IN PICTURES: Army's photographers celebrated
21 Jan 10
The best of the Army's photographers were celebrated at the awards ceremony for this year's Army Photographic Competition, held at the Imperial War Museum in London, today, Thursday 21 January 2010.
From the portfolio of winner of Amateur Photographer of the Year: A local girl with a bag of nuts given to her by British soldiers outside Basaran school in Helmand
[Picture: Rifleman Mike Hubbard, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The competition is run by the Army and is open to all Army and Territorial Army personnel and Ministry of Defence civilians who work directly for the Army.
The competition celebrates the role of military photographers and captures everything from current operations in Afghanistan to the experiences of day-to-day life and work in the Army.
Click here to see some of the winning pictures.
General Sir David Richards, Head of the British Army, presented awards to the winners of the various categories. He said:
"Photography plays a key role in explaining the role of the Army to the people of this country. In the process it hugely enhances the Army's reputation.
"Today's presentation of awards to some brave and innovative Army photographers recognises the key part that they play in this vital process.
"There are some outstanding photographers and photographs here and I am delighted to be here to congratulate those soldiers who have won prizes."
The competition consisted of five categories with sub-divisions for professionals and amateurs:
- Best Operational Image
- Best Army Equipment Photograph
- Best Portrait Image
- Best Sporting Image of the Year
- Best Creative Digital Image
From the portfolio of winner of Professional Photographer of the Year: 'Band Leader' - The massed pipes and drums of the Scottish and Irish Regiments march during the first full dress rehearsal of the Windsor Tattoo
[Picture: Sergeant Ian Forsyth, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
Alongside these were awards given to Professional Photographer of the Year, Amateur Photographer of the Year and Best Overall Image.
The award for Professional Photographer of the Year was presented to Sergeant Ian Forsyth. He has served in the Army for twenty years and has been an Army photographer for four years, travelling the world recording the Army's activities.
Sergeant Forsyth was awarded the prize based on a portfolio of eight photos capturing images from the 65th anniversary of D-Day to the Army training in Kenya.
Talking about his award, Sergeant Forsyth said:
"I feel very honoured to be recognised for the work that Army photographers undertake. Army photographers have unique access to the military and are able to capture many events that highlight the role and contribution of the Army."
The competition was judged by the Picture Editor for the Daily Telegraph, Mr Eddie Mulholland.
The Army has 45 photographers and they play a crucial role capturing images around the world, wherever the Army may be operating.