Holly Z is a Bellingham-based photographer whose work captures the landscapes, wildlife, and night skies of the Pacific Northwest.
Her journey with photography began in high school in Ohio, where she first learned to shoot and develop film in a traditional darkroom. After moving to Washington in 2018, the region’s natural beauty inspired her to dive back into photography and grow it into the work she shares today.
Holly’s photography spans local Bellingham landscapes, wildlife, and astrophotography. She is especially known for her Milky Way images, which often require careful planning, scouting locations, and perfect timing throughout the seasons. She also experiments with unique perspectives, including half-underwater photos captured using specialized waterproof camera gear.
For Holly, photography is more than a creative practice—it’s also grounding and therapeutic. After moving to Washington and building a new life in recovery, spending time outdoors with a camera became a way to slow down, connect with nature, and capture moments of beauty across the region.