The role of an RAF photographer is to produce high quality stills and video imagery for the RAF and wider defence community. This can vary from aerial reconnaissance images to public relations portraits. The work that an RAF photographer produces will be seen worldwide, featured in newspapers and on social media. This role does not require a qualification in photography, in fact a Level 3 Diploma in Photo Imaging is awarded on completion of the advanced apprenticeship. Nevertheless, this does not mean that the role would not be appealing to post-graduates.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Gathering photographic evidence for engineering, security and accident investigations
- Printing target identification images for aircrew
- Shooting video training films
- Producing stills and video imagery in a wide variety of disciplines: ceremonial, engineering, executive portraiture, scenes of crime, sports and VIP visits.
All RAF recruits must first pass a fitness test, regardless of the role that they are applying for. Requirements vary depending on age and gender, for instance for females they are the following:
Upon passing the fitness test, this role begins with 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This course includes fitness and military training which is designed to introduce the military environment. Following this there is the specialist training which takes place at the Defence School of Photography (DSOP) RAF Cosford. This takes place over 7 months during which time all the skills required to perform as a photographer within the RAF/MOD environment are taught.
The salary for a RAF Photographer is £15,985, rising to £20,400 after 1 year of service. Recruits must commit to a minimum of 3 years service post Phase Two Training.
The skills obtained from undertaking this role are also transferrable to a number of civilian roles. These could include press photographer, commercial and industrial photographer, crime scene photographer, medical photographer, or employment within TV and video production industries.
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