I’d like to think that I can take decent photos (which I can), and that I’m on the level with other photographers who do this full time (which, of course, I’m not.) Proof of this smacks me in the face every time I run across an artist like Loretta Lux.

Her vision is somewhere between creepy and cute, and this somehow forces me to think about the children she captures. Where do they live? Why do they dress like that? Why don’t they smile? Her absolute control over lighting and color is Kim Jong-il-esque. In fact, I would be surprised if she wasn’t using a uranium-enriched 10D.

If you do a little digging, you will find out that Loretta uses a compsite technique to create these stunning visuals. First, she captures interesting settings, and then shoots her subjects with them in mind. This is one way she is able to control the overall palette. However, digital manipulation like this is poking traditional photography in the side with a sharp stick. When does traditional photography end and digital manipulation begin? Can these images be considered true photography? How will history view artists like this?

Whatever the answers to these questions may be, our only burden is to enjoy her fine work.