the experience as relaxed as possible. Each couple is different in how much or little direction they need, but it’s the in-between moments that I am also looking for. Often it’s a matter of them having time out exploring a stunning location, with a little direction here & there. People often tell me the portrait session was their favourite part of the day.
Italy, Iceland and Ireland are your favourite countries to travel—are there any dream wedding destinations you haven’t ticked off your list yet?
When I was in Iceland, I was fortunate enough to do a fashion shoot, but I am yet to photograph an elopement or wedding there. In 2020, I had a multi-day wedding shoot booked in Iceland, but alas, COVID happened. Fortunately, I was able to photograph their southern highlands wedding, but their Iceland plans took a back step over growing their lovely family instead. It’s simply the most photogenic & fascinating place I’ve ever been.
Now with two children and a home in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland, how has becoming a parent changed the way you see and photograph love and family?
I think I am more sentimental, but I also know how quickly time goes & how photos are such important time stamps, and again, the importance of capturing the natural essence of people.
You’re clearly passionate about the little details that bring a wedding day to life—what are some of your favourite candid moments to capture?
I love a good dancefloor, seeing all the different personalities & freedom of expression. The couple’s portrait session is, of course, a favourite as I love that the couple get a time out from their busy wedding day, I see them having a little debrief, & often the reality that they are finally married sets in.
What advice would you give to couples who are trying to choose the right wedding photographer? What should they be paying close attention to?
Try not to get caught up in current trends too much, as they come & go & you don’t want images that date. Think about how you will view the photos over the years. Some photographers are great at capturing an overview of your day, & these look best in a series, whereas others are able to capture highlight images that will sit on your wall, if you’re lucky, some can do both.
Looking ahead, do you have any exciting, creative goals, projects, or dream shoots you’d love to bring to life over the next few years?
I have some creative art projects I’ve been trying to get to for some time that involve an abstract nature series. I’ve got some plans for some fun wedding style shoots in some pretty unique locations in the pipeline, also.
For more information, bonniejenkins.com.au and @bonniejenkins.
Bonnie Jenkins
