It's not dumb if you have a use for it
Don't think about the look, but about functionnality. IMHO it's the key to good and convincing reenactement. Obviously references are important to understand better the SOPs and other common points within units, but more often than not, it's not convincing when someone just copies a picture.
As for the photoshoot... Vince has half of the pics, but his computer died... He still has the originals, don't worry. But don't hold your breath to see the finished product... Caparzo has the other half, but right he's in Swizerland for some time to be with his family & friends.
So I'm left waiting just like you are :P