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RAF's top photographer 'blown away' with award win

Emma Petrie
BBC News
Andrew Wheeler Andrew Wheeler. He appears to be posing on the wing of a fighter jet. He is wearing khaki trousers, a black t-shirt and a hi-vis vest.Andrew Wheeler
Andrew Wheeler says he loves his job and winning the award was a huge accolade

A man from Lincolnshire has won The RAF’s Photographer of the Year award.

Andrew Wheeler works at RAF Cranwell capturing events such as graduation ceremonies, sports, visiting aircraft and dignitaries.

Mr Wheeler said he was “absolutely blown away” when he heard he had won, and added the award was the pinnacle of his career.

His winning portfolio consisted of six images which showed a variety of skills in different photographic techniques.

Andrew Wheeler Corporal Dean is in fatigues with his face camouflaged. He carries a gun and looks past the camera into the distance.Andrew Wheeler
Andrew Wheeler A black and white image of officers holding their caps in the air as a man centre stage walks down the isle. The three officers facing the camera are either cheering or shouting and the photo captures the moment.Andrew Wheeler
A portrait of Cpl Sam Dean, RAF regiment. Cpl Dean is part of the officer training academy team, responsible for teaching military skills
Officer cadets cheer three times for the King at their training graduation inside the Rotunda at RAF Cranwell

The RAF said it had received more than 1,000 images across a variety of different categories and the results were announced at the RAF Photographic Competition Awards at Bentley Priory.

Mr Wheeler said: “I was absolutely blown away to receive the award. It makes all the hard work, wet days, hot days and freezing days out waiting for the perfect shot worth it and is truly the pinnacle of my career.”

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