Army Photographers?

Harvey_nikon

Harvey_nikon

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Hi,

I've been looking at the Royal Logistics Corp recently as they do photography and I would love to do combat photography.

I was just wondering if, by any small chance, any here has worked in the forces as a photographer or is currently doing so?

Issue is, I am 27 with a max joining age of 33. You can't join the photography branch straight away and have to do something else first and then apply :(
 
I work WITH forces photographers all the time and your information is correct. You have to join your choice of armed force and then transfer branch. Not to p**s on your dreams but there are downsides to the job as well. Most of the guys i know spend an awful lot of time doing crappy jobs like taking pictures of officers to stick up on walls, presentations, covering mess dinners, taking pics of broken things etc.

Why do you want to do this now? Something major happened in your life? Bored?
I've been there, seen it, didn't like it! It's not glamarous and exciting, it's dangerous and scary and takes a certain type of individual to take photographs in the most dangerous places on the planet!

I'm sure your local Army recruitment office could give you more information but don't expect them to listen to you wanting to join the phot branch!
 
I used to worked closely with an Army tog (a long time ago) and also covered for him when he was on leave or another job. As Sarin says, there's good and bad. Lots of boring rubbish to wade through - and some exciting stuff too. I got involved in taking shots from a chopper with the doors off - in sub-zero temperatures :brrrrrrrr: And taking shots at a post mortem where the total number of body part didn't = number of deceased :( Rough and smooth, rough and smooth.
 
there was another branch i was told about -in the navy or RAF who's nickname was "The Eagles" I think..... apparently their job is slightly more fun (well, a bit more pomp, and less grotesque things to photograph such as what 2blue4u mentioned).
 
Sarin said:
Why do you want to do this now? Something major happened in your life? Bored?
I've been there, seen it, didn't like it! It's not glamarous and exciting, it's dangerous and scary and takes a certain type of individual to take photographs in the most dangerous places on the planet!
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My uncle was a photographer in the army, always loved his shots and I've always had a yearning to join one of the forces. I've also been kicking myself since turning down my RAF pilots scholarship at 17 :(

It's hard to explain, it's like i feel pulled towards it, i know it sounds a little :cuckoo:.

I am aware that there will be boring aspects to the job, it's the same with every job but I think that being posted away would make up for it!

My job is decent and pay's well, the couple of side projects I had on the go have fallen through for now and i've been considering a change after the wedding. Although, you have to sign up for at least 8 years to be considered.
 
I served in/with the RAOC/RLC for many years out of my 24 year Army career and worked with many photographers.

Its not a glam job at all and promotion wise, its dead mans shoes.

You would need to join the RLC in the first instance as a Supply Specialist or Supply Controller or similar, With time under your belt you can then apply for the Photographer training. It is a long course and you have to pass an aptitude test to get selected for the course. You are up against many applicants.

Postings vary but mainly you have the MOD in London or any major Headquarters throughout the world.

There is a lot of pomp photography whereby you follow the GOC around taking his picture and keeping them for historical records.

Its not a bad life but its not that exciting unless you can get a really good posting like over in Iraq or Afghanistan.

There is a forum "RAOC Online" where there will be Ex Army togs and they will be more than happy to help if they can.
 
Thanks for the input everyone :D

Joining the RLC won't be an issue, i've got over 7 years experience in supply positions ranging from loader, planner and management.

I am going to check that forum out :D
 
Remember, you are a soldier first and a tradesman second so you will still have to go through vigorous training.

If you are not already, get yourself fit.
 
Hi Harvey,

You would do well to take on board what Quaker and the others have said. Often the perception of a role is very different to the reality. You'll rarely hear the full truth in the AFCO. Military life can be very rewarding, but can also be frustrating in equal measure. I am in no way trying to put you off or patronise you, but just be sure that you know what you will be giving up and what you will be getting into.

'Good' postings are few and far between. Often, you will have very little (if any) say in where you are posted and what you shoot. And assuming you did get sent to a theatre of war, you are still very unlikely to be employed as a "combat photographer". If I'm not mistaken, most of that sort of photography is done by veteran photojournalists. Soldiers in combat have far more important things to worry about. Likely, it will involve station functions and photographing visiting dignitaries shaking hands with the CO.

Being in the forces is not just a job, it's very much a way of life. You have to want to be a soldier as much as you want to be a photographer or you will quickly become disillusioned. Much of the time, the photographer part will come second.
 
As Tim said, you can do this without being in the armed forces. Believe it or not you can get a plane to Iraq or Afghanistan, pack your camera and you're ready to go. I would however suggest that you pack some body armour and helmet, get some very expensive life insurance and read up on IED's. Oh and a couple of ex special forces chums wouldn't be a be thing either :)
 
Sarin said:
As Tim said, you can do this without being in the armed forces. Believe it or not you can get a plane to Iraq or Afghanistan, pack your camera and you're ready to go. I would however suggest that you pack some body armour and helmet, get some very expensive life insurance and read up on IED's. Oh and a couple of ex special forces chums wouldn't be a be thing either :)
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Count me in :lol::lol::lol:

now if I can only get someone to bankroll this excursion!
 
If you want to be a military photographer but not a soldier, join the RAF;)
 
Kev M said:
If you want to be a military photographer but not a soldier, join the RAF;)
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Ah the RAF - the only sensible armed forces to be in. They send their officers to war whilst the airmen stay safe at home :D
 
:agree:

Its a "proper job" in the RAF - I'd love to do it but I like money too much
 
The way things are going in the RAF it won't be long until the photographers are on the same pay scale as the aircraft engineers.
 
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