IamA British Army Photographer AMA!

Considering how little combat there is for the British Army in Wales and the Midlands, are you criminally underused? Are you secretly hoping for Wolverhampton to rise up in revolt?

I travel all over the UK and the world to cover units. I am currently based in the Midlands.

How is your relationship with those you photograph?

It all depends on the people you come across. At first people can be a bit 'stand off ish' but the job is all about building relationships and trust with the guys and gals. Once they get to know me a bit its all good.

How do you time a photograph with a gunshot? Is it just spray and pray or something more complicated?

Its all about knowing what is about to happen and knowing the weapon system, then hoping that the D4 will capture it as 11 FPS.

For example a Challenger Two main Battle Tanks cannon will dip slightly before it fires.

For example a Challenger Two main Battle Tanks cannon will dip slightly before it fires.

Wow I never knew that. Do you know the reason for this? Making adjustment from the sighting components to the actual barrel perhaps?

The alignment components are fairly coarse in order to allow the gun to traverse quickly. Once on target, it aims slightly high. It physically drops across the target point and at the correct alignment the round is fired.

I have just spoken to my brother who used to be in the Royal Tank Regiment as a tankie and he said its to do with the gyroscopes and laser alignment.

Hope that helps!

Hello, I have a couple of questions, I hope that's alright.

Firstly do you draw inspiration from other photographers? I'm thinking of someone like Don McCullin.

Secondly how do you build trust and a good relationship with the people you photograph? I'm quite interested in photography myself, especially documentary photography of the like of the Magnum photographers for example, but as a somewhat quiet and shy young man it can seem rather daunting.

Lastly how do you work on a project? With that I'm asking about your process both as preparation, during and after.

I hope I didn't ask too much. Thanks for doing this!

I get that question a lot. I dont really draw inspiration from anyone to be honest. I like to look at other peoples photos but I like to think I have developed my own style over the years.

I am a pretty laidback, approachable person and I just build up trust and a relationship with the people I meet.

When it comes to tasks, we get given a job, time, date and any other info I require. If I get time to do a recce I will. If not its just take it as it comes and deal with the job when I am there.

No worries!

Thanks! I appreciate it.

All cool

I am off to bed now.

Please submit any questions and I will answer them in the morning!

Thanks for showing interest and speak soon!

Stay Safe.

Hi!

If I may ask, what things are you not allowed to take photos from in the army?

What's the most gross photo you have took ever?

Thanks

There are certain bits of kit and personell that we are not allowed to take photos of. Also some people dont give consent for their photo to be taken sometimes.

Most gross thing outside of the army would probably be the placenta after my son was born in the Army would be a Goat getting killed for food in Brunei

How did you find Brunei? I called it my home for a few years thanks to the army.

I loved it!

I wrote a blog post about it here- http://www.jonesmrjones.co.uk/blog/2016/2/up-to-my-neck-in-water-in-the-jungles-of-brunei

Haven't you tried taking a photo or just by a coincidence (in the army) of some guy who blew up or something? That's what I meant by the degree of "gross" I was talking about!

Thanks for answering btw.

Ah ok.

Na nothing like that.

No worries.

What's in your camera bag?

It's forever changing. Different for each job.

I did a blog post on what I carried in Brunei here- http://www.jonesmrjones.co.uk/blog/2016/1/whats-in-my-bag-in-the-jungles-of-brunei

Besides the current era, what other previous era / decade of the British Military would you have liked to have photographed ?

Thats a good question!!

It would have to be the Anglo-Zulu War. Rorkes drift would be amazing!

What is the favourite place you've been with the Army and why?

I would have to say Brunei. I only went there this Jan.

It was amazing! I did a blog post about it on my site- http://www.jonesmrjones.co.uk/blog/2016/2/up-to-my-neck-in-water-in-the-jungles-of-brunei

Coming from Brunei, thank you! /r/Brunei

hi!

Hey, maybe too late to the party.Since the Vietnam War its been argued that journalists will never been given free reign to report a war, since the reporting of that era is seen to have turned the public against the government.

Have you experienced this? Are you told where to go and what to photograph? and are your photographed censored before being released?

We are not told exactly what to do but we need to know first and foremost 'what the story is' We then have pretty much free reign on how we approach each task.

All our work gets sent to the picture desk for release.

