Nearly 20,000 images were published on the media gallery this year, telling Defence's stories by the many photographers who captured the moments, big and small.
A number of those photographers nominated their favourite photo for a compilation of the year's top shots. Some chose their best technical effort while, for others, the story behind the photo drove their choice.
For military reporter and imagery specialist Leading Seaman Nadav Harel, a great military photograph isn't just about sharp focus or perfect lighting.
"It's about capturing authenticity in the chaos," he said. "I look for moments that reveal courage, resilience and the human side of service because those are the frames that speak louder than words.
"Military photography is more than documentation - it's storytelling. These images connect Australians to the reality behind the uniform, bridging the gap between service and society. They remind us that every mission, every sacrifice has a face and a story worth remembering."
Assistant director Digital Media Huw Matheson agreed it was the narrative power of imagery that helped Defence connect with its audiences.
'I look for moments that reveal courage, resilience and the human side of service because those are the frames that speak louder than words.'
"Military photographers play a crucial role by documenting operations, preserving historical records, and providing powerful imagery that informs strategy, boosts morale and shapes public understanding of the conflict," he said.
"A good photo captures attention and tells a story. It combines strong composition, balanced lighting and clear focus to highlight the subject effectively. Elements like leading lines, symmetry and the rule of thirds help create visual harmony, while proper exposure ensures details are preserved.
"Beyond technical aspects, emotion and context play a key role. Great photos evoke feelings, convey meaning and connect with the viewer on a deeper level."
And, apart from the benefits for the viewers, the skill and effort that goes into capturing Defence's stories in pictures comes with its rewards for the photographers.
Rod Braithwaite is one of the Defence photographers who gets to see and experience amazing places while travelling with the ministers and senior Defence leaders.
"The long flight times to get there - while running on only a few hours' sleep - lots of caffeine and super-long work can take a toll, but all is quickly forgotten when we are photographing our amazing people in some of the unique places on Earth," he said.
View all of Defence's top shots from 2025 here.
