PEREGRINE TROPHY




Every year the Royal Navy's professional photographers
submit their best work to compete for the Peregrine Trophy

The Peregrine Trophy is the Royal Navy’s yearly photographic competition, recognising the diversity, talent and creative set of skills of Royal Navy photographers highlighting the operational activities of the Service around the world.




The Peregrine Trophy dates back to 1961 and showcases the talent of the professionals of the Navy’s Photographic branch and keen amateur photographers.

The competition aims to encourage and recognise the production of eye-catching images and footage that capture the spirit, ethos and unique capability of the Royal Navy.



PEREGRINE TROPHY WINNER 2021

FLEET REGIONAL
PHOTGRAPHIC UNIT WEST
(Plymouth)

Sponsor: Wex Photo Video

The Peregrine Trophy is awarded to the section, task force (CSG/LSG) or unit submitting the best portfolio of six images depicting 'what the Royal Navy does best on a day to day basis'.

The winner of The Peregrine Trophy for 2021 is the team at HMS Drake in Plymouth - the Fleet Regional Photographic Unit West.

One of three regional units, the photography team is always ready for deployment around the world at short notice.

While the team's primary focus is on ships and Royal Marines units in the South West, they are also trained and ready to operate in every setting across the globe. Prepared for extreme conditions, they serve together no matter the environment, whether that's in the Arctic cold or the desert heat.

"This is our second Peregrine Trophy in three years and an amazing achievement by the whole team here."

Petty Officer (Photographer) Alex Ceolin

"We are all extremely proud to have won both the Peregrine Trophy and Commandant General Royal Marines’ Award.

Every member of the team here contributed towards both winning portfolios. Other units have greater experience, but in Plymouth, we have a great working environment and we all help each other out."

Petty Officer (Photographer) Alex Ceolin

ROYAL NAVY PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

PETTY OFFICER BEN SHREAD

Sponsor: Canon (UK) Limited

An individual award given to the best portfolio of four images that depict service-related subjects.

Few stories have dominated the headlines the world over for days on end than events in Kabul in August of 2021. And it is here, with striking images of military personnel evacuating civilians from Kabul in Operation Pitting, that have earned Petty Officer Ben Shread the highest individual prize in the Peregrine Trophy awards for the year.

Ben's portfolio comprised:

  • Uniformed UK and US troops working together to provide safe passage to a group of evacuees through Kabul airport, Afghanistan
  • Two uniformed Service personnel taking well-earned respite from their vital duties to safely evacuate eligible people from Kabul
  • A large group of visibly drained evacuees, safely aboard a Royal Air Force C17 military transport plane as it prepares to leave the airport
  • A beaming Lt Cdr Alex Pelham Burns of the Royal Navy exchanging a cut-down plastic bottle, used to give a much needed drink of water, with a young evacuee

The pictures and footage captured by Ben over a few dramatic weeks in Afghanistan told the story, in stark reality, of the coordinated, compelling and crucial efforts by British soldiers, sailors and air personnel.

Used by media outlets worldwide, his canon of work from Kabul deservedly earned him the coveted title of Royal Navy Photographer of the Year.

Petty Officer Shread, originally from Plymouth but now living in Glasgow with his family, was part of a two-man team despatched to record the actions of UK forces.

"Winning any trophy is a huge honour and I am overwhelmed to have been selected to win the top prize of Photographer of the Year."

PO Ben Shread, expressing his delight with the award.

"Winning it with my images from Op Pitting makes it even better – it helps further highlight the great work the British military were doing out in Afghanistan."

A sailor for more than 20 years and a photographer for over a decade – including serving as the official photographer for Prime Ministers Theresa May and Boris Johnson – Ben takes inspiration from previous Peregrine Trophy winners. He isn't resting on his well-earned recognition though.

The 43-year-old father of two is eager to strengthen further his formidable skills behind the lens as he continues documenting the essential work of the Royal Navy. Driven by his work, Ben also wants to pass on his knowledge to others.

"I feel honoured to uphold a tradition that is ubiquitous the world over: storytelling. This award has inspired me even more to keep searching out the stories that the Royal Navy has to tell."

PO Ben Shread, Photographer of the Year 2021

celebrating a diverse world

Celebrating its 60th year recognising the efforts and commitment of the Service photographers and amateurs, 2021 sees the awards further celebrate the diversity of the modern world.

For the first time the awards also recognise members of the public for their photographic work with a Royal Navy focus.

Submissions in 2021 exceeded 500 entries – 486 photographs and 17 videos – with each pored over by the experienced panel, namely:

  • Jane Sherwood (Getty Images)
  • Richard Pohle (Staff photographer with The Times)
  • Steve Parsons (PA Media)
  • Jack Ashdown (Creative Director at Great State)
  • Lee Durant (BBC)
  • Vince Knight (Vince Knight productions)

The Commandant General Royal Marines’ Portfolio Prize

FLEET REGIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC UNIT WEST

Sponsor: Wex Photo Video

Awarded for the best section, task force (CSG/LSG) or unit portfolio of four images, depicting the capabilities the Royal Marines deliver.

Global Operations Portfolio Prize

LEADING PHOTGRAPHER
BELINDA ALKER

Sponsor: FUJI UK Ltd

Awarded to the best portfolio of three images that are judged to create the most impact portraying the Royal Navy’s global forward presence and maritime responsibilities.

The focus of this category is showing how the Royal Navy is Global, Modern, and Ready and can show partnering with other nations.

AT HOME
AND ABROAD

Over the past 12 months, Royal Navy photographers have captured the activities and actions of sailors and Royal Marines from the Arctic to both sides of the Pacific, as well as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Black Sea and the Gulf.