How do you separate yourself from what is going on so that you can get a good photo ? Do you feel like photos reflect what is truly going on in some situations ?

I dont separate myself. I like to get involved in everything. I prefer to use a wide angle lens so that my photos 'feel' like you are there with them.

I am a videographer, very recently been able to make a living off it, but I have been searching far and wide for a way to get in with the Royal Navy or the Army to do work with them and cannot find the door to knock on.

Any tips on where to throw my cv or showreel for their adverts and websites etc?!

I am completely envious of your job, congrats!

Sweet.

I have no idea to be honest. I know the Military outsource all their advertising to outside agencies. Not sure hat ones though.

Sorry I couldn't be of help.

Thanks, I love it!

Did your media officer give you the OK for this ama? I know they can get shitty about little things like this.

Didn't ask them. Im not going to come on here and portray the Army in a bad way so they should be good with it.

I've done a few interviews before anyway.

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Cheers.

When I was in the Signals I passed my H licence so I used to drive the old 432 Armoured Fighting Vehicles.

Since being a phot I have not really been for any 'rides' in any of them.

Sir, thank you for doing such an amazing AMA

What kind of camera do you use and why? Are you mainly combat camera or public affairs? Were you trained in any other jobs other than photographer (like combat engineer, military police,etc)? My wife is a photographer for the Army (us) and It seems that you and my wife take some of the same types of photos. She just got back from Kosovo. She has also been to Iraq twice. All of her photos tell a story, and it's absolutely amazing to see different perspectives, especially to people who don't know what it's like.

Hi, no worries.

Currently I am a press phot. I used to be in the Royal Signals as a Radio Operator.

Nice one. Have you got any links to her work. I would like to check it out.

How does your job work, do you get attached to a unit then follow them around and take pics as you come across them or go to an ex and wear a high vis and wander around or something?

I work out of a press office and I get tasked with certain jobs and I go out and cover them.

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Easy now!

I still take photos as a Hobby. I love taking photos and doing it for a loving has not taken the buzz out of it.

Hi - I was in the TA back in 1990 in a predominantly ceremonial unit and I somehow ended up being the de facto photographer. I've followed many of military feeds of photographers and love the work you do.

I'm just wondering how you get a gig like that? A lot of the photographers I have seen are serving military NCO's but from your intro I take it you are a civvy subcontracting. Also what sort of training must you go through to work in that environment? I am sure the military would not just let you loose around ordinance and so on without some sort of overview - was there much training required?

I am a serving soldier. The intro was taken from my personal site that I do my other work on.

What rank and previous experience would you need to be a photographer?

You need to be at least a LCpl with a recommendation to promote to Cpl, be fully fit to deploy and have a passion for photography.

You need to be at least a LCpl with a recommendation to promote to Cpl, be fully fit to deploy and have a passion for photography.

First of all, your photographs are stunning. I'm a student currently obtaining a degree in photojournalism and international relations and I have to ask, what is it you personally look for in photographs that constitutes a "good photograph"? And how do I get my foot wet in the industry when I'm a student with little to no experience?

Hi, Thankyou!

I just look at what is going on around me and capture it. I like to get to know the guys and gals before hand and build up a relationship. I do like to get involved in it a lot. You need to be pretty fit to keep up with everyone as they are doing their tasks while taking photos and trying to see whats going on around you.

Get out there and get a name for yourself. Get shooting and keep at it.

whats your favourite photo you have taken?

Military probably this one- http://goo.gl/S8LHm0

Personally this one- http://goo.gl/xqEGYp

What is the most powerful (emotionally) picture you have taken?

Probably this one-

http://goo.gl/tNr88w

It was a homecoming of a unit from Afghanistan.

Is there a large community of photographers within the army?

Out of personal interest, does your line of work offer anything for reservists or even courses for that matter? I met a few army PR people in 2014 in Cyprus when I was on exercise and it looked really interesting!

There are only 37 of us in the whole army.

There used to be a reserve element to us but that got disbanded.

What made you want to do this?

The love of taking photos and to travel the world!

Have you ever been threatened when taking a photo either by friendlies or those who are being pictured?

Nope.

I get the odd 'please dont take my picture' or 'no pictures' but never threatened.

Two questions:
1. How does rank affect the mood/type of shots?
2. How does it feel to be an active shooter in the military?

