Photos: MoD

The Royal Air Force last week celebrated the production of some of its finest operational, sporting and artistic imagery during the annual Photographic Competition, culminating in an awards ceremony at the historic Royal Air Force Club in London.

A source at the RAF said the competition hasdrun for 24 years, and served to showcase the global work of the RAF and the skills and highly technical competence of Royal Air Force photographers, both service and civilian, adding the work of amateur, reservist and cadet photographers was also recognised.

Vigilance learnt the competition categories ranged from operational profiles and current military equipment to sport and the Air Cadets and from the impressive entry of over 1000 images, winners were selected in 12 different categories.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford presented the winners with their awards and prizes during a celebration at the RAF Club, London.

He said: “The competition entries this year are once again of the highest quality and showcase not only the abilities of our Royal Air Force Photographers but also the tremendous span of operations our people and equipment conduct. These dynamic images reflect the extensive breadth of Royal Air Force life, the critical contribution that our personnel are making to UK Defence and operations around the world.”

Three independent judges, Martin Keene, Shruti Patel, and David Spurden, with in excess of 90 years pictorial experience between them , wrestled to agree on the winning images in the 12 categories for this year’s photographic competition. Martin Keene said: “I am delighted to have been involved in this year’s competition. The quality of the submissions has been fantastic and it has been a real privilege to see the breadth of work carried out by the RAF through its photgraphers.”

The 2013 RAF Photographer of the year is Senior Aircraftman Graham Taylor from RAF Coningsby:

His portfolio included stunning shots of the RAF’s Typhoon aircraft on Quick Reaction Alert at sunset and by starlight, showing the aircraft ready to launch in defence of the UK, 24 hours a day. He said of his win: “It was a massive shock, but I’m very honoured to have won.  I’m delighted to be recognised and to be able to showcase my work and the role of the Typhoon force and RAF Coningsby in defending the UK.”

The photograph of the year, entitled: ‘Shard’, was taken by SAC Masson from RAF Marham. This shows a Tornado GR4 from RAF Marham, who continue to provide precision Close Air Support for British and coalition troops in Afghanistan, over London during the Queen’s Birthday Flypast, with the iconic building in the background.

The work of the Air Cadets – the next generation – was also recognised. Cadet Sean Paterson from 18(F) Wimbledon Sqn won the Cadet Category with a stunning shot of the Red Arrows.

All of the judges were unanimous in their appreciation of the very high standard, quality and diversity of work produced by both Service and civilian photographers.