Photographers who have captured images of life in the Royal Navy as well as the service's technical prowess have been honoured at an annual awards ceremony. The Royal Navy photographers were "recognised for their talent, dedication and creativity" at the annual Peregrine Trophy awards in London. The winner of the Royal Navy Photographer of the Year 2014 was Leading Airman (Photographer) Alex Knott while the Peregrine Trophy for the best portfolio of service-related subjects was awarded to Petty Officer Airman (Photographer) Mez Merrill.
The navy's photographers join up in their own particular trade before being chosen to join the photographic branch and are then sent on deployments taking pictures of maritime operations, personnel at work and demonstrating all aspects of service life. Captain Ian Stidston, head of the Royal Navy Photographic Branch, said: "It has been a fantastic evening that confirms how much exceptional talent and professionalism we have in the navy's photographic branch - and also the amateur photographers who have taken some brilliant photographs.
"The very high standard of the images are testament to the flexibility and can-do approach of our people and highlight the dedication to both their art and their service. I could not be more proud of the navy's photographers who have managed to capture compelling still and moving images that vividly tell the story of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines on operations." The Peregrine Trophy dates back to 1961 and is named after the HMS Peregrine Royal Naval Air Station in Sussex. The award's primary purpose is to encourage the production of eye-catching, powerful imagery that can be used in the media to demonstrate the Royal Navy and Royal Marine's operations.