Some high ranking officers and SNCO's are miserable by nature so there is no helping them anyway! If I am posing someone I always tell them that this photo is going to portray them so its up to them to make an effort and let them self be seen in the best possible light.m

I love it, best job ever!

Hi there! I have a friend that wants to become a Photographer for the Royal Air Force. I was wondering, how did you end up doing it for the army? Do you just apply for the role, or did you have another role first and then moved to it? Thanks.

I was in the Signals first and applied to transfer.

What is the fighting like in the midlands at the moment?

Non existent!

We cover all aspects of Military life.

Were you ever so intensely terrified that you accidentally broke your camera?

I've broken my Nikon D4 before. Not through terror but falling over in a stream and immersing it in water.

Hello Mr Jones!

I've seen many of your photos before and I must say you're extremely talented, I believe I spotted you this year during the Cambrian Patrol.

Do you often see troops using go pros or other action cams in the field/on exercise? If you do what would you recommend in terms of mounting options?

Also we would love to have you visit the artillery grounds on Whiteladies at some point, I know a lot of officer cadets who would enjoy some face time with you in our mess!

Hi!

Thankyou. Yeh I was at Cambrian patrol last year.

Yeh that seems to be a thing now. Best bet is get a proper NVG mount for them and get it on the helmet. Its like a proper POV then. Also maybe consider a chest mount.

If you send a message to our facebook group and ask for Tim I will get back to you on there https://www.facebook.com/BritishArmyPhotographers/

Which theatres have you deployed to?

On operations to Iraq and Afghanistan

How many pictures of squaddies in pubs have you taken? The best picture I have of my father is him passed out in a German bar in the 1980's..

Hahaha

None for work purposes but a few otherwise.

ever been to alaska?

Nope never been there.

missing out if your a photo fella, gorgeous place, just avoid petersburg, they're dicks.

Not much work out there for the British Army!

Would like to go out there anyway!

Evening! I'm joining as a REME Armorer in 6 weeks with the intention at some point along the line becoming a Photographer in the Army, Is it still easy to TX to Photographer?

I'm really into my photography at present feel free to see my work - https://www.flickr.com/photos/stument/

Hey!

Good luck with your training!

There are a few basic requirements before being considered for transferring. You have to be a LCpl with a recommendation for Cpl. You also need to be fully fit to deploy.

I'll have a look at your feed.

See you in the REME, Starting in September.

If you come across any of us come say hi!

Just dont introduce yourself as TimmyMctittyTwist!

Sure will.

Yeah I don't think I will be taken seriously...

Well if you ever see me and introduce yourself as that I will know the score!

I got a couple of questions. 1. What are the requirements to being a British Army Photographer? 2. What are your best experiences of being a British Army Photographer? It must be quite an adventure to be a British Army Photographer.

You need to be a LCpl with a recommendation to Cpl.

Brunei was the best experience so far I think.

It sure is. I am away on a lot of different jobs and every day is different. It is one great adventure!

What other military photographers do you follow? Russell Klika by chance?

None to be honest

Love your work, clearly you're very skilled at making the soldiers feel comfortable to be able to get such shots, although that's not to diminish from your compositional and technical skills too!

Are there any photos you've taken and haven't felt comfortable sharing/processing? Can you tell us the story if so?

Thanks. I like to think of myself as a professional, laid back approachable individual and people get on well with that.

Nothing really. All our work goes through a picture desk.

Which nations have you been to?

For work-

Iraq, Afghan, Oman, Cyprus, Brunei, Germany, Croatia, France, Austria, Gibraltar off the top of my head.

I was curious what camera's and lenses you use? I read that you use a D4 but what else? hope it's alright for me to ask this question :)

We get issued a D4, D800, 24-70, 14-24 and 70-200 with 3 SB900's and a load of other gear.

That's a actual job? How did I not knew this?

Yep, only 37 of us in the whole army!

You serious?? That's small!

Yep. One of the smallest trades in the Army

If you were at war and told that you and 6 other guys were going to charge an enemy machine gun post -- would you be clicking your camera or shooting your rifle as you charged forward?

That would be a hard one! Not sure what I would do until it happened!

Check out this video though for something that happened just like that- https://www.facebook.com/BritishArmyPhotographers/videos/1293660123982678/

Do you have any daguerreotypes that you took in Crimea?

