Connection Project

The Project

8 photographers, 8 personal stories of connection with Suffolk’s natural world..

The Connection Project is a story of relationships forged between photographers and the environment or subjects they are photographing.

Co-ordinated by Gill Moon this project features 8 photographers and 8 stories of connection based around the landscapes of Suffolk. The stories detail personal connections with the landscape, wildlife, people and rural ways of life of Suffolk.

These stories will feature in a book which will be published in November 2025 and an exhibition at the Art Space Gallery in Woodbridge from 4th – 10th December 2025.

The story behind the project

As a landscape photographer I believe that making compelling images relies on forging strong relationships with the landscapes and environments that I photograph. I have always loved nature but I feel that photography has opened my eyes and deepened my bond with the natural world.  However while I may feel more connected I have noticed that humanity in general is drifting away from any meaningful connection with the natural world.

Nature deficit disorder,” is a growing phenomenon linked to urbanization, technology, and the loss of wild spaces and it is associated with negative impacts on health, well-being, and society.

I think it is hard to overstate how important nature is to us as a species. We are reliant on it for our very existence, but we tend to think of it as something separate from us that we can use, exploit and destroy without any consequences. 

As someone who loves nature and makes a living from being in the natural world I have given our growing disconnection from nature a lot of thought. Photography provides me with reason to get out into nature, to observe, to learn and enjoy all the beauty and wonder that the natural world provides. This project is a way to pass on some of the inspiration I have received from spending time in the landscapes of Suffolk.

The Connection Project – 8 photographers – 8 personal stories of connection with Suffolk’s natural world.

The Photographers

Gill Moon – I am a professional landscape photographer living and working on the Suffolk Coast and am passionate about promoting a connection with the environment through my work. I tend to gravitate to the wilder landscapes and love show casing the beauty of the natural world. I run tuition and group workshops and have written several books.

Ryan Boydell – As a Suffolk-based landscape photographer, I am dedicated to capturing the essence of rural communities and the enduring beauty of country life. Using both large-format film and digital photography, I celebrate the landscapes, traditions, and pursuits that define rural England, creating an evocative visual narrative of countryside heritage. From expansive fields to quiet village scenes, my work reflects a deep appreciation for the subtleties of rural life and a commitment to preserving its cultural fabric. Photography has always been my way of seeing the world in its rawest form, and through my images, I aim to evoke emotion and inspire thought, inviting viewers to experience the tranquil beauty of the English countryside.

Rosey Nicholls – I live in the Hadleigh area of Suffolk. My interest is mainly macro photography especially with insects and mini beasts. I enjoy crafts and spending time with my family.

Ian Miller – I live in the small village of Charsfield a few miles from Woodbridge. I photograph almost exclusively landscapes, usually coastal scenes trying to evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony.

Chris Bowles – I am Chris Bowles, retired and now in my 70’s. I live by the Suffolk coast at Kessingland, with my wife and our three Border Terriers, so just about as far East as you can go in the UK. Having ‘played’ with film photography in my early years, and embracing digital later with point and shoot cameras and mobile phones, when I retired, I bought a couple of mirrorless cameras, which laid dormant in a cupboard for nearly 10 years, with my interest resurrected I completed a level two college course in photography, and now enjoy occasional photography, as a hobby.

Jamie Smith – I am a self taught photographer based in Ipswich with passion for catching the early morning light in and around the Suffolk countryside and coast.

Susan Jones – I first picked up a camera in 2019 and since then I have developed an interest in capturing and sharing images of the environment around me. This includes largely landscapes, particularly exploring our wonderful coastline and some wildlife.  Living in Suffolk my images are mainly from the East Anglian region. However, I do have examples from other parts of the UK and further afield. Photography which was initially a pre-retirement hobby has become a passion, leading me to undertake a post graduate diploma in photography.

Graham Howlett – my name is Graham Howlett, but my friends all call me Spike. My love of Photography started when I was a young lad with my father who had a camera in a lovely leather case and would explain to me about all the different film types. My favourite style of photography is seascapes, landscapes and waterfalls / rivers. I also enjoy spending time at the beach on my own or photographing my family.

Take Part in the Connection Project. 

If you would like to take part in the Connection Project we are running a competition to win a place in the printed book and in the exhibition itself.

We invite you to submit a single photograph that reflects what connection means to you in the context of the natural landscapes and environments of Suffolk. Whether it’s the serenity of the Suffolk coast, the hidden beauty in a quiet woodland, a connection with a rural tradition or your love of local wildlife we want to see your personal interpretation of connection.

The Prize:

Your image will be published in the connection book and you will receive a complimentary copy.

Your image will be printed on fine art paper and framed ready to hang in the Connection exhibition which will take place in the Artspace Gallery in Woodbridge between the 4th – 10th December 2025. As part of the exhibition your work will be offered for sale, but you are welcome to keep the original framed print and any money the sale of your work generates.

How to Enter:

Capture a moment in the natural world in Suffolk that resonates with you – a place, a scene, an experience, or a wild encounter that speaks of connection.

Write an artist statement – no more than 150 words – explaining your connection and your intention with the work. This will be published in the book and displayed in the gallery alongside your work.

Submit your photograph (no larger than 2000pixels on the longest side) and your artist statement by email 

The closing date for entries is 31st August and the winner will be notified by 20th September.

The winner will be notified by email and will be required to send across a high resolution file for inclusion into the book and printing for the exhibition.

Please submit your entries via email by 31st August.

Good Luck!