And at home they have recorded the involvement of the Service’s key national events such as the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh and State ceremonies, as well as Royal visits, emotional homecomings, support to civilian agencies dealing with the Covid pandemic and everyday activities - from training to major exercises.

ROYAL NAVY Open Category Prize

LEADING PHOTGRAPHER
DAN ROSENBAUM

Sponsor: Nikon UK Ltd

Awarded to the single best photograph of
a Royal Navy or Royal Marines theme
combining both creativity and impact.

Maritime Air Portfolio Prize

LEADING PHOTGRAPHER
BELINDA ALKER

Sponsor: Medialogix Ltd

Awarded for the best two images of one or more Royal Navy Rotary or Fixed Wing Aircraft carrying out their duties globally.

short-form Story Telling Video PRIZE

Awarded to the individual entry that best captures and tells a story of life in the Royal Navy.

The video must be under 90 Seconds and designed to be viewed on social media.

Technical proficiency and video craftwork will be judged, but the story chosen to be told and how the viewer is guided through the story will be key.

Over 50% of content needs to be shot by the individual entering. 

LEADING PHOTOGRAPHER
JAMES CLARKE

Sponsor : Great State

Diversity and Inclusion Prize

LEADING PHOTOGRAPHER FINN STAINER-HUTCHINS

Sponsor: EY (Ernst & Young LLP)

Awarded to the best image depicting service-related subjects showcasing the diversity and inclusion of the modern Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

THE
PEOPLE'S NAVY

This year, entries from the general public were introduced to the competition to encourage interest from people in all walks of life across the broader population, and expand the diversity of submissions.

"It is encouraging to see that the competition still has its place in nurturing both professional and amateur artistic talent in telling the story of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines through imagery and video.

The entries year-on-year continue to impress and tell that essential story of a modern, global Royal Navy and what it has done over the past 12 months."

Warrant Officer 1st Class Rob Harding, the Royal Navy’s Senior Photographer.

RNRMC
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Prize

Sponsor: The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity

Awarded to the best professional, amateur and public images depicting heart-warming moments between Royal Navy Service personnel and their friends, family, children and loved ones.

PROFESSIONAL WINNER
PETTY OFFICER (PHOTOGRAPHER)
JOEL ROUSE

AMATEUR WINNER
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER
SHAUN ROSTER

PUBLIC WINNER
MICHELLE CAHILL

The Navy News People’s Choice Prize

PETTY OFFICER (PHOTOGRAPHER)
ALEX CEOLIN

Sponsor: Greenwich Hospital

Awarded to the photographer whose picture has been short-listed by Navy News from published images in hard copy or on their social media platforms and then voted for by the public.

ROYAL NAVY Videographer of the Year

Awarded to the best individual entry reflecting the Royal Navy/Royal Marines experience and core values, which can be of any Defence related subject.

The demonstration of creativity, technical proficiency, video craftwork and appropriate ‘story telling’ impact in less than four minutes is needed.

LEADING PHOTOGRAPHER
JAMES CLARKE

Sponsor: Corporate Television Networks Ltd
(CTN Group)

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION Prize

LEADING PHOTOGRAPHER
LEE BLEASE

Sponsor: Royal Navy Association

Awarded to the best single photograph taken of
Royal Navy Veterans that best encapsulates
the ethos of the RNA.

ROYAL NAVY Amateur
MARITIME
IMAGE

Sponsor: Lockheed Martin UK

An individual award for the best Maritime photograph of a ship, submarine or aircraft.

In particular, the judges look for eye-catching material.

ROYAL NAVY AMATEUR
OPEN
PRIZE

Sponsor: NSSLGlobal

Awarded to the single best photograph of a Royal Navy or Royal Marines theme.

A combination of creativity and impact is desired.

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER
SHAUN ROSTER 

Both the Amateur Open and Maritime prizes were awarded to Lt Cdr Roster.

The creative winning image depicts the always eye-catching HMS Queen Elizabeth departing under darkening skies from Portsmouth at dusk, with the lights of the city skyline creating further dramatic impact.

AMATEUR Videographer of the Year

Awarded to the best individual entry reflecting the experience and core values throughout the Royal Navy/Royal Marines, which can be of any Defence related subject.

Creativity, technical proficiency, video craftwork and appropriate ‘story telling’ impact in less than two minutes should be demonstrated.

AB GAZ SMITH
(Defence School of Photography)

Sponsor: Lumix

ROYAL NAVY Amateur Photographer OF THE YEAR

LIEUTENANT WILLIAMS
(Britannia Royal Navy College)

Sponsor: Lockheed Martin UK

Awarded to the best portfolio of three Service-related photographs submitted by an individual.

Lt Williams' winning entry comprises:

  • A Lt Cdr holding a symbolic poppy as part of a portrait photograph taken for Remembrance Day
  • Mortar Tp of 40 Commando reloading a smoking mortar tube at Sennybridge as part of Continuation Training
  • A Royal Marines Commando waiting to board a Chinook helicopter as part of a tactical training exercise

The mortar tube loading and RM Commando tactical training entries also saw Lt Williams awarded the People at Work prize.

PEOPLE AT WORK PRIZE

LIEUTENANT WILLIAMS

Sponsor: Colour Confidence

Awarded to the best two photographs, combining creativity and impact, that illustrate the jobs and roles the Royal Navy and Royal Marines cover.

Open to professional and amateur entries.

THE STORY
OF 2020

See the story of last year's winners

STAY IN THE FRAME WITH THE PHOToGRAPHIC BRANCH

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