A SOLDIER based in Brecon has been named photographer of the year in the Army’s annual photographic competition.
Corporal Tom Evans, who is a professional Army photographer, was awarded the title for his stunning portfolio of images portraying military life during the past 12 months.
The 33-year-old, who lives in Brecon and is based at at 160th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Wales at the Watton Barracks, also scooped the best overall image prize.
His photo, titled ’Guardian Angel’ shows a a soldier on top of an armoured fighting vehicle with an Apache Helicopter flying just over his left shoulder.
“Being a photographer is the best job in the Army,” said Tom.
“I get to see the whole Army, every trade and every cap badge and see them at work in so many exciting and varied places across the world. That gives us a unique perspective on it all.”
Tom is currently on deployment in Norway, where the Army is on Exercise Trident Juncture as part of NATO. He said: “I don’t think photography really changes much over time. The equipment changes but the principals are the same. I admire the photography of Horst Fans during the Vietnam War. Great images are timeless really.
“What inspires me is looking back at our history as Army photographers. The AFPU (Army Film and Photographic unit) filmed and photographed the major battles of World War Two. They even won two Oscars. It’s humbling to be part of that tradition.”
Command Master Photographer WO1 Will Craig said: “This year we have seen more than 1500 entries, the largest ever seen. There have been some great images. This year’s oldest entry was from a grandad aged 80 and the youngest was from a 12-year-old cadet.
“I wanted to open the photo competition up and give the general public and serving personnel an opportunity to film with their smart phone as long as it had an army theme. We had a few entries this year but we always welcome more as it’s so simple to enter.
“This is my last competition and I hope everyone has enjoyed the images and video that have been shot by really great service photographers over the years. Imagery is everything and told through the eyes of serving soldiers in all kinds of conditions.”
Winners were announced today at a ceremony held at the Imperial War Museum, London, where a display of the winning images is being hosted.
The annual competition is open to all regular and reserve personnel, staff and cadets of the Combined Cadet Force, Army Cadet Force, University Officer Training Corps (Army), and MOD civilians and contractors who work directly with the Army.
This year’s judges were Philip Coomes, BBC picture editor and Martin Keene, Press Association picture editor.