Operation Camera Competition 2017

British Army hunts for photos in Operation Camera

The Army has launched a new mission, called Operation Camera. In its sights is anyone with a potentially winning photo of the British Army.
“Op Camera”, as soldiers call it, is a new category in the annual Army Photographic Competition, which has previously not been open to the public.

“We’ve got great photographers in the Army,” said Command Master Photographer WO1 Will Craig, “but we realised that lots of other people have fabulous photos of what we do, including members of the public and our colleagues in the Royal Navy and the RAF.

“This year we’re inviting everyone to enter. It’s your Army, so let’s see the great pictures you’ve got.”

The Army has also created a special new category for cadet organisations. Called “Cadet Life”, it is open to all young people in the Army Cadet Force or any section of the Combined Cadet Force.

“Cadet Life is a brilliant opportunity to show life in the cadets from a cadet’s point of view,” said Mr Craig.

“Everyone seems to have cameras on their phones these days, so the big question is: ‘Have you taken – or can you get out and take - any good photos with a British Army theme?’ ”

In both categories, judges will be looking for high quality photographs that can be used to promote the Army across traditional and social media channels.~

Running for more than 20 years, many of the entries have traditionally come from trained Army photographers from the Royal Logistic Corps.

“The advantage our photographers have is that, as soldiers first, they deploy on operations with other soldiers to capture life on front lines and training areas around the world,” said Mr Craig.

“They are the eyes of the Army and capture and share an unrivalled view of Army life right at the heart of the action.

“But they can’t be everywhere, and we know lots of people take good photos of soldiers and what they do – and we’d love to see them.”

Other categories in the Army Photographic Competition – including video, for social media - remain open to any Regular Army and Army Reserve personnel, as well as cadets including the Army’s University Officer Training Corps. Ministry of Defence civilians who work directly for the Army can also enter.

“We’re also asking the public to vote for their favourite picture,” said Mr Craig. “If you follow the Army channels on Facebook and Instagram you’ll be able take part”.

Closing date for entries is Wednesday 27th September 2017, with full details at www.army.mod.uk/photocomp