Life through a military lens: Capturing armed forces with the click of a camera

Whether Peter Frew is photographing Prince Charles in the tight confines of a Canadian submarine docked in Scotland or eating rations while shivering in damp clothing at a remote outdoor military exercise in Newfoundland, the Canadian Armed Forces imagery technician takes it all in stride.

What's important to the St. John's native is capturing the best photos and video that give ordinary residents of the country a glimpse into the daily life of Canada's soldiers, airforce personnel and sailors.

• Working together: Military and police take over Brunette Island for exercise Atlantic Guardian

Frew, 43, left St. John's in his early 20s for Halifax where he joined the navy. He spent 18 years in the navy as a sonar operator before switching career gears.

We are always the third wheel in any given situation, so you have to be a strong personality type to get along with people.- Peter Frew

"I transferred over to imagery technician in 2013. At the time the trade became what we call a purple trade (one not linked to either army, navy or airforce). Previous to that it was an airforce trade," Frew said.

"But then it fell under public affairs and became a tri-service trade. So there is navy, army and airforce uniforms, and we can be deployed anywhere. There are imagery technicians at most bases around Canada."

Frew's decision to apply for the imagery technician position came after some time doing photography as a pastime in his civilian life.

"It was a hobby, something I did for a couple of years on my own. My trade at the time was allowing people to leave, and they were looking for imagery technicians," Frew said.

"It was a good time for me to see if I could get it. You know what they say, if you can make your hobby a job, that's a good thing. I got the green light from my wife and I haven't looked back since. It's been three years doing this job."

A soggy weekin Fortune Bay

Last week, Frew was deployed as part of Exercise Atlantic Guardian III, a joint five-day domestic response exercise involving the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP and provincial Fish and Wildlife Enforcement on Brunette Island in Fortune Bay.

The remote location was a challenge in that Frew had to quickly gather up supplies for a military campsite, and also tote a lot of camera gear including lenses, laptops and satellite communications equipment so he could transmit his work from the site.

The equipment was packed into two large waterproof cases, handled delicately when loaded unto trucks and boats, and carried over a rocky shoreline and soggy marsh land. His tent and camping kit was provided by the army.

Military sets up camp

8 years ago

Duration 2:09

Ever wonder how Canadian Armed Forces set up camp? Check out their exercise on Brunette Island in Fortune Bay.

Luckily the campsite was set up near an old shed once used by the province's wildlife officers in the days when the provincial government attempted experiments on the island, such as trying to populate it with bison from Alberta, moose, caribou and arctic hare.

Frew set up his equipment in one of two tiny bedrooms in the old shed that contained four wooden bunks each.

'Always the third wheel'

But as Tropical Storm Colin hit and tents and soldiers' clothing became soaked from the driving rain and swooping wind, Frew's room was overtaken and used as a drying room.

Getting ousted from his spot is something that can happen sometimes when he joins a unit in the field. Frew said part of his job is to overcome the feeling of being the outsider.

"We are always the third wheel in any given situation, so you have to be a strong personality type to get along with people and be forward," Frew said, standing outside between rain showers.

"If you are not, then you might find it difficult to gain trust and a good relationship with the unit or personnel you are with at the time, and it's important because we'll be taking pictures of these troops, and you want them to be as comfortable with you as you can make it."

Brunette Island drug smuggling scenario

8 years ago

Duration 2:34

Canadian Armed Forces members execute a practice run for a drug smuggling bust on Brunette Island in Fortune Bay.

Since taking the job, it's the first time Frew has been sent to a remote area for such a long period.

Usually, his assignments include official army, navy or airforce events such as medal presentations, VIP visits, military funerals, and sometimes Military Police investigations into fires or fatalities.

One of his most memorable assignments was getting to meet Prince Charles, whom he said was a very personable individual.

"I was in Scotland and Prince Charles visited the Canadian submarine HMCS Windsor, and I was able to go and photograph him on the submarine and one of my images was used on the Chronicle Herald's front page (in Halifax).

"Our photos can be used in the military publications or online, and in the civilian way."

New adventures

On Brunette Island, however, Frew had to deal with the impact of Tropical Storm Colin - as did everyone else. With water beating in his tent, Frew toted rocks from the beach to weigh the canvas down, ensuring the equipment was kept dry.

"This particular exercise is a new adventure for me. I haven't been out in the field in this capacity since I joined basic training," Frew said.

Search and rescue

8 years ago

Duration 2:35

Military personnel test out their search and rescue skills at an exercise on Brunette Island earlier this June.

"I was a sailor by trade and this is new to me to be camping. I'm use to having to deal with, not necessarily rain, but sea spray and a moving platform, but at least I had shelter over my head in this one. I'm on level ground and still, but the elements were battering at the tent.

"I was excited to know we would be coming to Newfoundland to do this and so co-workers gave me some tips on how to make life comfortable in the field, and they helped me out a little bit.

"It was five days and it was come out and see how the army side does things, and it's been a great experience."