Wiltshire photographer backs veterans through new training collaboration
Wiltshire-based professional photographer and founder of The Business Lens, Barbara Leatham, is collaborating with local veterans’ charity Entrain Space.
Barbara has been a professional photographer for more than 30 years and created The Business Lens, a photography training programme for businesses and organisations.
She is passionate about supporting veterans, because she is one herself. After starting her photography career in 1999, she joined the Royal Air Force as a photographer in 2002 and continued in the profession after leaving the military.
When The Business Lens launched, Entrain Space became the first group to seek Barbara’s training services.
“I met Entrain Space in 2016, when it was a project to support armed forces veteran transition from the military to civilian life. It was a natural fit for me to get involved. Being ex-military myself, it never really leaves you although you leave it,” she said.
Entrain Space, located near Salisbury, provides modern, self-contained flats for veterans and families, alongside on-site welfare support, employment and enterprise training. The charity offers a stepping stone for veterans moving into civilian life. Barbara has been training residents in professional photography skills.
“When you leave the forces, no matter if you have served a month or 39 years, it leaves its mark on you. When you serve you are part of a huge family and when you leave you can find yourself lonely or just missing the culture,” she continued. “Spending time with the team at Entrain Space gives me back a bit of that life. They do something unique and it makes a huge difference to the people who have used their services.”
Wiltshire has one of the highest military concentrations in the UK. In 2025, 16,000 active service personnel lived in the county, not including their families. Wiltshire is home to the Salisbury Plain training area and major Army bases in Tidworth, Bulford, Larkhill and Warminster.
During her RAF career, Barbara’s photography covered a wide range of needs including VIP visits and producing imagery with the right narrative. Her training with Entrain Space has drawn on this experience.
“I’m happy to spend time with anyone who has a passion for photography and would like to upskill – or just get out for some mental wellness,” she said.
Matthew Bell, Founder of Entrain Space, commented on the impact of Barbara’s work, he said, “Barbara has been with us from the very beginning of our journey and has documented all our key moments with skill and aplomb; she also has great empathy for our veteran cohort as a veteran herself, and this comes across in her enthusiasm. We love working with her!”
In 2019, Barbara photographed the official opening of Entrain Space when HRH Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, then Countess of Wessex, cut the ribbon.
“Every year I cover at least one big event for them. It’s great to see how far they have come, how well the residents are doing and hear what their future plans are. I have been one of many who have been part of their journey so far and it is a pleasure to be a part of their team,” she said.
The Business Lens offers tailored photography training for businesses that need to tell their stories through images. It is suitable for start-ups through to larger companies with teams and social media managers. Applicable to both camera and phone use, each package provides “go to” settings to ensure consistency. Investment starts at £800.
For more information, visit: www.the-business-lens.co.uk
