Hello. I’m Jo Bradford, a photographer, public speaker, author of photography books and the director of Green Island Studios. My fine art photography is represented by galleries in London, New York and Paris. I am also an associate lecturer on the BA Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University and I deliver photo workshops and creativity courses all over the world.

Green Island Studios is my photographic studio and darkroom space based on a stunning hilltop location with panoramic views across Dartmoor. I set up the studio in 2007. In 2015 I developed an interest in smartphone photography while undertaking the year long photo-a-day project “A Love Letter to Dartmoor in 365 Photos” , this led to my best selling book about mobile platform photography being published in 2018. I am now considered a leading authority in this fast growing and dynamic field of photography. I have published several books, see the link above or click here for more info and to order signed copies.

I am passionate about making photography available to all and often deliver workshops for disadvantaged youths, remote communities and vulnerable groups giving them the confidence and freedom to express themselves creatively. I use old smartphones and defunct digital point and shoot cameras to facilitate their learning and experience.

I travel globally to speak about photography and photo editing appearing on TV, radio and at photography events. I judge categories in photographic competitions, such as the Royal Meteorological Society’s “International Weather Photographer of the Year”.

You can see details of the various photowalks and workshops I offer on Dartmoor below and here.

The sunrise was beautiful this morning! I am now awake and on my doorstep at 5:30am every morning to let my puppy out to greet the day. He must have some high quality internal alarm clock because it wakes him without fail at exactly 5:20am every.sing

After many many weeks of much needed rain to soak the arid landscape here, there is fresh green growth evident all around. Wonderful to see the sun again over the last couple of days.

Wonderful to see last years bumper crop of acorns have germinated and taken root in the little patch of local woodland. With luck they will hopefully grow to be strong and healthy to help regenerate the woodland, which has saplings of various ages, s

Fancy seeing your Dartmoor photo on the cover of the Dartmoor OS Explorer Map?
 
I am excited to have been asked to judge the Ordnance Survey competition to find a new image for the OL 28 Dartmoor OS Explorer map. To celebrate the 70th annivers

Winter on the moor might seem bleak to some but I think it’s rather beautiful in all it’s minimalist glory.

Happy New Year to you all!! This year I’ve appreciated the view from my studio window more than ever. And it seems you lot like it too as 6 of my 9 most liked images of 2020 were shot from that very window!!

The glorious misty morning light stopped us in our tracks on our run this weekend.

Here’s a local pony in the Dartmoor mist to get Monday rolling along nicely

It’s #fungioftheworldweekend and I am therefore sharing this with you!

Possibly a cliché to mention Keats’ words about autumn being the season of mist and mellow fruitfulness but seeing the abundance of sloes here at the moment makes one think it nonetheless

Remembering with gratitude today and always, all those who gave so much for our freedom.

I wonder what they’re thinking about? I’m doing planning for the photography and the editing workshops this week. If you want to join in, we have had a cancellation so head over to my website to nab a last minute place.

Looking for something to do during lockdown? I have places on my photography workshops available. Link in bio for more info.

Here’s to never being too old to love muddy puddles!

My online workshops in smartphone photography & mobile editing have proved to be very popular, the next few are filling up, so if you want to join me for some creativity with your phone this Autumn and Winter there’s a link in my bio. Gift

It’s been a week of misty mornings and sunny afternoons. Classic late summer weather for Dartmoor.

Taking a moment at my window to appreciate the last light of the day, thought you may care to share it with me.

Join me for some cloud spotting... what do you see? Strange clouds causing odd light on Dartmoor today, seen whilst running around what my kids like to call the “back yard”. Swipe through the photos to see more.... edit: I’m told th

OUR GREEN MANIFESTO LOOKS A BIT LKE THIS!!

SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE

Here at Green Island Studios we are committed to greening our photographic arts practice. Here are some of the ways that we do this day to day, can you suggest any others?

We are off-grid and are entirely powered by renewable source energy generation. We practice sustainable sourcing at all times, for example using rechargeable batteries. We have only low-energy lighting, and always turning everything off is the norm, no standby mode for our computers at night!

In the studio, darkrooms, and on-site accommodation we do not use high energy consumption devices such as air conditioning units and electric heating systems. In the attached staff and guest accommodation we do not use electric powered ovens or heating, nor any tumble dryers and dishwashers and we heavily limit the use of extractor fans and hair dryers.

We are committed to researching and using eco print processing methods wherever possible. We always ask our suppliers about their own environmental policy and ask if they can use eco ink & papers for production of our products.

We prefer to source reusable materials for our work and have a policy to repair and recycle everything that can’t be reused. We purchase second hand kit whenever possible.

We consider our materials and foods miles, and try to source local and organic products where possible.

We avoid plastics, excess packaging and disposables in favour of reusable glass and fabric options. We compost all of our organic waste.

We buy clothing and linens made from organic fabrics, and seek out textiles made from recycled fabrics and produced sustainably such as Tencel.

We love to Upcycle! Ask us about our innovative projects with ancient cameras, mechanical toys, orphaned lego and broken solar panels among others…

We love to talk about this, so please contact us if you wish to join the discussion!

Feedback from previous workshops…

‘I found it very useful - I'm already using lots of her tips and techniques to get the most out of my phone camera. She is a very good lecturer and I spent a lovely day that just flew past’

‘Loved every minute. Jo covered a huge area of information and explained concisely…Her knowledge of all the smartphones available was second to none… She is a highly skilled and professional photographer who is able to combine her knowledge with a superbly competent teaching style. She left me wanting more...’

‘It was the first time I had done an online workshop and I really like Jo’s format’

‘it is so easy to attend (without even taking my slippers off)’

‘I learned a lot more than I imagined I would’

‘Excellent. Good mix. Plenty of content at right pace. Engaging presentation. Practical tasks were very good. I want more!’

‘Life for me will never be the same! The phone in my pocket will no longer be more than a tool to record images for reference, but a creative asset in addition to my extensive kit’