Alan Blakeley Photography

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The People Behind the Royal Marines CadetsAway from the action, some of my favourite photographs are often the quieter p...
22/08/2026

The People Behind the Royal Marines Cadets

Away from the action, some of my favourite photographs are often the quieter portraits.

This selection was captured across various Royal Marines Cadets events and features some of the Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers and senior cadets who give so much to the organisation.

The volunteers really are the lifeblood of the Royal Marines Cadets — giving their time, experience and commitment to train, encourage and support young people. Alongside them are the senior cadets who develop into leaders, mentor those coming through behind them and help make the whole experience what it is.

Having served as a Royal Marines Commando, photographing the RMC is something that has a personal connection for me. But when I'm behind the camera, I'm also looking for exactly what I look for in all my portrait work: character, personality and authenticity.

These aren't formal military portraits. They're relaxed environmental portraits of the people behind the uniform.

Because ultimately, great portrait photography isn't simply about how someone looks.

It's about capturing something of who they are.

📸 Alan Blakeley Photography

Under Pressure | Gibraltar CupThe second set from my four days covering the Royal Marines Cadets Gibraltar Cup — this ti...
22/08/2026

Under Pressure | Gibraltar Cup

The second set from my four days covering the Royal Marines Cadets Gibraltar Cup — this time capturing the action during the First Aid stance.

A huge amount of credit has to go to Casualty Resources, who create incredibly realistic casualty scenarios. The injuries, make-up and staging add another level of realism, giving the cadets challenging situations where they have to assess, communicate and work together under pressure.

From a photography perspective, these are the moments I particularly enjoy capturing. Everything happens quickly, there are no second chances, and you need to anticipate the action and be in the right position before the moment happens.

My background as a Royal Marines Commando gives me an understanding of the environment, while more than a decade photographing sport, dance and live action has taught me how to recognise and capture those decisive moments.

The result is photography that doesn't simply record an event — it captures the intensity, teamwork and determination behind it.

📸 Alan Blakeley Photography

Disclaimer: Cadets are taught weapons handling as part of a structured syllabus for their safe and responsible use.

In the Field | Royal Marines Cadets Gibraltar CupA selection of close-up portraits from four days photographing the Roya...
22/08/2026

In the Field | Royal Marines Cadets Gibraltar Cup

A selection of close-up portraits from four days photographing the Royal Marines Cadets Gibraltar Cup — capturing the concentration, determination and character of the cadets while out on patrol.

Having previously served as a Royal Marines Commando, I was privileged to be selected to photograph the event. That experience also gives me an understanding of what is happening around me, allowing me to anticipate moments rather than simply react to them.

For me, this is what photography is about — getting close to the action, understanding your subject and capturing genuine moments that tell the story.

📸 Alan Blakeley Photography

Disclaimer: Cadets are taught weapons handling as part of a structured syllabus, for their safe and responsible use

21/07/2026

We were proud to produce this short video showcasing just a small selection of the images we captured over four incredible days covering the Royal Marines Cadets Gibraltar Cup.

From running through dense woodland and crossing rivers to tackling demanding assault courses, we followed every step of what is widely regarded as the pinnacle event in the Royal Marines Cadets calendar. The six best detachments from across the UK come together to compete for the title of Best Royal Marines Cadets Detachment in the Country.

As photographers, we had the privilege of witnessing far more than a competition. Following these remarkable young people through four days of soaring temperatures and relentless challenges was genuinely inspiring.

Whether they returned home with the Gibraltar Cup or not, every single cadet proved themselves a winner. Not one gave up. Every one of them demonstrated determination, resilience, teamwork, courage and self-discipline—the very qualities that define a Royal Marine.

It was an honour to document their journey and preserve memories of an achievement they can all be immensely proud of.

📸 Alan Blakeley Photography – Capturing moments that tell the story behind the achievement.

I pride myself on photographing people from any walk of life anywhere anytime and providing the highest quality photogra...
02/06/2026

I pride myself on photographing people from any walk of life anywhere anytime and providing the highest quality photography.

It was a huge honour to be asked Guisborough and over this event.

And more photos from our coverage of the Scottish Veterans Awards last week.
06/05/2026

And more photos from our coverage of the Scottish Veterans Awards last week.

Some more photos from our coverage of the Scottish Veterans Awards last week.
06/05/2026

Some more photos from our coverage of the Scottish Veterans Awards last week.

Photos from our coverage of the Scottish Veterans Awards last week.
06/05/2026

Photos from our coverage of the Scottish Veterans Awards last week.

Always a pleasure
04/05/2026

Always a pleasure

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