Photographers capture Marine, LAV training

U.S. Marines operating light armored vehicles on training grounds may seem like they are gearing up for battle, but the only shots fired were from behind the lens of a camera.

The Yokota Arts and Crafts Center held a combat photography class allowing photography enthusiast to take photos of Marines in mock combat situations at training grounds near Camp Fuji, Japan, Aug. 24, 2016.

“This class helped the photographers learn to improvise and overcome obstacles like the weather, if you don’t have a tripod or if you don’t have a flash,” said Mark Allen, Arts and Crafts Center photo studio manager. “You adapt and you come back with the shots regardless.”

The event was organized to provide Yokota members the opportunity to capture dramatic images in simulated scenarios similar to what may take place in a combat situation.

“People see a lot of the stuff on the news, but they have no idea what these guys are going through,” Allen said. “This course helps give them a taste of what it’s like to be out there in the field.”

The participants enjoyed the experience, and agreed that they were able to get a sense of the comradery and grittiness that the Marines share with each other in the field.

“I liked stepping back from everything and getting the picture of Mt. Fuji after the clouds cleared away from it, Fuji with all of the vehicles spread out and the Marines settling down for the night,” said David Brown, a retired Yokota Air Base resident who participated in the class.

David and his wife, Veronica Brown, a Personal Security Manager at Wayne IP, have taken multiple classes from Allen through the Arts and Crafts Center. They especial enjoy the night time classes offered where participants learn how to take photographs of the Milky Way, said Veronica Brown.

Allen teaches photography classes for the community around Yokota Air Base. The Arts and Craft Center offers photography classes or trips about once a month throughout the year.

“I try to have classes like combat photography, photojournalism, dark room photography, studio photography, digital camera basics, Milky Way photography, and custom illumination,” Allen said.

To find out more information about upcoming photography classes, visit the Arts and Crafts Center, contact the center at 225-9044 or visit the website www.yokotasupport.com.