Focus on...Corporal Steve Blake

Corporal Steve Blake - gallery

Soldiers in a Jackal preparing for the long convoy ahead. The CLSR (Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment) at Camp Bastion prepare to go on a six-day Combat Logistic Patrol. (89.19kb)
The Afghan National Army (ANA) prepare for the convoy ahead. The CLSR (Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment) at Camp Bastion prepare for the six-day Combat Logistic Patrol. (93.65kb)
The CLSR (Queen's Own gurkha Logistic Regiment) at Camp Bastion prepare to go on a six-day Combat Logistic Patrol. This CLP was a joint effort with the ANA and the Americans. (62.03kb)
An American soldier runs past the main CLP as its lines up for departure. The CLSR (Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment) at Camp Bastion prepare for the six-day Combat Logistic Patrol. (62.69kb)
Equipment belonging to the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), Camp Bastion. The MERT is a vital medical asset for evacuating injured Soldiers to medical care as quickly as possible. (60.30kb)
Under the surgeon's knife. 256 Field Hospital is based in Camp Bastion and forms part of the UK Med Group. Many of the doctors and nurses are part of the TA and are civilian medical specialists. (40.43kb)
The Repatriation of Lance Corporal Christopher Roney of A Company, 3 RIFLES, to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire. LCpl Roney died following an engagement in Sangin, northern Helmand. (72.22kb)
Vigil Ceremony of Lance Corporal Adam Paul Drane, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment. LCpl Adam Drane was the 100th Soldier to be killed in Afganistan since the conflict began. (28.77kb)
Vigil Ceremony of Lance Corporal Adam Paul Drane, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment. LCpl Adam Drane was the 100th Soldier to be killed in Afganistan since the conflict began. (64.85kb)
Corporal Abbott with his dog Tobias. Theatre Military Working Dog Support Unit (TMWDSU), part of 102 Logistic Brigade based in Germany are currently serving in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. (48.26kb)

My name is Steve Blake. I'm 28 and I'm a Corporal with the Royal Logistics Corps. I work at Headquarters Land Forces, Media & Communications Branch.

I come from Brighton, East Sussex.

What does your job involve?

My job involves capturing Military history as it happens through the lens of my camera. I find myself all over the world following different Military events ranging from the Commander of the General Staff's portrait in the studio, to Operations in and around Afghanistan. As well as this we cover all Military sporting events, the unveiling of new equipment and medal parades. The list is endless.

No one day is the same as an Army Photographer.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the vast differences of people and places I see. I enjoy the fast pace of the job and the ability to travel the world doing what I love.

How long have you been an Army photographer?

Having completed my Defence Photographers Course from March till October last year, I have only been in the job as a trained professional since then and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

What made you decide to become an Army photographer?

Having always done photography as a hobby, when I discovered from a friend who is also a photographer that a trade existed in the Army, I went for it. After passing selection and getting on the course, it was a bit of a dream come true. Now I get paid, in effect, to do my hobby.

Explain some of the different types of assignments you have covered?

Having only been in the trade a short time I have had some very varied assignments. I've taken photos of the Brigadier in the studio, videoed Christmas messages from the Troops in Afghanistan and photographed ISAF Troops being operated on in the Field Hospital in Camp Bastion.

What is your most memorable assignment and why?

Having covered many repatriations in my short time at HQLF, the most memorable would have to be the Sunset Vigil and Ramp Ceremony for LCpl Adam Drane of the Royal Anglians in Afghanistan in December 2009. LCpl Drane was the 100th Soldier to be killed in Operation Herrick, and for me to be there capturing the moment for his family was a real honour.

Focus on...Corporal Steve Blake

Corporal Steve Blake - gallery

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