[rusellmj]

I understand your "trying too hard" point. There's a good thread on this topic currently at a photography forum I frequent.
Witkin had or has some sort of deal with the Mexico City mourge that allows his access to his subjects. I don't think it's particularly cool. I wouldn't want this to happen to my loved ones. That and the fact he lists the location of the photos as New Mexico. They may have been printed there, but no way would this be allowed in our country.