RAF Photographic Competition 2016: “People’s Choice” public vote launches today

The annual public vote for the ‘People’s Choice’ RAF image of the year opens today. Members of the public can choose one of nine contenders through a dedicated website.

Images of the F-35B Lightning II jet, the Red Arrows, and an RAF police dog are among the nine images selected by expert judges from 645 that were submitted by RAF personnel, including both professional RAF photographers and amateurs.

The nine images being put to the public were chosen the Royal Photographic Society’s President Walter Benzie, the Metro’s Picture Editor Luke Brighty, and veteran photographer Emma Cattell.

Walter Benzie said: “I’m full of envy because we’ve been seeing some superb photographs taken in situations and positions that normally ordinary photographers never get the opportunity to access. Good luck to all the winners.”

Emma Cattell said: “The standard was high across the board, highlighting the many roles available in the service for both men and women. Also, in a very male dominated arena it’s nice to see that a large percentage of photographers in the RAF are women.”

Luke Brighty said: “There’s been a very high standard this year, with a massive amount of pictures whittled down to this very small number. Overall I’m very impressed by the entrants.”

The public can vote by clicking here.Voting closes at 23:59 on Sunday, 11 September 2016, with the awards announced at a ceremony on Friday, 16 September 2016.