I check out PDN’s photo of the day pretty much… well, daily.  Yesterday, Colby Katz was the subject – specifically, a project of hers where she’s taking behind-the scenes photos of beauty pageants.  Did that bring you images of Miss USA or Miss America?

Oh no, not that wholesome.  No, these are pics of child beauty pageants.

I can only describe what I see as disturbing.  Putting 5-year old girls through bathing suit competitions?  I have a 4-year old daughter (who would doubtlessly love the dressup part of this), and I can’t help but wonder: what the hell is wrong with you people?

As I read through the article, I started to think back to my own past.  Lorna, a supervisor where I used to work – she was into these.  Travelled with her family all over.  They loved it, near as I could tell.  When the JonBenet Ramsey tragedy unfolded, I remember being told that it’s a huge thing in the south.  Lots of southerners in Alaska – I suppose it’s good for keeping perspective.

But now as a father and photographer, I am left with unsettled disgust.