Michael Holtby is more than a photographer. His artistry, deep reflection, and unwavering dedication to perfecting every shot has been shaped by eight decades of life experience. 

The Whidbey Island Vietnam Veterans project is what happens when his talent merges with the compassion and empathy that life has taught him. In the mid-sixties, he was a supervisor at Echo Glenn Children’s Center, the early seventies the director of an inpatient psychiatric program in Pueblo, Colorado, followed by 37 years in the practice of psychotherapy. All are the ingredients that have contributed to his chosen vocation—photography. Balancing his private practice with two years at the Colorado Institute of Art and a continued passion for camera work, his constant study of the medium has enabled him to develop the skills needed to achieve national and international recognition. 

After returning to Whidbey Island in 2020 where his siblings reside, he established his studio and continued to produce thought-provoking images. His 2024 coffee table book Beards: Beyond the Cover, uniquely showcased local residents with beards and aimed to highlight the diversity among men who wear them—challenging first impressions. 

It was while photographing for Beards when he learned several of his subjects were Vietnam veterans who continued to experience issues related to their military service. An idea was born—to photograph a collection of Whidbey Island residents who served during that conflict. 

“I thought if I could publish a collection of portraits of the Whidbey Vietnam vets, it might help or at least draw attention to what they were and are still dealing with. I want to make sure they are not forgotten.”

“Only senior Americans now remember that war. I thought if I could publish a collection of portraits of the Whidbey Vietnam vets, it might help or at least draw attention to what they were and are still dealing with,” said Holtby. “I want to make sure they are not forgotten.” As his project developed, he realized that, on some level, all those who served had their lives altered. 

He came up with the idea of doing their portraits strikingly juxtaposed with a photo of their time “in country.” Each image is accompanied by a personal statement, with veterans reflecting upon their service. Some are insightful of their days returning to the states, and a number are disturbing, detailing many of the tragedies they experienced. 2025 marks fifty years since the fall of Saigon, an appropriate moment to acknowledge those who served in that war and experienced challenges upon returning home. 

Holtby’s photos show men and women who, despite their haunting reflections, take pride in their service. “I am a Vietnam veteran, and proud of it,” said former Army Spec 4 Terry Katzakian. “When my country called, I answered, and the experience has become a part of who I am.” 

With each passing year, we continue to lose men and women who served in this war. As they age, they still deal with the physical, mental, and emotional toll from that time when they were called and answered. Through his persistence and creativity, Holtby has cast a much-needed light upon these service members, whose quiet commitment did not waver from the call of duty. 

In 2026, the Whidbey Island Vietnam Veterans project is scheduled to be on display at the Island County Historical Society Museum in January, the Coupeville Library in February, and the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis in March. Copies of the book are available at all island bookstores. For more information about the series, visit whidbeyphoto.com.