On World Photography Day here's our hints and tips for taking photos and pay extra attention if you're thinking of entering the Royal Signals Photography and Videography Competition 2026!
Study Past Winners
Review previous winning entries to understand what made them stand out - composition, lighting, storytelling, and subject matter all play a role.
Move your feet
Move around your subject to find the most compelling angle. If the shot isn’t working, change your position or location.
Chase the Light
Lighting is everything. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the most flattering and dramatic natural light.
Highlight Royal Signals Identity
Look for opportunities to include elements that positively represent the Royal Signals - TRFs, flags, and relevant equipment can add valuable context.
Mind Your Framing
Avoid cutting off heads, feet, or limbs. Aim to capture the full body when photographing people, unless a close-up is intentional.
Watch the Edges
Pay attention to what’s near the edges of your frame. Distracting elements can pull focus away from your subject - crop or reframe where needed.
Consider Eyelines
A subject’s gaze can influence the emotional impact of an image. Sometimes direct eye contact with the camera is more powerful; other times, a candid look away tells a better story.
Scan the Background
Be mindful of what’s behind your subject. Avoid awkward distractions like poles, lights, clutter that can interfere with the composition, or appear as though they’re piercing your subject.
Stage When Necessary
For dynamic events like Tug of War or sports, consider staging a shot if the live action doesn’t allow for the image you’re aiming for.
Edit with Restraint
Less is often more. Aim to get your exposure and composition right in-camera, and keep post-processing subtle and natural.
Maximise Your Entries
Don’t limit yourself to one category. If an image fits multiple themes, submit it to each relevant category to increase your chances.
