Friday Inspiration: PDN 30 All Grown Up

Friday Inspiration: PDN 30 All Grown Up

What happens when a major photo magazine shuts down? That question has reverberated throughout our office ever since Emerald Expositions, the owner of Photo District News (PDN), announced that the beloved magazine was ceasing publication. The decision to shift their focus to trade shows like Photo Plus Expo and WPPI isn’t exactly surprising, but that doesn’t make it any less devastating for the photography industry.

We’ve been big fans of PDN‘s gear announcements, industry news and attention to advertising and commercial photography for a long time. But today we’re focusing on one legacy in particular, PDN 30, which introduced us to an incredible set of photographers in the early stages of their promising careers. After checking in on some past PDN 30 honorees for nostalgia purposes, we want to highlight where a few of them are in their careers today.

Whether PDN tipped the scale in their favor and pushed these emerging photographers into the spotlight or simply accelerated an already unstoppable talent is impossible to ascertain, but either way, we’re forever grateful for the introductions.

Sirachai Shin Arunrugstichai – PDN 30 Class of 2019

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Marine fishes are sun-dried on wooden balcony with a swarm of flies at the fishing village on Langann Island, Myeik Archipelago, Tanintharyi Region, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Although majority of over 800 islands of the Myeik archipelago are uninhabited with the rugged landscape and limited freshwater supplies, there are still some settlement on some of the islands, where the communities rely on small-scale fisheries and trades with passing boats. . . #fish #driedfish #seafood #marine #food #fishing #fisheries #livelihood #community #myeik #mergui #archipelago #tanintharyi #myanmar #andaman #andamansea #conservation #conservationphotography @ilcp_photographers @insidenatgeo

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Tasneem Alsultan – PDN Class of 2017

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“People always have an opinion or something to say but my parents never used it as a reason to stop their daughters from pursuing an education or a career. Of course one day I will want to marry but I’ve not met the man I want to live the rest of my life with….Until then I shall continue studying law” Ghada was born and raised in Hail, graduated from Qassim and is currently applying to study for a Masters degree in England. She is a part of a handful of women who were able to leave Hail to follow their passion and complete their education. A year ago she also cofounded a business for horseback riding. Part of my ongoing project #andthentherewerewomen supported by @catchlight.io #sauditalesoflove #hail #saudiarabia

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Nils Ericson – PDN 30 Class of 2016

Theron Humphrey – PDN 30 Class of 2014

Delphine Diallo – PDN 30 Class of 2013

Emily Nathan – PDN 30 Class of 2005

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Quadrado colors @uxua #mytinyatlas

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Be sure to follow us on Instagram for stunning images from our members, advice from the pros and more. 

Trevor Clark was highlighted on our feed this week. He’s talking about how he combined his adventurous spirit, love of storytelling, commercial photography and commitment to giving back to build a successful photography career.

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This article was written by

Caitlyn Edwards is the Senior Customer Marketing Manager at PhotoShelter. Passionate about visual storytelling and ethics, she covers photo news, events and offers educational tips.

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