Nope.

1) Is the West Midlands and Wales the only places you've served as a British Army photographer? If not, where else and where has been your favorite place?

2) What picture are you most proud of/is your favorite that you've shot?

3) What's the best story you have of trying to get a photo - either a success or a failure?

I was in a training post before West Mids and that was amazing. All posts are different and you get to do all kinds of things. This is my second post as a photographer.

Do you have a catchphrase of "Don't panic" or do people mention that around you?

Haha. No. Dont think anyone as actually ever said that to me!

Do you like monkeys? Ignore my question, but if I didn't post it the bots would have deleted my post. :)

I use to do a similar job for the U.S. Navy. Just wanted to say hello. :)

P.M. me if you use FB and I'll get you into a U.S. based group for military photog's.

Hi from across the pond!

It would be good to get involved in other nations.

Hello! I'm currently undergoing officer selection for the Army and I was curious as to what the policy is for soldiers other than photographers taking photos, is this allowed in the British Army? Obviously OPSEC permitting.

It all depends on the unit you are at

On a scale 1-10 how bad was the most horrorble scene you had to photograph?

Never really had to photograph anything like that.

Sorry for the length, just trying to seek help. Recently graduated with a PhotoJ degree and with the way news is going I just up and left. Moved out west to denver and got a desk job. Hate everything about it but starting to feel like Edward Norton at the beginning of Fight Club. I want to get back to my roots of a photographer and always dreamt of being a conflict and crisis photog. I just can't seem to shoot anymore because it's hard ever thinking you're going to make it. Do you have any helpful advise for a guy who wants to shoot again but just needs to get away from everything he's put himself around? Cheers

Just get out there and do it! Follow your dreams and keep at it.

Do you ever send copies or links to the loved ones of your subjects? If so, do you have any good responses? Thanks

If they ask for them I will. People usually love that!

Firstly, thank you for your service, I have massive respect for you guys. If you hadn't been a photographer, what other role within the army would you have liked?

No worries.

I used to be in the Royal Signals as a Radio Operator.

I wouldn't want to be anything else now in the Army.

Thanks, must sound weird when you say you shoot your comrades every day :)

It does sound a bit weird!

Do you often think what happened to soldiers and inocent people that you once took pictures of? Or have the faces and stories vanished through time?

Never really thought of that to be honest.

Hey, I'm a bit late to the party but hope that's okay!

We've actually worked alongside each other at Nozstock - I thought I recognized your name from your website - hope you're doing well :)

A couple of questions if you don't mind...

• Like others, I'm interested to know how you got in to the job in the first place? Did the military service come first, or the photography? Or both?

• Similarly - quite a contrast going from military photography to music festivals - is that a personal passion? How'd you wind up at Nozstock?

All the best!

Hey!

Groovy man. I've covered Nozstock for the last 5 years, not sure if I will be back there this time though!

I was in the Army first in the Signals and then transferred to the RLC Phot trade.

I started off in clubs taking photos and it went on from there. I wanted more and having the chance to do it in the Army was a great way to do it!

Will you be photographing the Bisley shooting competitions this summer?

I personally wont be but another photographer will be there. There are only 37 of us.

favorite cereal?

Porridge.

Is your boss ok with you using photos taken at work on your personal site?

All our work is crown copyright and as long as it is stated that it is they are happy with it.

We like to promote ourselves as a trade and its a good way to reach a different audience through our personal sites.

What knife would you say is your favourite?

Also, what other hobbies do you enjoy in your off-time?

I dont carry a knife to be honest as its not exactly legal in the UK. I do have a few though that I use for different tasks. A Kukri for odd jobs and sometime cooking I also still have a Opinal from when I was in the scouts.

I still enjoy photography in my off time as well.

Ah, right, the UK.... not the most knife friendly place in the world. I'm in Canada, and glad we have somewhat lax knife laws for the most part.

khukuris are one of my faves, this is mine. at 18" I couldn't imagine using it for cooking, i've only ever used it to chop trees and clear brush.

And yeah, the Opinel knife is decent, very basic, but still respected. I have one too. I don't use it much though.

Nope. There is still a lot of knife crime as well!

Kukris are handy blades. I have only just gotten one.

Ive not used my Opinel in a while either.