From Mouths to Media

My journey to becoming an Army Photographer

Mother-in-Law gave me my first DSLR camera. From that moment on I lived and breathed photography and sought to improve myself tirelessly - much to the annoyance of my husband and children who were forever the victims of my obsession, although the dog was a more than willing participant! In January 2021, I was assigned a mentor and given a multitude of tasks to achieve based around improving and assessing my ability as a photographer. These ranged from demonstrating basic compositions to capturing portraits of people in their workplace and even organising days with different units where I was able to go and take practice images. I was even lucky enough to attend an event and get images of the rapper, Big Narstie!

Once my mentor was satisfied, I was ready to go forward in the process, I attended Defence Photographer Aptitude Assessment (DPAA) at the Defence School of Photography (DSOP), RAF Cosford. After successful completion, I was given a course start date for April 2022. This would be broken down into seven weeks photography and seven weeks videography. Whilst on trade training, I completed an intense course to improve my understanding of photography, equipment, lighting, composition and so much more. Passing out in July 2022, I started my first posting in the Army Media and Communications department at Army Headquarters, Andover. In just four months I have seen, learned and travelled more than ever before.

My very first job was to capture portraits of CGS and DCGS during a VIP visit to Army HQ, and I was absolutely terrified! With support from one of the more seasoned Army Photographers I made my way through this ominous task and proved that I was capable of so much more than I knew. I captured images on the Army EXPO, where all units displayed their fighting capabilities and equipment as well as assisting with the Army Remembrance video. I have flown in a Wildcat Helicopter multiple times to take shots from the air and to help create footage for a release to service of new equipment. I was fortunate enough to be deployed to Cyprus to capture footage for Ex AUSTERE WOLF which opened my eyes up so much more to the vast roles and capabilities the Armed Forces can utilise. The highlight of my new career so far has been deploying on Op BRIDGE to Windsor Castle for the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which was a huge honour and a very humbling moment. It was incredible to see the effect first hand of Her Majesty’s passing on the world. I also travelled to Cardiff Castle to get images of His Majesty King Charles’ first visit as King to Wales and the Senedd. I was no more than a few metres away from him mere months after qualifying as an Army Photographer!

Since transferring and taking on this new, dynamic and exciting role, I have never looked back – the trade has already helped me realise my potential and given me the opportunity to work doing something I love, as well as finding new ways to be creative and improve my skills for the future.

The Section Commanders’ Battle Course (SCBC) is the first Brecon tactics course conducted by Infantry JNCOs in their career and is aimed at qualifying rifle company section commanders. It is a tough and highly competitive course and there are limited spaces for NCOs from other cap badges. I was fortunate enough to attended SCBC 2203 and this is my story.

SCBC 2203 ran from 16 Oct9 Dec 22. There were 97 NCOs who started, 66 of which eventually completed the course. I was one of four non-infantry personnel to start the course and one of two to pass the course. This was an important step for me on the road to becoming an instructor at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

During the lead up to the course, I was apprehensive, both due to the arduous reputation of the