Loretta Lux

Loretta Lux's images of children are both beautiful and haunting at the same time. There is something jarring about these serene photographs and it is that juxtaposition that makes them so intriguing. She is obviously using digital retouching as a means to create them but it is her subtlety in doing so that adds to these understated but fascinating images.

Kahn/Selesnick

These two artists have been working together for 28 years and have built up a body of work that has it own unique spin on reality. It's difficult to descibe their panoramic images without using words like 'surreal' and 'fantasy' but they are certainly fascinating and in some ways disturbing.

Thomas Herbrich

This photographer specializes in 'special effects' photography. The fact that he only produces 20 images a year is a testament to the thought he puts into each one. The best thing about this site is the fact that each photograph has a link to show how he did it. It's amazing that in this day and age of digital wonders, the best way to get super realistic images is still by building and photographing models.

Worth 1000

Firstly, let me say this site is HORRIBLY designed, especially considering the subject matter. (It's been redesigned since this post, looks much better). However, it is a clever concept and some of the work is inspiring , in a popcorn sense. You may have seen some of this stuff passed around through email due to its entertainment value. But, if you dig deeper you'll find a section that also allows budding graphic designers to perhaps see their ideas come to life. Companies put a up a brief for logo designs and anyone who wants to can enter the fray and upload their design solution, seems like a good deal seeing as the prize winner only gets $150. Interesting concept though and some of the designs aren't bad.....while others are, as you'd expect, TERRIBLE!

Second Life

If you haven't already heard of Second Life you may well be living under a rock. This new web community is rapidly becoming a truly immersive My-Space. The thing that facinates me is that they have a real world economy and people happily spend real money on virtual goods by converting the native currency, the Linden Dollar. Perhaps the best example of this is Anche Chung, who is Second Life's first millionare. She builds and sells virtual real estate.

If you think this may be some 'flash in the pan', major corporations and goverment agencies are already setting up shop on Second Life's servers. Just download the free software and see for yourself.