This year’s Army Photographic Competition is not just about the professionals – more than half of the categories are open to amateurs. With such a tidal wave of military content available online, this contest represents a unique chance for soldiers – and professional photographers – to get their talent noticed and, more importantly, make audiences pause to consider the incredible work that servicemen and women undertake every day.
The categories:
- Army Photographer of the Year – A portfolio of six images – RLC phots only
- Amateur Photographer of the Year – A portfolio of four images – open to all (not RLC phots)
- Story of the Year – Six images from the same event that tell a story – RLC phots only
- People/Portrait – One image of a member of the army – open
- Capability (Kit/Equipment) – One image showcasing the best of the army’s in-service gear – open
- Best Video – Best video production showcasing the British Army – RLC phots only
- Best Showreel – Best video production showcasing the British Army, no longer than two minutes – RLC phots only
- No separate entry needed for the below categories – they will be picked from the entries above
- Image of the Year – Best image from any of the other categories, selected by a panel of industry professionals – open
- People’s Choice – Best image from any of the other categories, selected by a public vote – open
The rules
- You must be a serving member of the British Army (regular or reserve) on the day you enter, or a civil servant employed by the service as a professional photographer.
- Up to three entries per category.
- By submitting an image to the competition, you give Soldierand the MoD permission to print it in the magazine and distribute it to outside organisations under the terms of Crown Copyright.
- Capture must be between 1 February 2025 and 1 April 2026.
How to enter
Email your work – with the category you are entering stated in the subject line to pics@soldiermagazine.co.uk before the closing date of 17 April 2026. Judging will take place in May with winners announced by this magazine, and the Army, in the summer.
