The Veteran Search Team is a very special group with the goal of finding missing persons, and I was deeply honored when I was asked to photograph them.
“One team of volunteers with a specific background. We are veterans, police officers, or come from other uniformed professions. Our background and experience give us great perseverance. We are trained to achieve goals and complete missions. We search until we’ve done everything possible, no matter the circumstances. We fight for answers. Entirely selflessly, because families deserve answers.”
The team now consists of over 2,000 volunteers, almost all of whom are veterans, with a few former police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. The VST (Veteran Search Team) was spontaneously formed in October as a one-time initiative during a large missing persons case around Den Dolder (The Netherlands). Within 48 hours, the team grew to over 600 veterans.
When it came to photography, they were very inexperienced. Because they are an organization funded by sponsors, donations, and grants, we had to be smart with our resources. They handled the production, and I advised and guided them through the process. The only problem was that they could receive a call for an emergency at any moment.....and they had one during one of the photoshoots. It took less than five seconds, and I was left alone on set while the team was deployed. What an incredible experience that was.
These photos are very important for the VST because they help attract attention, which is crucial for their existence. Donors need to have trust in the organization, and that’s why a professional appearance is essential.

The atmosphere was very special, like a big family that welcomed me as one of their own. We were all working towards a higher purpose. With that goal in mind, we managed to nail the assignment.
Next to staged photography we also did documentary photography. These photos are important to have them next to the commercial photos to showcase their reality. 
Let's end with some BHTS. 
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