AN ANDOVER soldier has won two categories in this year’s Army Photographic Competition.

Sergeant Jonathan van Zyl, a professional army photographer in the British Army’s Royal Logistic Corps, took home the Professional Portrait and Best Overall Image titles.

Originally from Salt Rock, Natal Province, South Africa, Sgt van Zyl currently works at the British Army Headquarters and has recently been promoted from the rank of corporal. 

The 35-year-old said: “It’s absolutely great news. I really didn’t expect to win. 

“I’ve seen some of the other entries and I didn’t think I stood even half a chance.”

The father-of-two transferred to the photographic trade two years ago from 1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1PWRR) where he was an infantry soldier for 11 years, based in Germany.

He added: “This is my first pro competition I’ve won. 

“In 2013 I won best portrait in the amateur category, so, it was finally that jump from amateur to pro. I realised then that I wanted to do this full time.”

He competed against fellow Army Photographers, civilians, cadets and public entrants, who in total submitted 780 photographs in 12 categories.

Sgt van Zyl said the winning portrait came about during Exercise Northern Strike in the U.S. with 3PWRR.

He said: “It was one of those moments; you just saw it and you took it.

“It wasn’t planned or anything, but it works, I think it’s the soldier’s eyes, looking into his eyes, it draws you into it.”

Sgt van Zyl completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan and three in Iraq during his time with 1PWRR got the photography bug about seven years ago following the birth of his son.

He added: “As soon as I pressed the shutter, that was me, I was hooked to it and ever since then it just grew. It’s like a bug, once it’s bitten you, you’re stuck with it.

"What I love the most about photography is the pictures. I just love pictures. Looking at pictures; it tells a story.

“It’s a form of escapism where you can simply get in the zone.

“That’s why I really enjoy it. My favourite camera is the Nikon D5, purely for its speed and low light capabilities. It’s an awesome piece of kit.”

When Jonathan left for the UK at the age of 19 on a working visa, he said he could not have imagined that one day he would be travelling the world as a photographer in the British Army.

Sgt van Zyl said: “One day I was sitting on the bus wondering what I could do, because I didn’t want to go back yet, and there was a big sign saying ‘join the army’. 

“A few years later here I am still. I’ve never looked back and I’ve got no regrets whatsoever. The army’s been brilliant.”

This year’s competition has seen the highest ever entries, including double the number of videos from last year at 52 entries.

Command Master Photographer WO1 (Conductor) Will Craig said: “I have been running the army photographic competition for the last four years and this year has seen the highest amount of entries ever seen.

“The images have really captured the judges’ attention, as well as the public having a sneak preview seeing the online category.”

Sgt van Zyl was presented with a prize by Chief of the General Staff General, Sir Nicholas Carter, at a ceremony at the Imperial War Museum, on Wednesday, 25 October where a display of the winning images is hosted.