Army Photographic Competition 2025 delivers stunning images of life as a soldier

Tuesday, 20 May 2025

What better way to get an insight into the British Army than through the eyes of its soldiers. That is precisely what the Army Photographic Competition 2025 has revealed in a truly remarkable set of images.

The British Army Photographic Competition 2025 awards ceremony took place at the National Army Museum on Thursday, 15 May. The winning portfolios in both professional and amateur categories blended the pomp and ceremony of the Army showcasing Britain at its majestic best with the more familiar visions of grit and determination on the faces of those pushed to their limits.

Canadian singer and song-writer Bryan Adams, himself a highly accomplished photographer, was among the select panel of judges with the unenviable task of selecting the winners and runners-up. 

He was joined by: the Army’s Assistant Chief of the General Staff, Major General Paul Griffiths; the Colonel of the Royal Logistic Corps, Colonel Jacqueline Powell; the Army’s Command Master Photographer, Warrant Officer Class 1 Baz Lloyd,;conflict curator and archivist Hilary Roberts; and Graeme Main, the long-standing Chief Photographer at 'Soldier' magazine.

Bryan Adams has a proud family history of service in the British Army. Both his grandfathers served in the Royal Engineers. His father also served, having graduated from the Royal Military Academy before moving to Canada. Speaking of the competition he said:

'Being asked to judge this year’s competition is an honour as my father and grandfathers all served in the British Army. Picking a winner was hugely challenging, and there could only be one in each category, so my congratulations to everyone who entered.'

Epitomising the breadth and variety of military activity that the competition captured, the Image of the Year winner could not have contrasted more from that of the runner-up. 

Sergeant Donald Todd’s behind-the-scenes sensitive portrayal of a young soldier of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery washing down her charger invites the viewer to share what appears to be an intimate yet humorous moment. 

The comparison with runner-up Corporal Aaron Stone’s adrenaline-fuelled shot of a paratrooper screaming as he lets rip with his general-purpose machine gun is so stark. If a picture can paint a thousand words then a facial expression paints a million, and this image certainly embodies that.

Professional Portfolio, and Image of the Year winner Sergeant Donald Todd said:

'I was surprised that my entry was chosen as the winning professional portfolio. Having worked with the majority of Army photographers, I have seen some outstanding work throughout the year.'

Winner of the Amateur Portfolio Lance Sergeant Alisdair Szyszko’s selection of images provided a strong depiction of life in the Grenadier Guards. He started taking pictures as a student while studying in Surrey before joining the Army in 2018. He said:

'I’ve been really fortunate that I’ve had a very busy Army career with the Grenadier Guards – there has been a lot going on and I’ve been around the world. It’s amazing to be recognised in this competition – I’ve had some pictures published in Soldier magazine before and the trade really interests me.'

The ever-present and ubiquitous smartphone had its own category. Its immediacy and ease of use allows moments to be captured that would once have otherwise been lost. One such moment was of a soldier kneeling during a training exercise with a beautiful red skyscape as a background – it won Warrant Officer Class 2 Kayley Butler of the Royal Logistic Corps, the Smartphone Shot category. Explaining the background to her winning photograph she said:

'It’s great to have won and I’m proud that it showcases the Royal Logistic Corps.The image was taken during an individual training requirement camp that 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Regiment ran at Longmoor. We’d been up since 0400 and as we got to the top of a hill, blowing, there was the most beautiful sunrise. I’d recently taken up photography but my expensive camera was in my bag because I didn’t want it getting wet. I pulled out my smartphone and got one of the troop commanders to pose.'