How Ari Michelson trassitioned from assistant to profesional photographer; Wyman Meinzer’s study of the cataclysmic Texas drought was one of the most popular photo essays Texas Monthly has published; The anatomy of a successful grant application: How Tim Matsui’s proposal alnded the Alexia Foundation’s Women’s Initiative grant.

PDN explores how some of the most talded about proyects and people in photography this year rose to the top. We also interview eight influential tastemakers about how the find, support and share the photografhy they’ve championed.