For the third year running, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is holding a competition to find images for its charity calendar. The competition is open to amateur and professional photographers, with the key theme of the British Army. This time there will be a special prize given to the best image commemorating the end of World War One. The Soldiers’ Charity is the Army’s National Charity.
The previous competition saw hundreds of Army-themed entries. The shortlist was judged by BBC journalists Michael Buerk and Kate Adie, the Chief of General Staff, General Sir Nick Carter KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC, Rob Cook of Canon UK, and Andy Taylor of WEX Photographic.
Major General, (Ret’d) Martin Rutledge, Chief Executive ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, comments: “We started this competition so our supporters could show their view, images and imagination of what the British Army means to them. We have had hundreds of inspiring entries covering all walks of life, and we continue to be impressed by the high level of professionalism shown. We are already looking forward to seeing the submissions for the 2018 calendar, especially given the significance on the centenary year.”
The 2017 calendar, which has just gone on sale, features the winning entry was ‘Dog Days’ by Trevor Sheehan, which captured a bomb disposal dog cradled in the arms of its handler. Trevor, from Hexham in Northumberland, commented: “I saw this soldier and his loyal dog training and it was clear that they had a very close and special bond. I crouched down to dog height and took the shot. The dog remained very calm even with a camera so close, it was very professional.”
Other entries included a striking image of the British Army Bobsled team in action and one of an artillery shell leaving a Light Gun after being fired.
The competition closes on 30th April 2017. Entries will be shortlisted before being put forward to the judging panel, with the winners announced at the end of June 2017.
Enter the competition now at soldierscharity.org/photocompetition