Few military specialists are as enigmatic and elusive as snipers. Tasked with precision, patience, and absolute concealment, these highly trained marksmen operate on the razor’s edge of warfare. As a portrait photographer with extensive experience in the defense sector, I have had the unique opportunity to work with snipers from the British Army, the U.S. Armed Forces, and the Italian military. Each session presented distinct challenges, not only due to the covert nature of their profession but also because of the intricate gear and camouflage techniques that make them nearly invisible to the human eye.
Capturing the Ghosts: My Work with Snipers in the British, American, and Italian Armies (British Army Sniper) Rory Lewis Photographer
The Art of Capturing a Sniper
Photographing a sniper is an art form in itself. These soldiers are conditioned to blend seamlessly with their environment, often utilizing ghillie suits, advanced camouflage technology, and carefully selected shooting positions. Unlike traditional portraiture, where visibility and exposure are paramount, the goal in sniper photography is often to emphasize their near-invisibility. This paradox creates an exciting tension—capturing an individual whose profession revolves around not being seen.
Snipers rely on shadows, artificial foliage, and even natural elements to distort their presence. The challenge for me as a photographer was to highlight these adaptations while maintaining the authenticity of their operational readiness. Many of these images required meticulous lighting, specific angles, and an understanding of their field techniques to ensure that their essence was properly portrayed.
Capturing the Ghosts: My Work with Snipers in the British, American, and Italian Armies (British Army Sniper) Rory Lewis Photographer
The Equipment: Weapons, Gear, and Tactical Apparel
For defense companies looking to showcase the latest military hardware, high-quality imagery is essential. My work with these elite marksmen provided an opportunity to document some of the most advanced sniper systems in use today.
Weapons of Precision
L115A3 Long Range Rifle (British Army) – Manufactured by Accuracy International, this bolt-action sniper rifle is chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum and remains a staple for UK sharpshooters.
M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle (U.S. Army) – A modernized version of the M24, this .300 Winchester Magnum rifle manufactured by Remington Defense extends the effective range for American snipers.
Beretta Scorpio TGT (Italian Army) – This state-of-the-art sniper rifle integrates Italian precision engineering, offering outstanding accuracy and ergonomics.
Barrett M82A1 – Known for its anti-material capabilities, the M82A1 .50 caliber sniper rifle is a powerful tool in long-range engagements.
Capturing the Ghosts: My Work with Snipers in the British, American, and Italian Armies (Italian Army Sniper) Rory Lewis Photographer
Tactical Footwear and Gear
Lowa Zephyr GTX Boots – A popular choice among British and U.S. snipers due to their durability, waterproofing, and support in rugged terrain.
Meindl Desert Fox Boots – Issued to some British units, providing exceptional grip and comfort in arid environments.
Crye Precision Combat Pants and Shirts – Worn by many special forces and snipers due to their lightweight, reinforced knee padding and adaptability.
Ghillie Suits (Helikon-Tex & Custom Designs) – These suits are tailored for different environments, featuring synthetic fibers and netting to break up the sniper’s silhouette.
Ops-Core FAST Helmets & Ballistic Face Shields – Used by elite units for high-impact protection and communication system integration.
Capturing the Ghosts: My Work with Snipers in the British, American, and Italian Armies (U.S Army Sniper) Rory Lewis Photographer